I am sure of my formula: Digpal Lanjekar

Last year, Farzand directed by debutant Digpal Lanjekar went on to become one of the highest grossing films in the Marathi film industry. It was not only the box office numbers that made news, but the fact that it ran for more than 50 days in the theatres, too. Digpal went on to become the new kid on the block to watch out for. His direction, on set skills, and his story-telling abilities were praised by all.

The director has now gone on floors with his second film, which happens to be based on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj once again. Titled Fatteshikast, the film, claims Digpal, is based on the first surgical strike conducted by Shivaji. Digpal says, “Farzand revolved around Kondaji Farzand, however, in Fatteshikast, the story talks about one big and exceptional mission undertaken by Shivaji Maharaj. The surgical strike was executed by Maharaj (played by Chinmay Mandlekar) but it was planned and strategised by Jijau mata (played by Mrinal Kulkarni). It is not a prequel or sequel to Farzand, it is part of the same series.”

Interestingly, Digpal has roped in the same cast from the first instalment, and adds that he did so because their basic training was on point and they already had a connection with the story and audience. The film’s mahurat was held recently in Panhala fort in Kolhapur, and the film will be shot in real locations. “For Farzand, I shot in sets and relied on VFX. However, for this one, I have decided to shoot in real locations to get the feel and look right. It has been a cumbersome task, but my team has been wonderful.”

With Farzand setting a benchmark, does he feel the pressure to get things on point with this film? “I am excited but not pressurised. I am certain of my formula. I know what the audiences enjoyed with the first film and I am aiming to give them something better and bigger. Expectations have increased but I’m sure I will manage to surprise them. There will be nothing predictable in it,” he says.

First Published: May 02, 2019 17:56 IST