Making films based on controversial real life incidents is not new to Srinivas Raju of Dandupalya fame. Raju made three-series on Dandupalya, based on the rogue adventures of a criminal gang based in Dandupalya, a village in the vicinity of Bengaluru. The gang indulged in a series of murders, molestations and loots. The film, for which Raju was criticised for the alleged “glorification of crime and violence”was later remade in Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and even in Bhojpuri.
The director is now venturing into another controversial subject — to narrate the turmoil in the life of Sankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakpoti Peetam, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi. He was arrested in 2004 on alleged charges of “abetting” the murder of Sankararaman, manager of the Sri Varadarajaswamy Temple.
The film, titled Acharya Arrest, is a bilingual. It will be made in Tamil and Kannada. The film, according to Raju, will explore the political angle, the mysteries and rumours connected to the incident and revolves around the religious conspiracy and conversions, which were objected by Sri Jayendra Saraswathi.
The film explores on a series of incidents following the murder of Sankararaman.
The shooting will commence in October and will probably hit the screens by the end of the year.
Refusing to divulge anything about the cast, Raju says, “I have almost finalised the cast including the actor essaying the role of Jayendra Saraswathi. After having signed an agreement with them, I will officially announce the names, as the issue is sensitive.”
However, an insider from Raju’s camp says he has almost finalised the name of Anupam Kher for the role of Jayendra Saraswathi and in all likelihood Kher will essay the role.
Raju, who has the desire to shoot the film in the Kanchi Mutt Temple and its premises, says, “I will seek permission for the shoot. In case of a technical glitch, I will erect a set resembling the mutt as authenticity offers credibility to the film.”
What made him decide to make a film on one of the most controversial issues, especially one that sent shock waves across the country 12 years ago? He replies, “I was not into filmmaking when the incident happened. But, what happened to the swamiji disturbed me. Ever since, the issue has haunted me day and night.”
Finally, Raju decided to tell the story of Jayendra Saraswathi, after giving the finishing touches to Shivam in 2015. “Now I have a powerful script, which details how people in power joined hands in defaming, the swami. Millions of his followers were disturbed with the treatment meted out on him. They even attributed the Tsunami that hit the west coast of Tamil Nadu as result of the injustice. All these things consolidated my idea of making film,” he states.
How long has he researched on the subject? “I have been on it for over a year now. I met almost all the people connected with the case. I also met Kamasani Gopalaswamy alias Appu, the main accused in the Sankararaman case,” adds Raju.
Is he supposed to get clearance from the Swamiji himself? “I will meet Sri Jayendra Saraswathi soon to get his version. I don’t have any problem in sharing the script with him or to incorporate any change and suggestions made by him. Ultimately, it is a film about his turmoil, is it not?,” asks the director.
So is he afraid of the controversy, that may trigger because of Acharya Arrest? “I am not worried about the controversy, as I am used to it.” he signs off.