An epic journey

Mona

Director Ananth Mahadevan has the deftness of a magician. In his next venture, Gour Hari Dastaan, he takes a cue from a real-life story...

The story of not-so-ordinary a man is what you will see coming out from the closet of director Ananth Mahadevan soon. Gour Hari Dastaan is the story of a freedom-fighter who waged a 30-year war for a recognition that was truly his. In the hands of Ananth, it becomes a story that possibly every Indian could relate to and get inspired by. This actor-director, who has gained international prestige over the years, takes out a moment to share his take on this epic journey.

Real take

Recognition coming my way with each subsequent project, I did not want to pick up a something that would disappoint me or those who watch my works. When I hit Gour Hari Das’ story and met him in person, I knew he was meant to be portrayed on the silver screen. He is a real super-hero who waged a 30-year war without any dharnas or fasting gimmicks, without disturbing normal life of the country and its countrymen.

Strong belief

Sadly, in our industry actors get typecast. In Gour Hari Dastaan, Vinay lives the character from 35 to 75. Now Vinay too is sadly stereotyped as someone who can only do a simple, village bumpkin type of a role, but he brings much more to the film. He spent time with the script, with the man he was supposed to portray and lived him for many days and weeks before he started shooting. Each person, right from me to every actor, believed in the film. Now people like Konkana and Ranvir are finicky. They don’t accept films just like that.

Deep process

Gour Hari Das’ story is that of grit, patience and humour. The man wasn’t fighting for a piece of paper, but for glory that was truly his. Every Indian who has ever moved a paper in front of a bureaucrat can empathise with the story. Was this the freedom he fought for, was this a country enslaved in its own system...is the query that Gaur lives. Right from the script to its portrayal to cinematography that’s helmed by Alphonse Roy everything has worked well for the film, including the sound by Resul Pookutty. It pushed me as a director and I have sure matured in this deep process.

Patriotic note

The film releases on August 14. The week would be full-on patriotic fervour, but it’s not as much about freedom as about intense emotional journey of a man. After screenings in International Film Festivals, people have come to me and told me the film’s hangover stays the morning after. Every single person who wants to see India as a superpower or wants to be successful in this country has to watch the film for it belongs to them.

Keen eye

The Rough Book is another hard-hitting story about our feeble education system. Picked up from real anecdotes of students and teachers, it exposes the schooling structure. I hope the film reaches the policy-makers and they imbibe the change we are striving to bring about. Up next would be Storyteller — a film based on a short story by none other than Satyajit Ray. I have bought rights for it and am hoping to reach out to the both national and international fans of the legend. I am aiming at hearing that this is how he would have made the film had he done it!

World watch

In my two decades of experience in the industry, I hate our horrible stagnancy. Indian cinema is a joke in front of the international jury. I want to make films that catapult this Rs 200-300 crore mark to Rs 1000-crore with international recognition.

[email protected]