shot-button
Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Chaturthi
Home > Entertainment News > Bollywood News > Article > Becoming Mahatma body and soul

Becoming Mahatma, body and soul

Updated on: 30 January,2024 06:44 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Upala KBR |

Readying Jyotirao Phule’s biopic for April 11 release, director Mahadevan discusses how changing Pratik’s body language was integral to him playing the social reformer

Becoming Mahatma, body and soul

A still from the film

Almost two years after actor-director Ananth Mahadevan announced Phule, the Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa-starrer is complete, save for post-production. The director is feeling a wave of pride and relief knowing that he has pulled off what he considers his most ambitious film. Talking about the biopic on social activist Jyotirao Phule, he shares, “Phule is my biggest film to date. The best part was that we hunted down locations in the Maharashtra belt that existed during their time, the 1860s. So, we didn’t have to create artificial sets. After Pratik and Patralekhaa got into their costumes, they looked exactly like those portraits that we’ve seen of Jyotirao and Savitribai.” 


Ananth MahadevanAnanth Mahadevan


Phule will trace the lives of the social reformer and his wife Savitribai, who together fought against casteism, gender discrimination and championed women’s education. Casting his Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (2020) co-actor Gandhi was an easy choice for Mahadevan, given his “effortless performance”. “Even as a person, Pratik is simple, grounded and works hard on his role. I like his and Patralekhaa’s dedication to their craft. I gave my actors their characters’ backstory. But [adopting] the body language and attitude of people of the 1860s in British India was tough for them. The body language of some actors, who play kings and queens [in period dramas], look as if they have just come from the gym. You cannot have modern mannerisms. So, we worked hard on [attaining] the right body language.” 


The team is now gearing up for an April release. “My producers Ritesh, Pranay and Suunil Jain are planning to release it on April 11, which is 
Jyotiba’s birth anniversary.”   

 

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK