'Bhavai' not about interpretation of Ram or Ravan: Pratik Gandhi on change in film's title | Bollywood - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Ravan Leela renamed Bhavai, Pratik Gandhi wants to know: 'We changed the name, but will that solve anything?'

PTI |
Sep 14, 2021 05:24 PM IST

In Bhavai, Pratik Gandhi plays Rajaram Joshi, a stage artist who essays the role of Ravan in a Ram Leela presentation, the traditional performance of the Ramayana.

While the title of his upcoming film Ravan Leela (Bhavai) has been changed to simply Bhavai to respect the sentiments of a section of viewers, actor Pratik Gandhi on Tuesday said the rechristening is "not the answer to the broader question".

Pratik Gandhi in a still from Bhavai.
Pratik Gandhi in a still from Bhavai.

Set against the backdrop of Bhavai, a popular folk theatre form from Gujarat, the movie marks the Scam 1992 - The Harshad Mehta Story star's first Hindi feature film as a lead.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

According to a statement by the makers, the decision was taken after receiving audiences' requests for the title change and “to respect their sentiments”.

In the Hardik Gajjar directorial, Pratik Gandhi plays Rajaram Joshi, a stage artist who essays the role of Ravan in a Ram Leela presentation, the traditional performance of the Ramayana.

Bhavai is a film about two people who work in a Ram Leela and how it affects their personal life.

The 41-year-old actor said the film does not glorify Ravan.

"We aren't showing any interpretation of Ram or Ravan in the film. The film is not at all about it. That's why the team thought that if sentiments of a certain section of the society are hurt, we don't mind changing the name if that satisfies them. But I'm sure that's not the answer to the broader question. We changed the name, but will that solve anything?" Pratik told PTI.  

The audience must understand the difference between reel and real life, he added.

"Then will it be like this that if someone has played the role of Hanuman ji, he will never get married? It can't be like that. The job of an actor is to bring the story to the audience via screen. Actors also have a personal life and when the audience forgets this, that is a problem, which is the story of the film," the actor said.

Earlier in the day, director Hardik said the team is confident that Bhavai will entertain the audience.

"I am happy to honour the wishes of my stakeholders and audience, the love we have received for the film thus far is resonance of the fact that good cinema is the need of the hour. Cinema is a medium meant to entertain people and so is our film.

"Audiences have showered Pratik with love for his work and we hope that this film will only see it multiply. It's a film that is close to our hearts and we are confident that audiences will love it with all their hearts too," Hardik said in a statement earlier in the day.

Also read: Raavan Leela teaser - Scam 1992 star Pratik Gandhi delivers powerful monologue as demon king, fan says 'what performance'

Bhavai also stars Aindrita Ray, Rajendra Gupta, Rajesh Sharma and Abhimanyu Singh in pivotal roles and is set to release theatrically on October 1.

The film is presented by Dr Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios) and produced by Dhaval Jayantilal Gada, Aksshay Jayantilal Gada, Parth Gajjar and Hardik Gajjar films in association with Backbencher Pictures.

Pratik has previously acted in Hindi movies Loveyatri and Mitron and Gujarati films like Bey Yaar and Wrong Side Raju, which won the National Award for best feature film in Gujarati.

Oscars 2024: From Nominees to Red Carpet Glam! Get Exclusive Coverage on HT. Click Here

Get more updates from Bollywood, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On