"It is the story of the people around us": Kishor Pandurang Belekar, Meera Chopra talk about their silent film 'Gandhi Talks'

Silent film 'Gandhi Talks' is directed by Kishor Belekar. Along with Vijay Sethupathi, Arvind Swamy and Aditi Rao Hydari, the film also stars Siddharth Jadhav in a crucial role. The music of the film has been composed by AR Rahman.

Speaking about the silent format, Belekar told ANI, "The film is silent because there is a lot of noise in money, power, and influence. The truth is very quiet and peaceful. In the story, we have created characters who are very honest and walk on the path of truth. That is why the film is silent."

Chopra, who also produced the film, explained her motivation for taking on the project: "As an actor, I have always been drawn to projects that are different and unique. As a producer, it was important for me to back something that not many people are doing and that earns respect. Making a brand through quality work was my priority."

She praised the film's ensemble cast and crew, saying, "I don't know if I will ever get a bigger star cast than this. AR Rahman sir's music, Kishore's dedication, we all knew he would create something amazing."

"I know him (Kishor Pandurang Belekar) since last 10 years. And he actually told me about this film 10 years back. He said, Meera, I want to make this film. Obviously, I also said...who will do a silent film? I think many people told him that who will do a silent film. So, he did the casting with all his heart. When he did everything. After doing everything, everyone came. Earlier, no one came. All the producers came later. He had done all the homework. He had signed all the actors. He had signed Rehman sir. After that, we came. But the creative liberty that everyone gave him to make the film in his own way. No one questioned him. As an actor. Or as a producer. No one questioned him. Because his conviction towards his script was so strong. That nobody questioned him for anything," said the producer.

Kishor also spoke about casting decisions, including portraying a middle-class Maharashtrian girl and the chemistry between the lead actors.

"The whole story is located in a chawl. I have been there, so there is a lot of reflection of what I have seen and what I have endured. I too had a love interest in a girl, and she was very beautiful. That reflects here. We looked like this, but people used to think, 'How can she be his girlfriend?' Vijay's and Aditi's casting had only one thought behind it--that Vijay's character had to show, without any dialogue, how good he is. Whether he is beautiful or not is another thing, because to look at, he is very ordinary, very boy-next-door. Aditi is very beautiful. So why would a beautiful girl say yes to a boy-next-door? Because there must be better qualities in him--either he is very good in education, or very honest, or simply a very good person. That is why such a beautiful girl loves him..."

She highlighted A R Rahman's contribution to the film's music, stating that he composed and refined tracks multiple times, blending Indian classical and Western orchestral elements. "The songs are a tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema. They are part of the story, not just decorative. They celebrate the legacy of our music industry," Belekar added.

Kishor Belekar and Meera Chopra emphasised that 'Gandhi Talks' offers audiences a fresh cinematic experience, saying it will make viewers smile, fall in love with the film, and even reflect on themselves. Kishore urged audiences to support films like this, saying "it is the story of the people around us. "

Speaking about the vision behind the film, director Belekar, as per a release, shared, "'Gandhi Talks' is a film about trusting silence. As Indian cinema marks over a century of storytelling, we wanted to return to the medium's most elemental form, pure performance and emotion."

"The actors embraced that vulnerability completely, and A R Rahman's score became the film's voice. With Zee Studios', Meera Chopra's support, we were able to make a bold, honest piece of cinema," he added. (ANI)