The upcoming film ‘Patna Shuklla,’ helmed by Vivek Budakoti, is set to cast a scathing light on the pervasive education scam centered around manipulated roll numbers in India, depicting its detrimental impact on the life paths of countless genuine students.
Veteran Bollywood actor Arbaaz Khan, who is also the producer of ‘Patna Shuklla,’ shed light on his decision to stay behind the scenes rather than stepping into the limelight alongside co-star Raveena Tandon. During a candid discussion with ANI, Khan unveiled the rationale behind opting out of the acting roster for the project. He explained that his main focus was not to interrupt his producer duties by taking on an acting role, especially if it meant compromising the film’s integrity in terms of casting.
Khan explained that his decision was underpinned by an unwavering commitment to attaining the perfect fit for the film’s characters. He emphasized his conscious choice to value suitable casting over his personal desire to act, stating, “Why I never considered myself because firstly I didn’t think that I was at that point I am the apt choice for it. Like in a wish list there is a priority that if everyone refused because of any reason, dates or they didn’t understand the role then I always had that option as a producer that I fit that scenario where I could appear from the same era. But I didn’t want to distract myself from the fact that I was concentrating more on casting right and giving my time and energy to the film and not getting distracted by playing a role in it.”
Arbaaz Khan emphasized the gravity he places on justice and fairness in his capacity as a film producer, recalling his past experience with the film ‘Dolly Ki Doli.’ Although he had the opportunity to cast himself in one of the lead roles, he chose not to, as he believed other actors were better suited for those parts at the time.
Within ‘Patna Shuklla,’ the audience will witness Raveena Tandon donning the mantle of a sharp lawyer, with the film featuring a talented roster that includes the late actor Satish Kaushik and Manav Vij. Khan revealed the thought process behind casting Manav Vij, who is known for intense and action-packed roles. He recounted their time together while working on ‘Tanav’ and how he perceived Vij’s vulnerability and warmth in person, which ultimately led him to offer him the part in ‘Patna Shuklla.’
The film’s narrative promises to bring to the fore a pressing social issue while weaving the characters’ personal stories into the larger fabric of the education scam plotline. It stands as a testament to Khan’s commitment to artistic excellence and responsible storytelling.
The anticipation for ‘Patna Shuklla’ has been mounting, as fans and critics alike are eager to explore the film’s narrative complexity and social commentary. The film is scheduled to be available for streaming on an OTT platform, entertaining and enlightening audiences from March 29.
‘Patna Shuklla’ represents a daring exploration of an urgent societal ill, with Khan’s deliberate and mindful approach to casting and production highlighting a broader industry conversation about authenticity in art and the moral imperatives of film-making. As the film readies to debut, it is set to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of socially impactful cinema.
