From the Thin Red Line (1998)
Big B, Kamal Haasan, Rajni, Mammootty and Mohanlal to share screen in film project launched by Defence Ministry.
The Defence Ministry is all set to enter the tinsel town. For the welfare of the armed forces and to gather funds for the military, the Defence Ministry has come up with a unique idea of creating a movie that lauds patriotism. Last month Defence minister A.K. Antony and film directors J.P. Dutta and Major Ravi (Malayalam) had a detailed discussion regarding this project. Dutta and Ravi have since then submitted their thoughts to the Ministry.
In a joint statement issued by the Ministry, Dutta and Major Ravi- the plot line of the movie was revealed. – “India is under attack. Terrorists have launched a six pronged attack. They have targeted South, West, East, North and Central India. The Key centers are in 6 different parts of India (Chennai, Mumbai, Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Assam and Kerala). The Government gears up into action. The top brass of Indian defence- both in service and retired are summoned to Delhi. Yesteryear heroes like Dilip Kumar, Madhu, Jeetendra, Dharmendra, Shatrughan Sinha etc. will be portraying these roles. Nana Patekar, Om Puri and Nazeeruddin Shah will portray the top brass of Indian politics. Anyway they are unanimous in opinion that only one man is there to task manage the whole issue. The duty of task management is handed over to a Field Marshal (played by Amitabh Bachchan).
Major Ravi – Filmmaker
He coordinates the situation across India. The first task Bachchan takes is to find out the best, and brave people in each region to combat the terrorists. Thus the duty of South India falls upon Kamal Haasan, Rajanikant, Mohanlal and Mammootty; of Hyderabad with Nagarjuna and Chiranjeevi, Delhi with Shahrukh Khan, Amir Khan and Salman Khan etc.” This would be the Expendables of our movie industry- said Major Ravi. “Bachchan’s character would control everything from Delhi. Thus is born our desi Dirty Dozen. How they control everything and how within 24 hours everything gets all right forms the plot of the movie. Only in the climax would all the great actors of India come together.” Major Ravi sounded upbeat about this project. Himself a decorated army officer, Major Ravi was involved in the team that investigated the death of Rajiv Gandhi. His movies in Malayalam have all been centered in the world of army. Ravi also had introduced Big B to Malayalam cinema.
Prem Nazir in Ninamaninja Kaalpaadukal
This magnum opus project is tentatively titled India. The Ministry of Defence would request each actor to join this project, sans remuneration. “In this way we can gather the much needed resources for our defence forces” said a top defence official. Planned as a multi-lingual movie – it is also hoped to rope in regional stars for the project, with regional stars assisting the superstars of the region concerned. AR Rahman will score the music while Resul Pookutty will also be involved with the movie. However, JP Dutta added that the title of the movie is still tentative, and he would seek clarification from the Home Department on whether the word “India” can be used to promote a movie.
Major Ravi said that a project of this kind had happened in Malayalam called Twenty Twenty wherein each and every actor of Malayalam joined hands for a movie. However, this would be the first time actors across the nation join hands for a project of this magnitude.
To the question asked by is whether there top actresses of the nation would make appearance in the movie, Ravi answered that there will be only cameo appearances. We plan to cast Hemamalini, Sarada, Jaya Pradha, Shobhana, Aiswarya Rai and other famous actresses of India as the women waiting and praying for their near and dear ones in an extended song sequence.“ This is a full-blown action filled movie. And there are only few female roles. The part of the Prime Minister is proposed to be portrayed by Shabhna Azmi.”
However, the Ministry’s decision has come up for sharp criticism from the BJP. Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi, the National spokesperson for BJP commented that “as much as we welcome a move to harness funds for our defence forces, coming up with a plan on the eve of the elections being announced – reeks of malafide intent. It also would amount to violation of the Code of Conduct. However, the Defence Minister was quick to point out that politics and code of conduct should not prove a barrier for the welfare of our jawans. With a wry smile he also pointed out that though there is difference in political ideology sitting MPs like Shatrughan Sinha, Chiranjeevi, Hema Malini, Jaya Prada and Jaya Bachchan are involved with the project and requested that a project of this multitude should not be hampered by petty political differences.
India is set to hit the screens on April 1st 2015. The film makers and the crew, along with me wishes each and every one of you a HAPPY ALL FOOLS DAY.
:)
