Looks like producer Madhu Mantena's ambitious project 'Ramayan' is back on track. He spoke to me about the research work for his version of the epic, which Nitesh Tiwari is supposed to direct.
Recently in an informal chat, Madhu told me, “We have a team of researchers, scholars and historians working on project. We cannot afford to get it wrong.” ALSO READ: Ramayan 3D: Has Mahesh Babu Been Approached To Play Ram In The Magnum Opus Opposite Deepika Padukone? The Actor Is Yet To Give His Nod
In an interview to me in September, 2013, Nitesh Tiwari had spoken of his ambitious project -- a three-part series based on the Ramayan.
“I am consumed by the idea of doing a large-screen version of this epic. The Ramayan is a part of almost every Hindu household. I grew up with it as an essential part of my life, and for me making it into a film is an honour I only dreamt of. My prayers have been answered.”
Nitesh had declared there will be no creative liberties and no revisionist flourishes in his film version of the holy scripture.
“Given the times we live in, it’d be foolish to make changes in a scripture that is an integral part of every Hindi household. It’s a flawless story. I’d be a fool to be tamper with it. I am going to be completely faithful to the text. This will be the Ramayan exactly the way we know it.”
A filmmaker, however, who has been dreaming of doing his own Ramayan for ten years says it’s not feasible in today’s economics, politics and culture of intolerance.
“I don’t think Mantena’s Ramayan will happen at least for a long while. The budget and the political constraints are way too restrictive," he said.
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