Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 11, 2019)

Amitabh Bachchan’s Jhund may not be able to keep its September 20 date with the audience, but the film’s team is hard at work, inching towards a new deadline. Even as the makers of the Nagraj Manjule-directed venture are eyeing a November weekend for release, the immediate plan is to release the trailer or music of the sports drama on October 11, as a tribute to the megastar who turns 77.

Savita Raj Hiremath, who is producing the film along with Bhushan Kumar, Manjule and Raj Hiremath, tells mid-day, “We are planning to release the teaser in the first week of October. We might also release the official trailer or launch the music on Bachchan sir’s birthday.”

The drama — based on the life of professor Vijay Barse, who founded the NGO Slum Soccer that works towards the upliftment of underprivileged kids through football — had gone on floors last December. Prod Hiremath on the two- month delay in release, and she attributes it to the overlapping schedules of Bachchan and Manjule. “My director got busy with the Marathi version of Kaun Banega Crorepati [Kon Honar Crorepati], which was not [accounted for] earlier. He got the offer out of the blue after the Nagpur schedule of Jhund got over. However, as soon as my director wraps up his KHC shoot, Bachchan sir will start shooting for the Hindi version. The film is almost complete, barring a one-day shoot with Bachchan sir. So, Bhushan, Nagraj and I are currently working out the dates and will soon announce the release date.”

Jhund marks the Bollywood debut of Manjule, who shot to fame with Sairat (2016).

Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 29, 2019)

Mirror had earlier reported (March 4) that Nagraj Manjule is making his small screen debut as the host of Kon Honar Crorepati, the Marathi version of Kaun Banega Crorepati. Now, we have learnt that the director, who recently wrapped up his Hindi directorial debut featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Jhund, has turned singer for his show. “Yes, I’ve sung the title song which captures the show’s essence. I am not a great singer, but my voice sounds surprisingly good. You will see me rap in the music video too,” Nagraj informs.

The Hindi version of KBC is hosted by the Big B but the National Award-winning director is quick to add, “It’s wrong to compare yourself with Mr Bachchan, no one can do what he does. He has made the show memorable and I’d like to carry it forward to the best of my ability. It’s an unchartered territory for me, but the fact that it connects people with their dreams is something I can relate to. It requires a dignified approach and I hope to succeed.” Good wishes from his Jhund leading man has boosted his confidence. Nagraj who has grown up watching Bachchan, says his dedication motivates him.

The filmmaker who hit pay dirt with his Marathi film Sairat, is currently busy with the postproduction of the sports drama set against the backdrop of slum football. He reveals that researching the subject was a tedious but enjoyable journey. “I worked on it for over two years to make it as authentic as possible. I had to understand the sport before writing the story, and in doing so I realised that it belongs in my zone,” he asserts.

Was it difficult to get Bachchan on board? “No, he loved the story so I didn’t have to convince him. He trusted my vision and came on board,” Nagraj signs off with a smile.