Yet another film based on a small town boy from Bihar. In reality, the lead actor in this film, Imran Zahid also belongs to Bihar’s Nawada district.
The film mainly explores the dynamic of success and failure in life through the story of its protagonist, a simple and naive village boy from Bihar who eventually goes on to top the IAS examination.
The film is inspired by Govind Jaiswal, the son of a rickshaw puller who became an IAS officer in 2007. To prepare for this role, Zahid met Govind Jaiswal and felt “it was enlightening as well as hugely inspiring to meet Jaiswal.”
Talking to The Statesman Zahid said: ”Jaiswal shared some nuggets from his life that gave me a better perspective of his character and willpower.”
Deep diving into the storyline, the film entitled “Ab Dilli Dur Nahin” , is an emotional drama which is ready to release, chronicling the pinnacle rise of a small town boy from Bihar, Abhay Shukla.
Hailing from a family reeling under hardship, Abhay embarks upon his journey to Delhi , with the intent to appear in the IAS examination. Abhay’s entire endeavour is to enable his family to fight its way out of the clutches of poverty.
Abhay’s path is riddled with insurmountable hurdles, starting from rigid societal norms and political issues to cultural ironies. The narrative is largely based on Abhay’s fundamental struggle of becoming an IAS officer and all hardships that he goes through during this phase.
Actor Imran Zahid has widely acted in reputed plays such as “The Last Salute”, based on Iraqi journalist Muntadhar Al-Zaidi’s book, The Last Salute to President Bush. In addition, he has performed in several other plays based on director Mahesh Bhatt’s movies like Arth, Daddy and Hamari Adhuri Kahani.
Zahid being a native of Bihar his understanding and sinking into the character ‘s trials and tribulations came naturally.
The film is written by Dinesh Gautam who believes , “ in the times where superheroes are hailed and a commoner is ignored, this is a tale of how a village boy rises from the destitute to surprise the society and change the way he is looked at.
The film has been produced by an acclaimed producer Vinay Bhardwaj. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Bhardwaj has so far produced many projects such as feature films – Dushman, Pehchaan and others.
The film is also a love story, with Ajay’s love interest playing a key role in his journey. Actress Shruti Sodhi has been roped in to play a Punjabi girl studying MBBS opposite Zahid’s character. Shruti has also worked in Punjabi films like – Happy Go Lucky, Mr & Mrs 420, Dil Vil Pyar Vyaar.
The film has been mostly shot in and around Delhi at places like Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi University, Kamla Nagar, Rajendra Nagar, Tihar Jail and Connaught Place and some parts of Noida also.
Interestingly, costumes of the film have been designed by inmates of Tihar jail under the mentorship of the designer Winky Singh. The film is slated to release in theatres on May 12, 2023.
“We are planning to present our film poster to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Tejshwi Prasad Yadav on the occasion of Bihar Diwas on March 24,” said Zahid.
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