Producers are planning a three-season series based on historian Ramachandra Guha's biographical books on Mahatma Gandhi, “Gandhi Before India” and “Gandhi: The Years that Changed the World.”
Sameer Nair, managing director of Indian production company Applause Entertainment, says the extended format “much like (Netflix series) 'The Crown'” allows for a greater scope than, for example, films about Gandhi's life.
“This is really a coming of age story. It's a very rich story that few people know. You know the man, but you don't know the story,” Nair told Reuters during a break from filming at the George Tavern in London.
The first season, consisting of eight episodes, began production in India at the beginning of the year and is being filmed in Mumbai and Gujarat, in addition to the United Kingdom.
Directed by filmmaker Hansal Mehta, 44-year-old actor Pratik Gandhi takes on the lead role.
No relation to Mahatma, he has played his namesake on stage for the past eight years in India.
“Without knowing it, I was preparing for this day,” he said.
Despite his preparation, Pratik Gandhi feels the pressure of representing the great man. His response is to anchor his performance in Gandhi's human qualities.
“He wasn’t born a great person. He was not a superman or superhuman,” he said. “All of his life experiences made him who he became. And these capabilities are present in each of us.”
Director Mehta says the series seeks to engage younger audiences. They may be drawn to the decision to cast British actor Tom Felton, known for his performances in the film adaptations of the Harry Potter books.
Felton plays Josiah Oldfield, who befriended Gandhi when he studied law in London.
The 36-year-old actor said he couldn't resist the role.
“Clearly, the world would be very different without him. Participating in understanding why he became what he became and what his actions were like was pretty much a no-brainer for me to say 'yes, I'd love to be a part of that,'” he said.
“The Crown”: 50% of young people who watch the series have researched more about the royal family
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.
