‘Killing Fields’ Director to Make Period Indian Film
http://reuters.activebuddy.com/s?id=DS5B9N64HJ0
Mon 10:36 AM
BOMBAY (Reuters) - Hollywood filmmaker Roland Joffe, who directed the Oscar-winning film “The Killing Fields,” is to make a period film based on an 18th century war between British and Indian soldiers, the producer said on Monday.
The film in Hindi, Marathi and English, entitled “The Invaders,” is based on what India sees as a heroic struggle by the fierce Maratha people against British invaders in the late 18th century in what is the present day western state of Maharashtra. “Roland Joffe’s “The Killing Fields” and “The Mission” made a great impression on my mind. We wanted him to make our film,” Ajey Jhankar, chairman of Neelmudra Entertainment Limited which is producing the film, told Reuters.
The film will have Peter Rawley, who made Hollywood’s blockbuster hit “Ransom,” as executive producer.
“We suggested Roland’s name to Rawley and he worked toward getting him to agree,” said Jhankar. “We need a candid and bold treatment for this film and also beautiful frames.”
“The Killing Fields” was a stark depiction of the bloody civil war in Cambodia while “The Mission” showed a Spanish priest’s efforts to convert Brazilian Indians to Christianity.
Joffe also directed “City of Joy,” based on Dominique Lapierre’s book set in the eastern Indian city of Calcutta.
“Roland’s experience in working in India against all odds will be a major strength,” said Jhankar.