The Perfect setting

Art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai talks about his association with Mrinal Kulkarni’s period film Rama Madhav

The sets of the darbar of the Peshwas in the film Rama Madhav

For a period film, did Rama Madhav, need a lot of research when it came to constructing the sets?

Yes, every period film needs a lot of research. But, since over the years, as part of my work, I have already done some research and extensive work on the Peshwas, so working on this film became quite easy for me. Also the fact that I have been involved in this field for a considerable time and have worked on so many different subjects, I am more or less aware of what each era depicts. Moreover, I have utilised all my creative knowledge in this film. And with Mrinal Kulkarni’s guidance, it was easy as her brief was upto the mark. She did not leave any stone unturned.

What was Mrinal’s brief to you about the sets?

She knew precisely what she wanted for the film. I have worked with her earlier and know that she has very good knowledge about many things. Also since she is a student of history, she was thorough about that period in time.

What is the highpoint of the film when it comes to set designing?

I would say the Shanivar Wada, which is an archeological structure made according to original Vastu. Shaniwar Wada is a palace fort in the city of Pune. It was built in 1746 and was the seat of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire until 1818. We made its replica at N.D. Studios. I utilised the Saptamanzil building from Shanivar wada for this film. According to me, it is one of the best sets in the film. It is a Wada, a house that has so much granduer. Even the battlefield was created at N.D. Studios.

Which were the other places that the film was shot?

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We shot at Shivshriti in Pune, Bhorwada, Satara and N.D. Studios. I have been going to Bhorwada for the last 10 years. There is an old wada which was dilapidated and I went there and got it cleaned, repaired it and restored it to its original glory. Wooden columns and different structures were restored, we worked there and shot there.
There are so many such monuments in Maharashtra which are disappearing. But I am making an effort to look for them and restore things.

How long did it take to erect the set of Shanivar Wada?

Actually, the over all research took over five to six months, while the designing took about two to three months. There were 125 people working to create the beautiful monument.

What kind of materials did you use?

A lot of different materials. In fact, I have used the dhoop-chaon tinge for the draperies especially for the romantic scenes. There are a lot of interesting colour schemes that, I must say, are eye soothing and transports one to another period. Since God has given me this great talent, I have tried to utilise it wherever it is needed. I have collected a lot of properties like draperies and knick-knacks over the years and for this film too, I have tried to use things that I have in my possession besides other stuff The furnitures, carvings, paandaan, everything is worth a dekko.

How much did it cost to make this film?

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All I can say is that the expense for this film has exceeded any Marathi film, is all .

Though you are a part of the film, what do you have to say about the project?

I would say I am glad that the golden pages of history are being recreated through this film— in the roop (form) of an untold story. We are already getting a good response with people saying that from the grandeur in terms of its production value, it looks like a Hindi film.

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