‘Wicked, Hilarious, Bizarre’ are the words that Girish Malik picks to define his next directorial venture- Band of Maharajas. His earlier film JAL, which was also his directorial debut film, is in the last leg of post-production and garnering exceptionally good response from the people who have seen the excerpts. Through ‘Band of Maharajas’, Malik is all set to launch Iconic Sufi singer and Padamshree Awardee Hansraj Hans’s son Navraj Hans. Malik’s company ‘One World Film Pvt. Ltd.’ will also be producing the film along with the soon to be released JAL.
Malik is all praise for his latest find and defines him to be a perfect combination of talent, good looks and an earthy charm. He found Navraj to be very talented and just apt for the role when he saw him performing in UK. Navraj has also inherited his father’s musical genes and is a very talented singer and musician, which complements his role in the film which is about three rural folk singers from Punjab, who form a bizzare band and become an unexpected sensation. Navraj is quite kicked about the plot of the film and has been preparing for his role since months. The shooting for the film is slated to begin soon.
Malik explains, the music of the film is a character in itself. The title track of the film has been sung by Mika, Jassi, Hansraj Hans and Stereo Nation’s Taz. They are also planning to bring the best dhol talents of the world to the Indian audience. The film gets you into a world that’s never been seen before in Indian cinema, a crazy mix of realistic and cult.
Malik has taken up completely opposite genres in his two films JAL and Band of Maharajas. He explains- “I want to make films that touch people’s heart. I have many stories to tell which span across different genres, societies and emotions. According to me, Big stories make big films, and not big stars.”
Girish Malik’s JAL stars the internationally acclaimed actress Tanishtha Chatterjee, Purab Kohli, Mukul Dev, Yashpal Sharma and a host of other very talented actors. It also features an amazing team of foreign actors: Saidah Jules, Gary Richardson and Elena Kazan, who play pivotal roles in the film. The subject of the film and Girish’s vision really impressed the immensely talented Sonu Nigam and Tabla maestro Bickram Ghosh and they decided to start their bollywood journey as a music director with JAL.
There have been reports of some major film festivals showing interest in the film which addresses issues affecting our environment and ecosystems. Malik however chooses to remain tightlipped about any such developments. Talking about JAL, Malik elaborates JAL is the story of a water diviner, a man who knows how to find water in the desert. He is the only hope for the thirsty villagers & as it turns out, even for the European ecologist, Kim, who comes to the desert to save the endangered Flamingos. The birds need water and so do the villagers. Whose life is more important? In spite of having an issue based subject, the film is an entertainer with a soul.
One World Films have big plans for the coming year as well. As of now, the plan is to make three films every year. Their objective- to bring unheard stories and unseen worlds form India to the attention of film aficionados all over the world.
