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Bhima Koregaon
"There is always going to be an audience for theatres," believes producer, director, and lyricist Ramesh Thete is coming up with a film titled The Battle of Bhima Koregaon. An ex-IAS officer, Thete says that he will release his film only in theatres as the film needs to be seen on the big-screen. In this conversation with mid-day, Thete talks about the future of the film industry after the second wave, why OTT won't affect theatre business and why he decided to make a film on the subject of inequality.
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After the second wave of the Coronavirus, how do you see the scenario for the film industry?
This year is going to be a fresh start for everyone. The filmmakers will try to get the audiences back to cinemas. As more and more people are vaccinated, the fear of the virus will go away. As we go along the circumstances will be favourable for films to be made and released. When cinemas had opened up after the first wave, we saw people were eager to watch films in theatres. Many films which were released during that time did well. I am sure that things will improve. As responsible citizens, we need to take all kinds of precautions and not let our guard down.
Many people have lost their jobs and their incomes have reduced. Do you think people would like to spend on entertainment, especially watching films in theatres?
I agree that initially the presence would be limited. But gradually things will improve. The whole economy will be geared up. I am sure that the government will give out some relief packages to all the industries. I am optimistic about the audiences returning to cinemas. There is a joy in watching a movie on the big screen, having popcorn, samosa and enjoying the time with your family, getting lost in that world. People will definitely go to watch a film. They would want to divert their mind and not think about coronavirus for those two hours.
A significant audience has shifted to OTT platforms. They enjoy watching a movie at the comfort of their homes. How is that going to affect the theatre business?
I agree that there is a section of the audience who has become comfortable with OTT. But there is always going to be an audience for theatres. Personally, I miss going to theatres and that is exactly the reason why I am going to release The Battle Of Bhima Koregaon only in theatres. We believe that audiences are looking forward to the cinema experience. In today's difficult times, we need a dose of entertainment, and a film like The Battle Of Bhima Koregaon will cater to those who want the big-screen experience. We have announced that we are releasing the film on September 17 and since then I have been receiving messages on social media that many are eager to see the film. We have made a film with a social message yet kept it entertaining and I am sure that the audience will not be disappointed.
Many times when have seen that when a film gets delayed, it gets dated. Do you fear that with The Battle Of Bhima Koregaon?
My film is a period drama. It is a powerful subject and there is no gestation period for it. We are very confident about it. It is a universal subject and whenever it releases it is going to look fresh. It will never get outdated.
Do you agree that the delay gave you extra time to work on the post-production of the film?
Yes, without sounding arrogant and rude, the pandemic somewhere was a blessing in disguise. All the things that we couldn't do have been accommodated now. We have made improvements and it has just enhanced and enriched the film.
What interested you in this subject?
The equality issue was the main reason that I have picked up this subject. This story wasn't only about defeating the Peshwa rules. This story is about the battle between the two cultures. This is a battle that has been neglected by everyone including the school history books. If you read Indian history, this battle which took place in 1818 in the region of Bhima Koregaon in Maharashtra was important because it depicts a war for justice between the Mahars (Dalits) and Peshwas. It was a crucial revolt as it showed the victory of the depressed castes over the upper castes. The battle is a key part of Dalit history and they celebrate it as one of the achievements of the community. A subject like this deserved the attention of the film industry
What is so significant about the story that will engage the audience?
The Battle Of Bhima Koregaon is a socio-war film. It is about self-respect, equality, compassion, and fairness. We have shown many facets in the film and people will be enlightened about the fact of what was the reason behind the battle. We have tried to explain the scenario of disparity, inequalities, and atrocities that the untouchable warrior Nagvanshi- Mahar community had been subjected by the Peshwa rulers. On one hand, the film will be closer to the history with cinematic liberty as required, and on the other, it will succeed in removing all the misconceptions surrounding the subject whatsoever and create a congenial atmosphere and social harmony leading to public empathy towards the then untouchables.
In recent years, we have seen a lot of historical dramas running into controversies. Do you fear that some section might take offense towards the film?
I have worked on the research of the script with a team who have all received Ph.D. in Indian history especially in Maharashtra history. We have researched on the subject for five years and I can assure you that you will not find any incident in the film where people will say that this is not true. I am an ex-IAS officer, and I am aware of how the administration works. I have tried to balance the film without taking any sides. We have tried our best to be closest to what happened during that period. Our idea is not to hurt the sentiments of anyone. We want to bring reality in front of the audience by taking certain liberties and creative license. It is a part of a history that everybody should know. There have been several controversies related to this subject, but I can assure you that after the release of this film, misconceptions about this issue will be cleared. In this film, we have tried to show that everyone in society should be treated equally.
mid-day is completing 32 years. How has your association been with them?
I have been subscribing to the newspapers for many years and I always enjoy reading it. It has always had a loyal readership thanks to the contents of the newspaper. They have always tried to bring out the truth to the people and that has been the USP. They touch open various subjects and the entertainment section has always been engaging. The entire film fraternity follows it. I would like to congratulate them on completing 32 years.
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