The Shiv Sena is apparently planning a film on their founder-leader, Bal Thackeray. Nothing radical about that; what pricks our ears is their alleged choice of actor to essay the man himself – Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The irony of it! The late Bal Thackeray, founder of the right-wing Marathi ethno-centric party active mainly in Maharashtra, had formed the Shiv Sena in 1966. Its express purpose was to advocate for the interests of Maharashtrians in Mumbai's political and professional landscape.

A popular orator, who was openly admiring of Adolf Hitler, his party was known for using violent means against its detractors. Thackeray had even been blamed for inciting violence against Muslims during the 1992–1993 Bombay riots in the Srikrishna Commission Report, an inquiry by the government.

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However, all that is in the past, and the party has been embracing a more peaceable policy. What further proof than the fact that the super talented Nawaz is reportedly set to play the charismatic leader! Known for his casually compelling style, Nawaz has consistently impressed with a slew of realistic performances in films like Black Friday, Gangs of Wasseypur, Miss Lovely, Kick, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Manjhi – The Mountain Man. He would undoubtedly make a most powerful impact in this role as well.

The story for the biopic has been scripted by Rajyasabha MP and Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut. Raut reveals that he was inspired by Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi and Justin Chadwick's Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom to attempt this biopic. He stated, “As someone who spent a lot of time with Balasaheb, I know there is so much in his life that lends itself to the big screen. Balasaheb was a mass leader and I want this to be a mainstream popular film which will strike a chord with all those who know about him and his struggle.”

While Nawaz prefers to maintain a discreet silence at this point, the official announcement shouldn’t be long in coming.