Director Madhur Bhandarkar is disappointed by the silence of the fraternity on the row over Indu Sarkar. By Angela Paljor
Madhur Bhandarkar’s latest film Indu Sarkar is all set to be released on July 28 but he is still facing problems which sparked ever since he started weaving the story in the backdrop of India’s Emergency. However, he is disappointed with the fact that the film fraternity failed to express solidarity for his film when it was drowned in controversy. The director said, “Selective activism should not happen because what happened with me can happen to anyone else. I wanted all the faces of the film industry to come on a single platform to talk about this and support it because ultimately its about having freedom of expression.”
He says that the situation became really bad in places like Pune and Nagpur “In some places a fatwa was issued which is absurd as they are spreading a wrong message. I was really disheartened. Even people who talk about freedom of expression didn’t raise a voice. Maybe they are busy doing their own work,” shares Bhandarkar.
The trailer of the film itself has created a lot of buzz. Bhandarkar feels that people have reacted differently but there is certainly stench of fear in the air. “Theatres have asked for police security. It is essential and also a request to ensure that people who are going to watch the film should feel safe,” Bhandarkar shares.
Bhandarkar may deny but there are intriguing similarities between the protagonist Indu and the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.“I don’t know why is there a controversy regarding this. This is about the life and journey of Indu. People have written books on Emergency and even made documentary films. But creating trouble for this film is not fair. “Ultimately, it is a story no matter if it is from a male or a female perspective. My niche might be in female centric cinema. But it is my decision what film I will make and what will be the storyline,” he says. And “a film needs to question the society.”
The filmmaker is known to make social and realistic films. His previous films, including Page 3 (2005), Corporate (2006), and Fashion (2005) threw light on the various unsavoury aspects of the society. With Indu Sarkar he wants to educate the youth about the country’s political past. “I have been known to make films which are contemporary. I remember when I was making Page 3 people were really curious about it. And then there was no Twitter to get live updates from. But today people instantly get to know about everything. There is awareness now. And today’s generation is also politically aware and are opinionated. I am not saying that this film is going to be an encyclopedia regarding emergency but they will definitely get the summary,” he adds.
With the film deep in controversy Bhandarkar always makes sure that his cast and crew are strong and fearless. “Anupamji was very keen to be a part of this film. He wanted to know if there was any role suitable for him or not after I announced the film. In the film he plays the character who mentors people engaged in underground activities during the emergency,” he says
Kirti Kulhari plays the role of the protagonist. Bhandarkar laughs and says, “After July 28 people will know Kirti as Indu. She has been so absorbed in the character and is always charged up. She has indeed taken the character to a different level during the 53 days we shot with her. I am satisfied with everyone’s performance as a director.”
Bhandarkar who found the idea behind Indu Sarkar topical always wanted to work on a film which had both the elements of a period and a contemporary film. “The film shows some characters that uphold the era. But I am yet to decide what comes next,” he says.
Photo: Pankaj Kumar