NEXT CHAPTER: MANIKARNIKA

Aaaaand the saga continues. Thought you had enough of the Padmaavat controversy? It’s now the turn of Manikarnika, a biopic on the valiant Rani Laxmibai, starring Kangana Ranaut.

A new religious outfit has upped and claimed they would like to check out the film-maker’s version, to make sure there are no improprieties or tampering of facts.

The group claim they will not allow filming to proceed in Rajasthan till such time as all details about the project are aired.

The film’s producer Kamal Jain has said, “As responsible filmmakers, we have taken utmost care while portraying Rani Laxmibai’s character and have consulted historians and scholars. Rani Laxmibai was a freedom fighter and one of the most respected leaders our country has seen. She is a symbol of valour and the film’s story depicts the same. The film doesn’t portray anything objectionable about Rani Laxmibai and nor has the film distorted history in anyway. The film showcases Rani Laxmibai in a most respectful manner and is an inspirational story. We are proud to showcase the bravery, courage and heroism of Rani Laxmibai to the world.”

Isn’t it amazing: every single thing that you’ve just read here, you’ve heard before. And only weeks ago…

Any bets that this project will end up in the courts as well? Who knows, it might even have to change title from “Manikarnika” to “Manikarnik” before release!

When Devdas Becomes Daas Dev

Film-maker Sudhir Mishra’s latest project, called Daas Dev, has been described as a film about power, love and addiction. It is set in the Hindi heartland, and stars “thinking” actors Rahul Bhat and Richa Chadha.

So it’s a political thriller, you’re guessing.

Not quite, the film-maker points out. While all of the above may be true, the basic premise has sprung off that old classic Devdas

“We didn’t want people to misunderstand Daas Dev as a political drama,” Mishra explained recently. “Politics is the conflict in the love story and music is an integral part of the film.”

Richa also explained the film’s fresh take on Devdas is an advantage for them.

“We are in a position of advantage because people are aware of the classic ‘Devdas’ story,” she revealed. “Hence, the film-makers will not have to take extra efforts to establish the characters. Sudhir Mishra has flipped their personalities and brought them into contemporary times.”

Oh, okay. Interesting.

Daas Dev also features Aditi Rao Hydari, Vineet Singh, Saurabh Shukla, and Vipin Sharma. It is releasing on 9 March.

REMEMBER JUGAL HANSRAJ…

… the cutesy kid in that emotional tearjerker Masoom? Well, he’s all grown up now and still in the industry he has always loved.

After a wonderful childhood debut, Jugal was an easy pick for big banner projects like Papa Kahte Hain and Mohabbatein but his acting career failed to take off. His attempts with direction with Roadside Romeo and Pyaar Impossible! also bombed at the box office.

Yet, not disappointed with the failures, Jugal soldiered on exploring new things creatively. Currently, he writes scripts at Dharma Productions and has turned an author by writing an adventure book for children.

He continues to be open to acting though.

“I have been acting, but not that frequently. I was in Kahaani 2 and did a web series Time Out,” he said to IANS recently. “(Happy to look) at anything interesting that comes my way. To be honest, I enjoy directing more than acting. So I would love to direct again. In fact, what I would love is make my own book Cross Connection: The Big Circus Adventure into an animated film.”

How has his aspiration changed over time?

“When I entered the field, I was in awe... I didn’t know how to go about the movie business but I enjoyed being a part of it. What has changed now is that I don’t want to stick to one thing. In the beginning, I wanted to act and I only wanted to do lead roles; but now I have matured over time and am open to doing interesting things. There is good content, good writing, good directing and good opportunities, so I am happy as long as I am in the creative field. I am happy to try different things.”

Jugal’s animated film Roadside Romeo, for which Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan lent their voice,