Mumbai, March 22: Actor Randeep Hooda’s directorial debut, ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar,’ marks its second anniversary since release. To complete this ambitious project, Hooda made significant personal sacrifices, including selling part of his property. Here are some untold stories related to the film.
To authentically portray the character of Veer Savarkar, Hooda underwent substantial physical and mental transformations. He lost 32 kilograms to depict Savarkar’s condition during his imprisonment in the infamous Cellular Jail, limiting himself to just one meal a day. He even isolated himself in dark rooms to fully embody the character’s emotions on screen.
Before filming began, Hooda conducted extensive research and discovered a lack of detailed information about Savarkar in English literature. Recognizing the need for a compelling narrative, he read various books and drafted a rough script. However, dialogue was crucial for the film, prompting him and his co-writer to complete the entire script in just three days, working up to 12 hours daily.
Few are aware that during the film’s development, many advised Hooda against pursuing this project, warning it could negatively impact his career. In an interview, he revealed that well-wishers cautioned him against making the film, but their opposition only fueled his determination to proceed. He invested his heart, mind, and resources into this project.
Upon its release, the film faced controversies and struggled at the box office. Hooda did not receive support from Bollywood during this time, and director Mahesh Manjrekar left the project due to creative differences. Ultimately, Hooda decided to take on the directorial role himself.
Leave a Comment