Mumbai, October 21: Notable actor Brijendra Kala, acclaimed for his performances in Hindi cinema, including roles in ‘Shubh Mangal Savdhaan’ and ‘Gulabo Sitabo,’ steps into the shoes of a librarian in his latest cinematic venture, ‘Mandali.’
Speaking about his character in the film, the actor revealed, “My role is that of Naushad, a librarian who provides crucial technical support to the theatrical troupe. Despite being a Muslim character, he is deeply engrossed in the world of Ramlila performances.”
Expanding on this, Brijendra Kala explained that Naushad’s character draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of the film’s director, Rakesh Chaturvedi Om, offering an authentic portrayal of societal realities. Brijendra remarked, “This character isn’t a token of diversity but a reflection of individuals our director, Rakesh ji, has encountered in real life. That’s the essence of this film—it mirrors our society’s truths.”
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Highlighting a key aspect of the film’s narrative, Kala commented, “The film delves into the manipulation of Ramlila performances by corrupt, influential figures to sway the opinions of small-town residents. It’s a highly debated and vital subject for discussion, focusing on how faith-based emotions are exploited for communal support.”
During the filming process, the actor embarked on a nostalgic journey down memory lane. Given that the film was shot in his hometown of Mathura, Brijendra fondly reminisced about his childhood days spent watching Ramleela performances in the local vicinity.
Expounding on this aspect, he recalled his shooting experience, stating, “Shooting in Mathura was a deeply gratifying experience. It’s my hometown, and the film’s narrative deeply resonated with me because I have cherished memories of watching Ramleela performances in my childhood. This film allowed me to relive those joyful moments from my past.”
‘Mandali’ is a politically-charged drama helmed by director Rakesh Chaturvedi Om, featuring Rajneesh Duggal, Aanchal Munjal, and Abhishek Duhaan in leading roles.
Produced by Prashant Kumar Gupta, Geetika Gupta, and Neetu Sabarwal, the film also boasts an ensemble cast including Vineet Kumar, Kanwaljeet Singh, Alka Amin, Ashwath Bhatt, Saharsh Shukla, and Neeraj Sood. ‘Mandali’ is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 27, 2023.