By News18
Actor-writer Manav Kaul is all set to make a return to the director鈥檚 chair after a 13-year hiatus, and this time, he鈥檚 turning to his own words for inspiration. The new film, currently untitled, will be based on his 2024 book Sakshatkar and is scheduled to go on floors this November in the scenic hills of Uttarakhand.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Manav confirmed that the team has already locked locations for the shoot in untouched areas of Kumaon and Garhwal. 鈥淭he movie is based on my book Sakshatkar (2024). It did well, so I adapted it into a screenplay and set it in the Himalayas. I am acting in the film too, alongside (actors) Kumud Mishra, Manasi Bhawalkar and some theatre artistes,鈥 he shared.
The film, while rooted in indie sensibilities, promises to be engaging and accessible. 鈥淚t鈥檚 set in a fun zone, has good humour and a gripping story that will appeal to a wider audience. I am not fixated on the commercial aspect, as my priority is making a good film. If we deliver a good product, it will definitely find its audience. I believe in the script and will pour my heart and soul in it. Of course, since filmmaking is a business, we would like it to do well commercially,鈥 he added.
Manav, who was last seen in Tribhuvan Mishra: CA Topper earlier this year, says this project marks a new chapter in his creative journey. 鈥淢y goal is to create a scenario where I can direct more films with stories I鈥檓 passionate about. Through our plays, we have already built an audience. Now, I want to create a space where the audience can enjoy films 鈥 dekhte hain, bahut maza ayega! I am changing gear with this. Everyone thinks about business and audience but we are right now just concentrating solely on making a great film. If we do that, everything else will fall into place,鈥 he said.
Manav Kaul made his directorial debut in 2012 with Hansa, a film for which he also penned the screenplay. He had earlier stepped into Hindi cinema as an actor with the fantasy film Jajantaram Mamantaram in 2003. His breakthrough performance came in 2013 with Kai Po Che!, where he was praised for his portrayal of a right-wing politician in the Gujarat-set drama.