Based on Bankim Chandra’s novel, Anandamath, the producers Shhailendra Kumar, Sujayy Kuttiy, Krishna Kumar B and Suraj Sharma released the motion poster marking 150 years of the National Song of India, “Vande Mataram”. Celebrating the glorious 75 years of Independence Day of India, producers Shhailendra Kkumar, Sujayy Kuttiy, Krishna Kumar B and Suraj Sharma announced their much talked about magnum opus, ‘1770’, based on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s Bengali novel, Anandamath. Produced under the banner of SS1 Entertainment and PK Entertainment, this multi lingual film will be helmed by acclaimed director Ashwin Gangaraju, who assisted SS Rajamouli in ‘Eega’ (2012) and ‘Baahubali’ (2017). He made his debut as director with critically acclaimed ‘Aakashvani’ in 2021.
“This subject was a huge challenge for me, but with legendary V Vijayendra Prasad sir writing the adapted story and screenplay, I think what we have on paper is a blockbuster cinematic experience”, affirmed director Ashwin Gangaraju.
“As a director, I’m more drawn towards the stories which have periodic setups, bigger emotions, scope for larger than life action etc and this is something that sits in perfectly for me. Initially I was a little sceptical but I spoke to Ram Kamal Mukherjee and after listening to his vision I gained confidence”, Ashwin added.
“I met producers Shhailendra ji, Sujayy Kuttiy sir, Krishna Kumar sir and Suraj Sharma in Mumbai shortly after that. We had a prolonged discussion on the film and how they want to take it forward. Their warmth and attitude of working as a team made me connect to them instantly”, further shared Gangaraju.
This year also marks 150 years of “Vande Mataram”, the song that appeared first in Bankim Chandra’s novel, Anandamath, which almost shook the roots of the British Empire. India’s most celebrated storyteller V Vijayendra Prasad, who penned the screenplay shared, “I feel that “Vande Mataram” was a magical word. It was a mantra that was given by Maharishi Bankim Chandra for a nation to unite against tyranny and injustice. In 1770, we dealt with the story of unknown warriors who ignited the fire of the freedom movement.”
Internationally acclaimed author and director Ram Kamal Mukherjee being the creator of this magnum opus shared, “I am grateful to my producers for having faith in my vision. I instantly liked the vibe of Ashwin as a director. He came prepared, with his own ideas, that enhanced the narrative visually. I loved his film ‘Aakashvani’ and appreciated his skill as a storyteller. But the most important aspect of ‘1770’ lies in the magical words written by Vijayendra Prasad sir, who is known for his unique ideas. His way of story telling connects with the audiences, beyond linguistic boundaries. I am truly blessed to have a passionate team like this.”
Suraj Sharma from PK Entertainment shared, “Being the youngest in the team, I am glad to be a part of this dream project. I am fortunate enough to learn a lot from such experts and legends who created such blockbusters.”
Producer Sujoyy Kuttiy, known for making historical sagas like ‘Manikarnika – The Queen of Jhansi’ (2019) and many other prestigious films under Zee Studios, collaborated in ‘1770’ because he could see the potential in the narrative. He shared, “My equation with Vijayendra Prasad Sir is beyond work. He is an inspiration. I was sure that if I ever make ‘1770’, then this has to be written by Sir, or else I am not doing this film.”
The film will be made in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Bengali. The team will lock the main lead before Dassera and by Diwali they will announce the cast of the film. Ashwin Gangaraju along with his team has started researching the period and trying to create a visual that is unique.
