The primary challenge of a period drama is to get the right look of it. But in the hands of a National Award-winning filmmaker like Ketan Mehta, who is famously known for the authenticity of the cinematic universes that he effortlessly creates, one can only expect magic and grandeur. The filmmaker is currently working on the biopic of his aunt – freedom fighter Usha Mehta. Even as the final draft of the story is still on works, the filmmaker and his team have simultaneously kicked off working on the recreation of the era.
For the unversed, Dharma Productions is developing a story on the same subject, too. But Mehta and company are viewing the film as a personal story.
According to a source-
Mehta’s team has reached out to well-known art directors who have a sound knowledge of the era. A team of historians are vetting everything to ensure that the period is holistically depicted. The pre-independence era is vast and things were changing year on year due to the socio-political changes. From the fabrics that will be used to the articles placed, the team has already begun the process of world-building. The 1920s, 1930s and 1940s which are the decades that capture maximum screen time have to be rendered with detailing. A large part of the action will be set in old Bombay for which the crew has kickstarted their reccees. The film will be mounted on a lavish budget and will be shot in sets recreating the period as well as multiple real locations. It will also have a fair share of VFX work to support the grandeur.
Reports suggest that the filmmaker is keen to get either Taapsee Pannu or Bhumi Pednekar to play Usha.
I am super excited about this one and sure can’t wait to see what the filmmaker has in store for us!