16 September,2015 06:49 PM IST | | The Hitlist Team
In a candid chat, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, who stars in the upcoming 'MSG 2', talks to mid-day about the film, motivating the youth and his future plans
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan
'MSG 2', the sequel to 'MSG: The Messenger', which released earlier this year, is all set to hit theatres this Friday. Directed by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan and Jeetu Arora, the film is based on a series of true events that kickstarted when MSG took it upon himself to reform the tribal community. From murdering the innocent to feeding on raw flesh, the project captures the brutality of their life.
As the story moves forward, a devastating drought in the area leaves these souls to deal with the situation on their own. At this point, Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, who plays himself, enters as the real life, selfless social reformer. In his pursuit to change the law of the jungle, he soon realises the task isn't a cakewalk. And that triggers a conflict of epic proportions. Also, these folks' grudge against the civilized lot only strengthens by the day, owing to an age-old secret, which is shrouded in suspense. However, Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan is determined to bring life into the heartless place and has his devotees supporting him to achieve his goals. After a huge battle, things settle and the uncivilised undergo major soul and behavioural makeovers. In addition to the above, the enemies who are bigger and way powerful jump into the fray and keep the action and drama alive in this racy and musical flick. Excerpts from the interview:
Stills of the upcoming film, MSG 2
Q. What makes MSG 2 different from the first part?
A. The story and the fight sequences are quite different and new. We have incorporated yoga and a few new techniques which the audiences are going to love. Apart from that, there is also a social message about superstition and the adivasi community. The film which talks about the transformation of the tribal community due to the Gurumantra questions the fact that if the adivasis can be transformed then why not the youth of this country. The film will entertain the audience along with giving them a social message.
Q. How did you come up with the idea of a making a film?
A. We do a lot of concerts and during one such concert we noticed a young group of people who were regulars to our concerts missing from the front row. On asking them the reason for their absence the next time, they replied saying that they went to see a film. This gave us the idea of making a film with a social message to reach out to a wide audience.
Q. A lot of people were opposing MSG 1. What problems did you face back then?
A. When MSG 1 was in post-production we had already started shooting for the sequel. One day our company was told that the film wouldn't be certified. A letter was issued saying that the Censor Board didn't understand the film and hence it was referred to higher authorities. The film was then sent to the High Court and it is from there that we got the film censored. Later, the people who saw the film thanked us for making it as it had a social message. In fact, MSG 1 inspired a lot of people to give up their harmful habits.
Q. You have always tried to inspire the youth of this country through your films. What other projects are in the pipeline?
A. Yes, we have always tried to motivate the youth and now, we are planning a special show on freedom fighters. The show aims at motivating the youth that gets depressed and is addicted to abusive substances. Apart from that we are planning a film that will showcase our culture, teaching of our religious scriptures and Vedas to help remove negativity.
Q. What kind of films do you like? Who is your favourite actor?
A. I have watched only one film in my life and that too because the children promised me that if I watch a film, they will quit their addiction. It was way back in 1982-83 and I remember it was an Amitabh Bachchan film. Keeping their word, the children actually quit their harmful habits.
Q. There have been rumours about you signing big actors for your upcoming films. How is true is it?
A. The next film will be made on a huge scale and will be bigger then Avatar. It obviously will have a lot of creativity involved. Also the production of the project will be at par with Hollywood. We are considering some big names and Hrithik Roshan has assured us that if need be, he will come on board. Once the script gets locked, we will finalise other things.
Q. The film's release is just around the corner. Are you planning anything special for its release?
A. No plans as such but yes we are planning a grand premiere of the film in Delhi where many known people are invited.
Q. People talk about your fashion statements and we hear that you design your own clothes.
A. Yes, I had designed clothes for kids during their wedding and they liked it. Now the fashion line is so much in demand that I am planning to start a store for the same.
Q. Apart from films, what are the other ways in which you motivate the youth? What plans do you have for them?
A. Apart from being a part of films and filmmaking, I am an international coach and we help kids develop their skills. The kids who trained under us have won the roller skating hockey competition for four times in Asian championships and apart from this there are many other sports where the kids have made the country proud. We always try and motivate them for a better future. We are also giving self-defense training to girls so that they can defend themselves in any situation.
Q. How do you handle criticism and the opposition from people?
A. I remain relaxed and normal and concentrate on my work. We don't have to fear anyone as we doing good work and God is with us.
