It's the season of Biopics in Tinsel Town, after biopics
on the likes of Milkha Singh, Mary Kom, Sarabjit Singh and more it's the life
story of Former Indian President Late APJ Abdul Kalam that's attracted the film
industry.
Filmmaker Pramod Gore who last made the acclaimed Marathi
film Reti has taken up the herculean task to picturise the life and times of
the highly coveted scientist turned politician Abdul Kalam. "I will be
producing the film under my banner Atharva Motion Pictures," says producer
Gore. But we wonder what made him take up this subject. "There's so much
that Kalamji has done for our national, he is an inspiration to all of us. A
complete rags to riches story where a boy from a small village rose against all
odds to become not just the talented scientist that he was but also our
President. I was amazed how a story as great as this still remained
untold," says the filmmaker.
Quite contrary to just producing the film, Pramod Gore
went to the lengths of travelling till Rameshwaram, Kalam's native place, met
his elder brother who is now 99 years old along with is nephew who is 66 to get
more insight into the life that APJ Kalam lived. "Yes, I traveled till
Rameshwaram because I want to be thorough not falter in conveying a story as
great as this. And also had to seek permission from his family before going
ahead with this film. I have also bought all of his 22 written works including
the likes of Ignited Minds, Wings of Fire,India 2020, The Kalam Effect and
more to have enough material." It is learnt that Pramod Gore will be signing in a
Hollywood director to make this biopic and wants to cast Irrfan Khan or
Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead role. Confirming the news Gore says,
"There have been umpteen films on Gandhi but the one which stood out was
that of Richard Attenborough. It's not easy to weave an entire life into a 2
and a half hour film and I want capable hands on board for it. Which is why I
want to cast Irrfan Khan or Nawazuddin
Siddiqui also as Kalam because I think they will be able to do justice to the
film."
Similarly, Mr. Gore wants to rope in AR Rahman for music
and Gulzar for lyrics. "I have already registered the title of the film
APJ with IMPPA which shows the seriousness of this project and I really think
the industry should come out and support a film like this. Yes, I want to
approach Rahman and Gulzar sahab because this story deserves the best. I will
also be approaching the Indian Government, asking them if they want to make
this film with me. I am hopeful for a positive response," says Gore.
Interestingly, Mr. Gore is so moved by the story of Mr.
Kalam that when he went to visit Kalam's native place and saw the conditions in
which is Tomb is placed, he resolved to give all the revenue he would make out
of the film into developing that land. He wants to build a library there too
and do his bit in the name of Mr. Kalam.
The biopic goes on floors in JULY and will be releasing
in 2017.
