Deccan Chronicle:Tuesday, November 29, 2011.
Film-maker Mani Shankar is planning to make a movie on the RTI Act next year and is trying to rope in Wikileaks founder Julian Assange to direct the first shot of the film and give the first “clap”. Reluctant to divulge any details about his two secret meetings with Assange recently, all Shankar says is: “Yes, I was in London last month, but things still have to be confirmed.”
If it works out, this will be the first time ever when Assange, whether from Sweden or London, will give the “clap” for the movie being made in India through a cyber-optic camera. While the Wikileaks founder will not be coming to India, Shankar says that he is getting another huge, iconic personality to simultaneously give the first “clap” with Assange, but in India. Shankar does not want to reveal this person’s name yet though rumour has it that the person is none other than activist Arvind Kejriwal.
Shankar has already approached actors Neil Nitin Mukesh and Irrfan Khan to be part of the film’s cast and both are apparently very excited. He says that he wants to rope in a third actor, someone like John Abraham or Ranbir Kapoor, and adds that the female leads of the thriller are yet to be decided.
According to Shankar, all the characters are based on real-life people. “The RTI Act is very important for all of us, but it is horribly flawed. So many innocent, courageous people have died simply because they have asked difficult questions. I want to dedicate this film to those who have lost their lives for asking powerful politicians uncomfortable questions,” says Shankar. He says that he will start working on the film only after he completes the movie he is currently working on.