Mumbai, Aug 19: Film-maker Prakash Jha, who always uses the backdrop of politics or political issues for his stories, is ready with his latest offering ‘Chakravyuh' which explores Naxal insurgency.
“My message is to be able to understand the whole issue of Naxalism - Why, what, how. To bring into limelight the tragedy that is unfolding every single day in the larger part of our country,” Jha told reporters here.
“If you ask me for solution, I would say if you have been able to diagnose the problem with open eyes and open mind, solutions will come. For us, it was important to look into this and bring it into public domain,” he said.
“Everyone is sick and tired of this. Everyone is suffering because of this. And that was needed to be told....We felt the timing was right for this film.”
The 60-year-old filmmaker has met a few Naxals.
"I have been meeting them even before we started working on this film. They are just like all of us. They say opportunities should be equal for everyone, they want everyone should benefit from the society. So in this battle I agree with them, but yes, the way of doing things is not right.
There should be discussions and debate,” Jha said. Abhay Deol plays the role of a young rebel, newcomer Anjali Patil and veteran Manoj Bajpayee play Naxalite leaders, and Om Puri plays a professor in the film, while Arjun Rampal plays a police officer.
“I am fortunate enough to get a good mix of actors. For the role of cop, Arjun Rampal was someone who came to mind immediately. Even before I developed the script fully I blocked his dates. For Abhay's character we were thinking we need someone who could be vulnerable and yet do action, someone who does a U-turn and becomes most dangerous person,” Jha said. “Manoj Bajpayee and Om Puri are brilliant. While Esha Gupta and Anjali Patil fit the bill.”
