Bollywood Superstar Salman Khan has blocked the auspicious date of EID for his 2019 release titled Bharat. To the ones who were anticipating what next for bhai after Tubelight's debacle, Sallu is back with his favorite holiday release time.
The film that is an official adaptation of 2014 South Korean film, Ode to My Father which depicted modern Korean history from the 1950s to the present day through the life of an ordinary man. The film was zeroed down by filmmaker Atul Agnihotri at the screening at Berlin Film Festival attended by Salman's brother-in-law, who will be backing the film as the producer.
The film traces the journey of a man that starts in 1947 and ends in 2002. “It’s the journey of a country and also a person, both of whom go by the name of Bharat," shares Atul. “That film is just the starting point for ours but since it was an inspiration, we wanted in all fairness to officially own it and acquired the remake rights before going ahead with Bharat," he adds.
Bharat will be helmed by director Ali Abbas Zafar and Salman will play the lead role. And Atul is extremely confident about his choice of the lead actor. “It’s a character that I thought would resonate with him. It’s a huge responsibility making a film with Salman as there are big expectations that come with the job. I’m very conscious about Salman’s fan base and what they want. And once again, I’m convinced that being a family film it’s worthy of coming during the festive time. And anyway, an Eid release is always every producer’s preferred choice,” Atul shares.
The film spans many periods and will require a lot of travel and elaborate sets. “We will be shooting in Abu Dhabi and Spain, besides Punjab and Delhi in India. Prep in every department will be elaborate and happening even as we speak. Casting will be our main agenda over the next three months and since it’s a character-driven story, we will take actors who fit the part. It won’t be about getting names together but will be honest in its depiction,” Atul confirms.
This will be Atul's second association with Salman post the Blockbuster 2011 Eid release Bodyguard and Ali Abbas Zafar post-2016 Blockbuster Eid release Sultan.
Bharat will go on floor in April 2018.
