Bookmarked for Screen

When Farooqui first suggested the idea,Rizvi was not ready to consider it since work on Peepli Live was still on. Also,the scale of the book was daunting. But the thought gradually took on importance and last year,the couple decided to adapt it for screen.

“It is a story that needs to be told,especially in this region and in third-world countries. The book is set around the opium wars in 19th century when China was forced to open up trade and people turned opium addicts. Indians,too,were forced into working in opium fields. A similar situation is replicating itself today,” she adds. However,Rizvi and Farooqui are not looking at contemporising the story. “It is for the viewers to take back what they want from the film,” she says.

The couple then approached Ghosh to acquire the official rights. On his blog,the author admits that he was in talks with several other filmmakers when the couple met him regarding the project,but was taken in by their enthusiasm,integrity and vision for the film.

The first draft for the film was chosen by the reputed Sundance Institute for the first Screenwriters’ Lab in India and Rizvi found sounding boards in reputed international screenwriters such as Guillermo Arriaga,Jose Rivera and Kasi Lemmons. “The exposure helped. As part of the Lab,one understands the process of writing followed by these accomplished writers and the insecurities that come with it. Guillermo wrote 76 drafts of one of his films before it was made,” she points out. With these writers giving their inputs,Rizvi returned with fresh ideas to polish the script.

The duo has finished working on the second draft. However,they intend to follow the right procedure and approach makers once the script is finalised. “Hopefully,the film will go on floors by next year,” she says.