Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia had a tough time casting actors for his forthcoming film Raag Desh.
“It was very important not to cast known stars as these real-life soldiers from Subhas Chandra Bose’s army. I firmly believe iconic stars do not do not justice to real-life characters,” Dhulia said.
Dhulia was looking to cast three people to play Indian National Army soldiers in the movie, which is based on real-life incidents. He finally zeroed in on actors Kunal Kapoor, Mohit Marwah and Amit Sadh.
Citing example of Hollywood actor Ben Kingsley, who played Mahatma Gandhi in 1982 film Gandhi, the director added: “When Ben Kingsley played Gandhi nobody knew him. Because of his relatively unexposed personality, he became stamped as Mahatma Gandhi for a lifetime. I hope Mohit, Kunal and Amit become the faces of the three INA soldiers in the audiences’ mind.”
For the role of Subhas Chandra Bose, Dhulia has roped in Assamese actor Kenny Basumatary.
“He was already working with me in my other film while I was looking for an actor to play Subhas Chandra Bose. I suddenly realised Kenny has a striking resemblance to Bose,” he added.
Raag Desh is a film that salutes the heroes of the Indian National Army. It revolves round the Red Fort trial of the three INA officers. The film releases in India on July 28.
