By Hindustan Times
After his award-winning directorial debut, I'M Kalam, last year, Nila Madhab Panda’s second film, Jalpari too has won rave reviews on the just-concluded Cannes Film Festival.
Now, while he's still scripting his next, rumours of Hollywood star Richard Gere starring within the film are growing strong. Harrison Ford’s name have been pointed out too.
“We’re speaking to lots of people. Nothing is confirmed yet, but this film may be much bigger (in comparison to his past films),” says Panda cautiously, when asked to touch upon the untitled film in line with the problem of worldwide food security, which also stars I'M Kalam child actor Harsh Mayar.
He adds, “Sometimes, a couple of things pop out within the media that send a fully different signal to the actors. So I shouldn’t talk much about it. As for Mr Gere, we're still having general communication with him. It’s unlike we’ve signed the contract, but we’re involved along with his team members.”
If the deal comes through, Gere will play the sutradhar within the film — a foreigner who involves India and gets involved with the socio-political setup of a village.
Currently, Nila is happy about Jalpari. “It’s greater than only a children’s film. It falls within the family adventure space. Creating a successful film for children is more or less an impossible journey in India. Take a look at Chillar Party (2011). I loved it and felt it will was a larger hit,” he says.
Unlike I'M Kalam, Jalpari goes to be released in a large way on July 28. “Once your first film has done well, people look forward to the following one. Funding also becomes easier. Jalpari is entertaining, spicy and has nice music,” smiles Panda.