Filmmaker Aditya Dhar Provides Update on The Immortal Ashwatthama Project
Aditya Dhar, the acclaimed filmmaker, recently opened up about the current status of his much-anticipated project, The Immortal Ashwatthama. Originally set to commence filming in February 2023, the project encountered a setback when lead actor Vicky Kaushal had to step down due to scheduling conflicts. This led to widespread speculation about the potential involvement of Ranveer Singh. However, even that did not come to fruition, resulting in the project being put on hold. Dhar attributed this delay to the ambitious nature of the film.
Vision Too Ambitious for Indian Cinema
During the trailer launch of Article 370, a project he is co-producing, Aditya Dhar candidly disclosed, “The film is currently on the backburner. I will be very honest with you – the kind of vision I had for the film is too big for the mathematics to work for Indian cinema. The VFX quality that we were aiming for has not yet been achieved by anyone. Unfortunately, until the technology in India becomes more affordable or there is a significant rise in cinema attendance, I will have to adopt a wait-and-see approach.”
Striving for Excellence
Dhar drew a parallel with James Cameron’s patience in waiting 27 years before bringing Avatar to the screen, emphasizing the need for excellence and intent in filmmaking. He stressed, “Even though this may be the prime time of my life, the film has to be brilliant. Once the film is made, it exists for the next 200-300 years. It cannot be mediocre, driven by the mere desire to make money. It is about striving for excellence.”
Dhar’s Patriotic Responsibility
Expressing his steadfast belief in the responsibility of filmmakers to represent their country appropriately, Dhar stated, “I am a patriot and I truly believe that as filmmakers, we have the responsibility of representing our country in the right way. I really want me or one of my colleagues to stand on the Oscar stage and win it for India. It will only happen if we compete with them, and for that, we have to be excellent.”
Ashwatthama’s Story
For those unfamiliar with the character, Ashwatthama, the film is centered around the son of guru Dronacharya and Kripi, who fought alongside the Kauravas against the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war. Born with a gem in his forehead, Ashwatthama possessed unique powers and was considered a Chiranjivi, or an immortal being in Hindu mythology.
Production Details
The film was set to be produced by Ronnie Screwvala, with locations like New Zealand, Namibia, Tokyo, and Greenland already locked in.
Looking Ahead
Aditya Dhar’s commitment to excellence and his vision for The Immortal Ashwatthama project is a testament to his determination to create a film of lasting impact. His decision to put the project on hold reflects his unwavering dedication to achieving the highest standards in filmmaking.
Adjusting to Future Opportunities
Dhar’s decision also shows his willingness to adapt to the evolving landscape of the film industry, patiently waiting for the right conditions to bring his vision to life.
Reiterating his stance, Dhar concluded, “We can’t be mediocre; we have to strive for excellence. I am hopeful that one day, we will create a film that stands the test of time and represents India on the global stage.”
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