“A film like Bose is a logistic nightmare. But we managed fine!” - Shyam Benegal 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 10, 2005 - 08:15 IST
He is the propeller of parallel cinema, the granddad of times when Hindi films were still referred to as Indian cinema and not Bollywood. Total disrespect to the box office, Shyam Benegal made films that were important to his times and not his coiffeurs.
Three decades later, he continues to do so. Patriotism will make its way to theatres when 'Bose-The forgotten Hero' reaches cinema halls this Friday. We met up with the maker to talk about his movie…
What triggered you to make a historical of this measure?
Sahara came upto me with the idea of making a television series on historical figures and asked me if I would be interested in directing it. I said I was okay with it. The television series now took on the form of a full length feature film. That's how Bose happened. Another reason that I was keen that this film be made is that the current generation knows nothing of Bose as a personality. Except for a limp chapter on him in your history textbook, what do you know of him?
Does the personality of Bose personally fascinate you?
Oh, to a great deal! I mean if you were to track his journey as a freedom fighter, you would realize how fascinating it is. He lived the most adventurous life that you and I could ever imagine. Thrilling is the word!
A project of this stature comes with huge challenges. What was it like in your case?
A film like this is a logistical nightmare because my main caution was to live up to its authenticity. It was terribly exacting but we followed in Bose's footsteps right from when he starts out of Bengal to Central Asia, Moscow and finally Germany. The more you are keen to keep roots with the truth, the tougher the process of filming. But we have managed fine. The film is as close to Netaji's life as it could possibly be.
Then what is it about certain organizations finding fault with your depiction of Netaji as married?
I have no idea. You should ask them. As for me, I have done in-depth homework and a rigorous study of his character for the film and am absolutely sure of what I am portraying of him. And even if people do seem to have an issue, I neither have the time or inclination to clear the rubble.
If we were to trim down from the film, we reach Bose himself. Such a dynamic personality, what made Sachin Khedekar the right choice?
The likeliness to Bose was the biggest roadblock. I held meetings, photo-sessions and auditions with various artists until I came across Sachin. One meeting with him and I knew I had met Bose. I needed three things from the artist, resemblance to Netaji, he had to be a good actor and most importantly, I needed a year from the date diary of the star. Sachin was ready with all three. And that's why he made the perfect Bose.
Are you happy with what Sachin has delivered as a performer?
Absolutely! He is a very diligent actor who doesn't shy away from hardwork. He very sincerely read up all the research material that we dug up. Secondly he has added a lot of depth to the character. There have been a lot of contributions from him on a personal level. And that is what makes the performance memorable.
Rahman and you have teamed up for the second time after Zubieda. What do you think about the compositions?
I am very happy with what Rahman has given me. The songs are thematically arranged. Each of the song brings about the emotional character of the artist. The songs were recorded in Czechoslovakia, Prague and other places. We had a European orchestra work with us. I really like the way the music has shaped up!
The last time a brilliant film like Legend of Bhagat Singh lost out because it didn't have enough marketing voice. What is the publicity programme that you have hit upon?
I agree that a good film should be marketed well too. But since Sahara are the people behind it, I am not too involved. I am not sure if this is the right strategy, but from the looks of it, they are looking at word-of-mouth for the film.
A film like Bose feels like the nourishing bajre ki roti in the times of popcorn entertainment. What are you hoping for the audiences?
I agree. I am hoping that they go watch the film for starters and then if the burning idealism that Bose symbolized rubs off on the youth of today, I would consider my job done.
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