Ram Kamal Mukherjee on why ‘1770’ is not being made in Bengali and will Ram Charan be a part of the film – Times of India

Author-filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee is on cloud nine after announcing the pan-Indian magnum opus ‘1770’ based on Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s iconic Bengali novel Anandamath and why not? He has conceptualized and created the project from the core of his heart. While industry peers have heaped praise on him for such an ambitious film there are some who have started questioning why the film is not being made in Bengali, especially when the period piece will be made based on a Bengali novel.

However, Ram has come up with a fitting reply to all those who are criticizing him and has also shared how difficult it was to handle the financial aspect during the pandemic.

“During Pandemic when the world was dark, I was looking for a silver lining. With no cushioned job, it was tough to even think creatively when your savings have dried up. While cleaning up my bookshelf, Bankim Chandra’s Anandamath fell into my lap, literally. And I started reading it all over again. I wanted to capture the soul of the novel, as a maker. That’s when I decided that I will make this film. Dream doesn’t cost you dollars! Time flew like river under the bridge. I knocked doors of producers, studios and actors. (this was way before RRR shook the nation). Of course it wasn’t a smooth ride. Just when I was about to put it back to the ‘shelve’ a man called Shhailendra Kkumar walked into my life like Santa Claus and met me at a coffee shop. He asked me what are you making next? I showed him the research and presentation of Anandamath. He said, “Toh kariye!” I asked him, “Kaise hoga? Bahut paise lengenge!” He said, “Ek din mein Taj Mahal toh nahin bana tha na? Shuru toh kariye, Bhagwan ne chhaha toh sab ho jayega,” shares the filmmaker adding that this is how it all started.

He further reveals, “Then of course my little brother Suraj Sharma and Sujoyy Kuttiy Srk joined as producers and they simply said, “Don’t worry, ban jayega, kyon nahin banega?” Finally executive producer Krishna Kumar joined the gang to complete the core team of 1770. Krishna met me for an entirely different purpose, and somehow became a part of this family. Thank you Sandip Soparrkar for introducing Ram to Krishna! I am super happy to have a younger brother and supremely talented Ashwin Gangaraju to direct this magnum opus. Ashwin won my heart with his simplicity, creativity and team spirit. Like me he believes ego is a comfort shoe, that should be placed outside the temple. Because work is worship. I would like to thank Ekta Bhattacharjee for creating this magnificent motion poster. From Cakewalk to 1770, we have traveled many miles, and she has only grown stronger. And yes, Sarbani Mukherjee who had her share of tears (joy and sorrow) over the last three years. Holding on to the last straw of hope. Not letting me quit my dream. A big shout to everyone who made this possible.”

While the film will be directed by Ashwin Gangaraju the final cast hasn’t yet been announced. Although the announcement of the film itself has led to speculations on social media about the cast and some are even keen to see ‘RRR’ star Ram Charan playing the lead in the film. To this, Ram Kamal says, “Would love to work with Ram Charan, since he is not only a huge star but a wonderful person also.”

Would love to work with Ram Charan, since he is not only a huge star but a wonderful person also. ❣️ https://t.co/q24aqJ7P5R

— Ram Kamal । राम कमल (@Ramkamal) 1660741009000

Meanwhile, ‘1770 will be made in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Bengali. The team will lock the main lead before Dassera, and by Diwali they will announce the cast of the film.