BOMBAY TIMES (January 24, 2019)

In his characteristic gusto, Bal Thackeray had once stated, ‘I am a people’s person. I cannot be contained in a book. I would not like to have my biography penned’. Hence, his protégé, Shiv Sena MP, Rajya Sabha, Sanjay Raut feels that the upcoming biopic, Thackeray is the perfect way to take the story to a global audience.

Recalling the time he spent under Thackeray’s wing, Raut says, “People have been asking me to write on him. Someone had personally asked Balasaheb to write his autobiography as well, but he turned it down stating that his life was an open book.” Raut wrote the story of Thackeray based on his own experiences. He adds, “Balasaheb always fought for the rights of those wronged. His life was about mobilising, uniting and empowering the youth to stand up for themselves. I want the current generation to learn from his life. If only they look within, they will discover the dormant power that lies with them.”

Egged on by the positive reactions to the trailer of the film, Raut declares that he plans to make more movies based on Thackeray’s life. He says, “Balasaheb’s legacy cannot be contained in a span of two hours. Hence, before the film is out, the sequels are already in place.”

The film featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Amrita Rao is slated for a worldwide release on January 25. Thackeray is directed by Abhijit Panse, presented by Sanjay Raut, produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Carnival Motion Pictures and Raut’ers Entertainment LLP.