“This film and role will give me the opportunity to wipe out the negative image that I have come to have because of the last few films that I worked in. I was playing a villain in them. But now there is this transition and I am well aware of this uniqueness in this role. This is my opportunity to enact a full-fledged saint who has such a huge following,” elucidates Jackie Shroff. Two years of research preceded the actual script writing.
“Along with Sirish Latkar, the script writer, and other key persons, I read a lot on Sai Baba before plunging headlong into writing the film’s script. We spoke to the Sai bhakt as so as to know their take on the idea around which the plot revolves,” divulges Balraj Vij.
And the producer of the film is none other than the eminent Marathi actress Kishori Shahane Vij, who is also acting in the film. Says she: “Pre-production was a long-winding process. We studied myriad books at the Shirdi Sansthan to internalise Baba’s life and character, something that helped the script and the performers greatly.”
Sai Baba preached fraternity and oneness amongst the rank and file, propagated the precedence of duties over idealism and spirituality, and claimed that spirituality does not entail deserting one’s responsibilities.
The above teachings, along with a whole gamut of ideas are depicted through the film. “ It has the ability to take you back in time, and give you a feel of the life and times of the great saint. The last song of this film, recorded on August 21, has the potency to transcend religious barriers. Ghulam Ali, who is a Pakistani singer, has sung the melody in collaboration with India’s very own, Pankaj Udhas.
“The strained relations between the two neighbours are bound to improve.The brotherhood preached by Baba will make an impact on audiences all over,” exclaims Balraj Vij.
“We have just begun shooting, and have recently finished our six-day schedule. A significant number of outdoor shots have been taken from Shirdi. Villages like Putamba and Pimpalwadi have also been shot to lend the film that authentic look,” says Shahane, elaborating on the shooting schedule. The film explores a connection between the past and the present, the resemblance between the two uncanny.
“Farmer suicides, which are a burning issue even today, have been highlighted in the film. Varun Vij, an upcoming actor, plays a farmer’s son who is fighting for the rights of the farming community,” she tells us.
That Vij has been deeply touched by Baba’s philosophy is evident.“ I truly believe this film is especially relevant in these troubled, violent times, which have us grappling with the demons of terrorism and violence. I’m quite sure that under the circumstances Baba’s philosophy will make a positive difference by motivating people to think deeply on issues concerning humanity at large,” Balraj Vij signs off.
“I hope that I would be able to instill the goodness of the role in its enactment. I am depending greatly on my technician and will do what he tells me to, for he knows the best about the character,” concludes Shroff.