15 February 2024, Mumbai:
Marathi Cinema is all set to tell the incredible story of Namdev Dhasal, the man behind the Dalit Panther movement, in a way that’ll leave you inspired and thoughtful. The production rights for the much-awaited movie, ‘Dhasal’, have been snapped up by Namdev Dhasal’s family. After two whole years of digging deep and studying hard, the film is gearing up to capture the remarkable life of Namdev Dhasal.
What’s this ‘Dhasal Movie’ all about?
It’s a biopic, which means it’s a movie based on the real-life journey of a legendary figure- Namdev Dhasal, the rebel poet who shook things up with his powerful words and unwavering fight against injustice, especially for the underprivileged. ‘Bioscope Films’ made the big announcement also they’ve got some serious talent behind this project. Sanjay Pandey is the producer pulling the strings, Varuna Rana is the brains behind the direction, and Pratap Gangawane is the wordsmith crafting those impactful dialogues.
Namdev Dhasal’s story to life on screen
The movie promises to give us a raw and realistic look at Namdev Dhasal’s struggle against the odds, his battle against injustice and exploitation. The Production kicks off in September 2024, with the release date set for 2025. Sanjay Pandey, the producer, couldn’t contain his excitement. He called Namdev Dhasal a ‘storm’—a force of nature who breathed fire through his rebellious poetry, a poet who put Maharashtra’s literature on the global map, and a man who breathed new life into the oppressed Dalit community. For Sanjay, bringing Namdev Dhasal’s story to life on screen is not just a privilege but also a massive challenge, one that he’s ready to take on for Dhasal’s fans, students, and activists across the country.
Namdev Dhasal’s life story
Hearing from Varuna Rana, the director. She believes that some stories are meant to be told because they make us stop and think. And Namdev Dhasal’s life is one such story. Born in the village of Maharwada and raised in the streets of Kamathipura, Mumbai, Dhasal’s journey from humble beginnings to global recognition is nothing short of extraordinary. Through his powerful poetry and radical activism, he fought tooth and nail for the rights of Dalits and the downtrodden. Varuna sees Dhasal not just as a person but as a powerful, thought-provoking force that she’s determined to unleash on the masses through her direction. And she’s confident that Dhasal’s thoughts, free from the shackles of caste, will strike a chord with people from all walks of life.
‘Dhasal Movie’ Releasing Soon
Namdev Dhasal’s wife, Mallika Amar Sheikh, sharing her thoughts. Today, February 15, marks Namdev’s birthday, and it’s been a decade since he left us. Mallika Amar Sheikh remembers Namdev’s warmth, wisdom, and poetry fondly. To her, the movie is about capturing the essence of an entire era, the political and social upheaval, and the Dalit Panther movement that shook the nation. She sees the biopic as a dream come true for Varuna Rana and a crucial historical document—a ‘Bakhranama’—that’ll stand the test of time. ‘Dhasal Movie’ is on its way, and it’s shaping up to be a journey like no other.
By Yashika Desai