MUMBAI: Ram Madhvani's upcoming series, The Waking of a Nation, has an unique filming process that sets it apart from other shows and films. He employed a distinctive approach not just in filming but also in meticulously casting the actors to capture the essence and authenticity of the story. Talking about his methods of shooting, he delves into the innovative filming technique that breathes life to this series.
"I’ve often been told that I’m an actor’s director. I am truly in service of my actor. I believe in the landscape of the human face. When we tested these actors, I found that there was a freshness to them along with an innocence and hunger, which suited the script. To add to that, the way I shoot is quite different than what most actors are used to. I shoot in what we call 360 style, where I take extremely long shots, almost documentary-style, to get to the truth of the moment. In fact, for The Waking of a Nation, the longest shot I have taken is 90 minutes! So firstly, these actors needed to have excellent memory because they needed to remember the lines. I needed actors who would not only be good actors but who knew how to not ‘act’ and who would submit to my 360 degree system. I am really happy with the truth and emotion and soul that these young actors have brought to The Waking of a Nation."
Set against the backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Kantilal Sahni, played by Taaruk Raina, a lawyer, is thrust into a web of colonial deceit. A committee was set up to investigate the massacre known as the Hunter Commission headed by Lord Hunter. Kantilal grapples with racism, whitewashing , and the fight for truth. Bound by an unshakable childhood friendship, Kantilal and his companions (Sahil Mehta as Ali Allahbaksh, Bhawsheel Singh as Hari Singh Aulakh and Nikita Dutta as Poonam, Hari’s wife), despite clashing ideologies, unravel a conspiracy that reshapes their fate. In a world where justice is a mirage, will they expose the hidden truths or be consumed by them? You know about the massacre but do you know about the conspiracy .
The Waking of the Nation is produced by Ram Madhvani and Amita Madhvani under the Ram Madhvani Films banner. The series features a stellar ensemble cast, including Taaruk Raina, Nikita Dutta, Sahil Mehta, Bhawsheel Singh, Alex Reece, and Paul McEwan amongst others. Written by Shantanu Srivastava and Shatrujeet Nath and Ram Madhvani, the show promises a compelling blend of historical intrigue, friendship, and the power struggles that shaped the massive investigation.
Mark your calendars as The Waking of a Nation premiers on 7th March exclusively on Sony LIV!
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