Continuing the tradition of releasing his films on the festive occasion of Eid, Bollywood Superstar Salman Khan has blocked the auspicious date for his 2019 release titled, Bharat.
The film that is an official adaptation of 2014 South Korean film, Ode to My Father which depicted modern Korean history from the 1950s to the present day through the life of an ordinary man.
The film was identified as potential content for the Indian masses, post the screening at Berlin Film Festival attended by filmmaker Atul Agnihotri who will be backing the film as producer.
It traces the journey of a man that starts in 1947 and ends in 2002. Producer Atul Agnihotri says, “It’s the journey of a country and also a person, both of whom go by the name of Bharat.”
Speaking about the film, Producer Atul Agnihotri informs, “That film is just the starting point for ours but since it was an inspiration, we wanted in all fairness to officially own it and acquired the remake rights before going ahead with Bharat.”
Bharat will be helmed by director Ali Abbas Zafar and will feature Salman Khan as the protagonist.
On Salman being the right choice to play this protagonist, Atul insists it’s a decision taken from the heart given his long association with his brother-in-law as an actor, producer and director. “It’s a character that I thought would resonate with him. It’s a huge responsibility making a film with Salman as there are big expectations that come with the job,” he adds.
“I’m very conscious about Salman’s fan base and what they want. And once again, I’m convinced that being a family film it’s worthy of coming during the festive time. And anyway, an Eid release is always every producer’s preferred choice”.Atul Agnihotri
Sharing filming details, the producer says, since the film spans many periods, it will require a lot of travel and elaborate sets. “We will be shooting in Abu Dhabi and Spain, besides Punjab and Delhi in India. Prep in every department will be elaborate and happening even as we speak. Casting will be our main agenda over the next three months and since it’s a character-driven story, we will take actors who fit the part. It won’t be about getting names together but will be honest in its depiction,” Atul promises.
The film marks producer Atul Agnihotri joining hands with Salman Khan post the Blockbuster 2011 Eid release Bodyguard and Ali Abbas Zafar directing the actor post 2016 Blockbuster Eid release Sultan.
Produced by Atul Agnihotri and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film will go on floors in April 2018.
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