Hot on the heels of the box office triumph that was Gadar 2: The Katha Continues, director Anil Sharma has been industriously carving out his new cinematic venture, Journey, featuring the formidable talent of Nana Patekar. Slated to complete its production by the end of March, Journey is presently poised to enter its final phase of filming in the bustling city of Mumbai. A narrative rich in familial bonds, this father-son drama, with its roots deeply entrenched in the cultural tapestry of Uttar Pradesh, is set to feature a nautanki song in its upcoming schedule. This traditional folk art form, a staple of North Indian culture, promises to add authenticity and vibrancy as the backdrop for the unfolding on-screen story.
The dynamic cast includes Kushboo Sundar, portraying Patekar’s spouse, and Utkarsh Sharma, who steps into the role of his son, piloting the story to explore the nuanced dynamics of familial ties. Presently, in a North Mumbai studio, craftsmen and designers are hard at work, constructing a set that brings to life the colorful essence of Varanasi, the city immortalized by its spiritual fervor and architectural splendor.
A confidant from within the creative team disclosed the details of the upcoming schedule, sharing that filming would commence on March 20th and extend over a period of two weeks. Alongside capturing dialogue-driven scenes with the principle actors, a considerable portion of this time frame will be dedicated to filming the nautanki number. Mithoon, the acclaimed music composer, has already crafted a rhythmic and engaging tune, designed to echo the unique soundscapes typical of the folk genre. Muneesh Sappel, the production designer, is responsible for the set’s visual allure, ensuring it encapsulates the lively spirit of a traditional nautanki. Entrusted with the visual storytelling through dance, choreographer Shabina Khan has received Sharma’s directions to create a performance that is not only colorful and full of life but also representative of the spirit that embodies the city of Varanasi.
The rich canvas of Journey’s narrative paints across three distinctive cities: the holy ghats of Varanasi, the snow-kissed beauty of Shimla, and the metropolitan pulse of Mumbai. While the initial phase of shooting was held at real locations within Varanasi to capture its authentic ambiance, the crew later spent a substantial period of 25 days filming in Shimla this past January. Once they wrap in Mumbai, the post-production phase will kick off, with the objective to have the film ready for audience consumption in the latter portion of 2024. Hopeful to release the film during a festive weekend in either October or November, the release is being targeted to capitalize on the holiday spirit.
For Sharma, the joy of his directorial endeavor is accentuated by his collaborative experience with Nana Patekar. Sharma professed his admiration for Patekar, praising him as an extraordinary thespian, unequivocally immersed in the life and breath of “Journey.” For half a year, Patekar has dedicated his professional concentration exclusively to the world of the film, embracing an approach where ebullient discussions on the intricacies of scenes occur prior to filming, while the set remains exclusively a space for action.
The anticipated festival release aims to celebrate the tapestry of relationships that are central to the Indian experience, while also offering a tribute to the rich cultural heritage through its cinematic expressions and traditional melodies. With the inclusion of nautanki, the film “Journey” embarks on a venture to weave modern storytelling with the threads of artistic tradition that continue to captivate audiences across generations.
