Richie Mehta plans web series on Phoolan Devi: Report
What's the story
Acclaimed filmmaker Richie Mehta, known for his work on Delhi Crime and Poacher, is set to direct a new web series based on the life of Phoolan Devi. The project is in the casting stage currently, with a source revealing to Mid-Day that "the script was locked last month." Reportedly, the filmmaker has been in talks with several actors from both mainstream and indie cinema for the lead.
Casting process
Mehta seeks actor to portray Devi's complex life
The source further revealed that Mehta is particularly looking for an actor who can convincingly depict Devi's life journey from her youth till her death. A popular Bollywood actor, who is apparently known for a hit web series, recently auditioned for the part by performing a jail sequence. However, Mehta is reportedly still considering other options before finalizing the cast.
Storyline
Why Devi's life needs retelling
Devi's life story is a powerful narrative of a woman's rebellion against caste oppression and misogyny. Born into the marginalized Mallah caste, she was married off at 11 to an older man. Her life was marked by numerous hardships including false imprisonment, rape, and torture by police which led her to become a bandit. After the 1981 Behmai massacre where 22 Thakur men were executed as revenge for her gang-rape, she emerged as a symbol of caste and gender resistance.
Political career
From bandit to politician: Devi's transformation
Devi surrendered in 1983 and spent 11 years in prison before entering politics. She was a Parliament member for the Samajwadi Party until her assassination in 2001. This isn't the first time Devi's life has been adapted for screen, it was previously depicted in the famous 1994 film Bandit Queen. The source stated, "Through Phoolan's story, Richie will explore themes of caste oppression, misogyny, and the limits of justice." The series is expected to start production in August.