While Nanak Shah Fakir is a biopic on Guru Nanak, his teachings of Ik Onkar (there's but one God) in the film are depicted through the voice of his friend, companion and disciple, Bhai Mardana. A Muslim fakir from an impoverished family of rebab (a music instrument played at weddings and special occasions) players, he accompanied the Guru throughout his 'Udasis' (travels) spanning 40,000 km over 25-28 years.

Arif Zakaria, who plays Bhai Mardana, says it's a complex role even on paper. “It is one man narrating another man's story. The film portrays how he understood the Guru going through various situations and thought processes. The audience understands Guru through Mardana's expression. He's a chronicler of the Guru's life and also the narrator of the story,“ he says.

Part of the preparation, to be simple and calm while shooting, came from staying a few days at an ashram in Pune. Besides, the actor also had to lose weight, as his character ages from 20s to the 70s. “Mardana was about 20 when he met Nanak, who was around 10. Also, in those days, people would walk long distances to reach their destinations. So, I had to have that weary and tired look,“ says Arif, adding, “It's not easy to look 20. Thanks to our makeup artistes, we've managed to do that convincingly.“

Asked what he thinks the audience would take away from the film, the actor says it's the 'oneness of human beings'. He explains, “The film talks about brotherhood among fellow humans and respect for women, which Nanak propagated. The message is relevant for all eras. In a way, it's also a beautiful road trip of Guru and Mardana... it's about how they discovered life. While it was in a much more internal process with Nanak, it happened spiritually for Mardana by the end of his life.“

Nanak Shah Fakir, produced by Gurbani Media Pvt Ltd, releases today.