Babri Masjid in Bollywood

“This idea has been in my mind for years. This is one issue which has impacted the collective consciousness of the nation and I wanted to bring this to the fore,” Thackeray told Talk two days after the news of her intended film made it to papers. A writer-producer with influential contacts in the Mumbai film industry,she has ambitious plans for her venture. She wants to rope in either Ajay Devgn or Hrithik Roshan as the film’s hero. “I need a star who enjoys a mass connect and who will able to carry off the role of a common man,” she says.

Thackeray’s foray into Bollywood started with movie production. In the past,she has produced comedy films such as Haseena Maan Jaayegi,Sandwich and the romantic caper Kaisay Kahein. Soon,her new production Society Kaam Se Gayi,a social drama,will hit the screens. Babri will be a new genre for her. That apart,it may raise eyebrows given her association with the Shiv Sena.

Even though the movie deals with a politically sensitive subject,Thackeray wishes to present the story of Babri Masjid from the common Indian person’s perspective. “The film will not have a political angle at all. I will only focus on the sufferings of the ordinary people during the crisis and long after that,” she says,steering clear of any kind of controversial comment. “This story is closely related to our times. That’s the reason,I want to make this movie,and not to spark off another debate.”

Thackeray realises that a film based on such a delicate subject needs to be toned down to fit into the commercial cinema space. Though the story revolves around the male protagonist,it will have an ensemble cast featuring several important characters. “We will take cinematic liberties and fictionalise it a bit to be able to connect with the audiences,” says Thackeray.

She has also consulted Aamir Khan to provide his “invaluable” inputs to the script on how to appeal to the masses and has decided to shoot in Ayodhya and nearby areas to bring authenticity to the film. “The Ayodhya shooting plan hinges on feasibility,and getting the necessary permissions,” she says.