GANGTOK, August 7: ‘Acharya’, a film based on the life story of Bhajan Siromani Bhakta Raj Acharya of Nepal will be the first maiden venture under the banner of a newly launched production house Silk Route Pictures of Sikkim.
The official announcement of the launch was made at a local hotel here today, which was also attended by Mr. Acharya’s two sons.
Filmmaker Prashant Rasaily, one of the finalists of the reality show Gateway to Hollywood, will be directing and scripting the movie. Mr. Rasaily has also worked as Assistant to reputed Bollywood film director, Anurag Basu in the Hrithik Roshan starrer, “Kites.”
“It is our honour to make a movie based on the life of a legendary singer like Bhakta Raj Acharya,” said Roshan Rai, the Managing Director of Silk Route Pictures while addressing the press today.
The initial cost of the film has been estimated at Rs 25 lakhs which may vary once the film gets on the floor, Mr Rai added.
A strong storyline and high standards of filmmaking from Mr. Rasaily are the two factors which made Silk Route Pictures to make the movie, said the MD.
Addressing the media, Mr. Rasaily said although the movie would be an off beat one, the struggle which Mr. Acharya went throughout his life would be the gist of the film. The movie will be shot in 2K digital cinema format, he said.
Since Bhakta Raj Acharya spent few years in Sikkim during the early 70s, the viewers will be seeing the then Gangtok on screen, Mr Rasaily said. He added the film will be shot in most of the locations in Dooars, Sikkim and Nepal where Bhakta Raj Acharya spent his life. The shooting of the movie is likely to get started from the month of November and will hit the screen next year.
It is also informed that the auditions for the local artists would be soon held and the best will be picked up for the film.
Speaking on the music, Mr. Rasaily said the original compositions of Mr. Acharya will be used in the film.
Satyaraj Acharya, who will be playing his father’s character, said the role will be one of his biggest challenges.
Bhakta Raj Acharya is one of the few acclaimed singers of Nepal who later suffered from tongue cancer which put a stop to his singing.
