Movie: `Bose - The Forgotten Hero`

Actors: Sachin Khedekar, Divya Dutta, Rajpal Yadav, Ila Arun, Kulbhushan Kharbanda
Director: Shyam Benegal, Producer: Sahara One Motion Pictures

`Bose - The Forgotten Hero` was formally slated for 'the largest movie premiere ever', in for an audience of over 30000 in Kolkata, in an attempt to create a world record for the largest gathering at a premiere.

However, annulment of this plan occurred due to the All India Forward Bloc`s objections to the way Subhash Chandra Bose has been depicted in the film with reference to his death and marriage. Further, there have been objections related to the title of the film.

Thus, the film was premiered in the Pink city of Jaipur, on 10th of May, 2005.

The 222-minute film captures the last five years of Bose`s life(1940-45), including his escapade en route to Peshawar, Kabul, Germany, Japan, and ultimately to Burma; all against the background of the Second World War. With his infamous Azad Hind Fauj, marching towards their undeterred goal to bring independence to India and her people.

The film showcases the unique talent of noted Marathi actor Sachin Khedekar in a promising lead role.

‘Bose..’ reiterates the spirit of the larger-than-life extremist revolutionary who was Bose...an impetuous but evident founding member of the INA in pre-Independence India; who never bent to any pressure, whether from the British, or the Indians. Within this tumultuous storm of daily complications and twisted events, he staunchly swore to himself and the nation `Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi doonga.` Thus, the film brings alive, through several travails and adventures, the fervent patriotism of the most controversial yet influential leader in India.

Directed by Shyam Benegal, one of India’s leading filmmakers, who is all set for the release of his magnum opus, `Bose..`, is a task that cost him a budget of Rs.220 million, and three years of hard work.

Benegal believes that Bose has been forgotten by modern India because he was unfairly sidelined by the `establishment` as it did not agree with his views. 'That is a pity because the youth of today could have learnt so much from him about commitment, standing up for values and idealism', he said.

Further Benegal’s reason for making a film on the admirable Bose goes back to a unique family connection.
'My uncle, Ramesh Benegal, was one of the few people chosen by Netaji to go to Japan and train to become a fighter pilot. He was just 15 when he was taken prisoner of war', he said.

Produced by Sahara One; the intricately crafted lyrics of Javed Akhtar; with Music by A.R. Rahman; this is a sure shot winner!

With regard to the controversies, the film shows Bose marrying an Austrian woman, Emilie Shekl who lived in Germany. The two have also been shown with their daughter, Anita Piaff. Further, many Indians also believe that Bose died in a plane crash in Taiwan in August 1945. However, Benegal along with scriptwriter Atul Tiwari rubbish all allegations of controversies in the film. They back their claims to `thorough research.` Says Tiwari, `We have facts to support what we have shown.`