Manoj Bajpayee To Portray Mahatma Gandhi In Sudhir Mishra's Upcoming Film
Manoj Bajpayee is taking on one of the most iconic figures in Indian history. The actor will portray Mahatma Gandhi for the first time in his career in filmmaker Sudhir Mishra's next project, which is being referred to as Gandhi and My Mother for now.
Set against the period surrounding India's Independence, the story follows a 21-day stretch in Gandhi's life and examines the difficult calls he made during a pivotal moment in the country's history.
The shoot opened in the Narhi locality close to Lucknow Zoo. One of the scenes being filmed features a young girl at a gathering addressed by Gandhi. To give the sequences an authentic period feel, the production team has brought in vintage automobiles, 1940s-style costumes and old-fashioned signboards.
"My mother (Durga Devendra Nath Mishra) had met Gandhi as a child, and we have had long discussions with her about him. Before she passed away (in 2022), I made a promise to her that I will make a film on him,," Mishra said while speaking to HT City earlier.
The director has chosen to explore a relatively short but significant period from the later years of Gandhi's life. Anubhav Sinha is producing the project after previously joining hands with Mishra for the 2023 film Afwaah.
"Manoj has lost considerable weight for the film and is currently in the 'Gandhi zone' on a restricted diet and a particular lifestyle," Sinha told HT City.
The team is expected to remain in Lucknow for filming through October. Although the filmmakers have revealed little about the narrative, the 21-day period at the heart of Gandhi's life remains central to the film.
Information about the remaining cast, further filming plans and the film's theatrical release is expected to be revealed in due course.
Set against the period surrounding India's Independence, the story follows a 21-day stretch in Gandhi's life and examines the difficult calls he made during a pivotal moment in the country's history.
Lucknow Becomes The Film's Period Setting
According to reports, the production is already underway in Lucknow, where the cast and crew are filming outdoor portions of the story. Bajpayee shares the screen with Divya Dutta and Saurabh Shukla.The shoot opened in the Narhi locality close to Lucknow Zoo. One of the scenes being filmed features a young girl at a gathering addressed by Gandhi. To give the sequences an authentic period feel, the production team has brought in vintage automobiles, 1940s-style costumes and old-fashioned signboards.
The Story Comes From Mishra's Family Memories
For Sudhir Mishra, the film is more than a historical drama. His mother, Durga Devendra Nath Mishra, had encountered Gandhi when she was a child. Her memories became the starting point for Mishra's long-standing interest in telling this story.You may also like
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"My mother (Durga Devendra Nath Mishra) had met Gandhi as a child, and we have had long discussions with her about him. Before she passed away (in 2022), I made a promise to her that I will make a film on him,," Mishra said while speaking to HT City earlier.
The director has chosen to explore a relatively short but significant period from the later years of Gandhi's life. Anubhav Sinha is producing the project after previously joining hands with Mishra for the 2023 film Afwaah.
Bajpayee Makes Changes For The Character
Playing Gandhi has also required a major physical change for Bajpayee. Producer Anubhav Sinha said the actor has shed substantial weight and is maintaining a carefully controlled diet and lifestyle while preparing for the part."Manoj has lost considerable weight for the film and is currently in the 'Gandhi zone' on a restricted diet and a particular lifestyle," Sinha told HT City.
The team is expected to remain in Lucknow for filming through October. Although the filmmakers have revealed little about the narrative, the 21-day period at the heart of Gandhi's life remains central to the film.
Film's Name And Release Plans Await Clarity
The name Gandhi and My Mother is only a working title at this stage. The makers are considering another title for the project.Information about the remaining cast, further filming plans and the film's theatrical release is expected to be revealed in due course.
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