The movie ‘Raagdesh’, set for release on July 28, will be pre-screened for the outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Saturday. The film is a tribute to the Indian National Army and the patriotism of its officers in the pre-independence period of turbulence, showcasing the Red Fort trials three of INA officers. The film features Featuring Kunal Kapoor, Mohit Marwah and Amit Sadh and is directed by National Award winner Tigmanshu Dhulia. It was producer Gurdeep Singh Sappal who was keen on having it screened for the President before his term ends to honour the heroes and their story, and he was excited when his wish was granted.
He said in a statement: “It was only befitting that the first screening of the film, produced by Rajya Sabha TV, be held for the President of India. We were fortunate and grateful that the President granted our wish.” Mohit Marwah also expressed excitement at the opportunity, adding that it was an honour to meet the President and have his work screened at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Kunal Kapoor is set to attend the screening, as is Dhulia and the producers. Amit Sadh is in London and will not be able to attend. Mohit also added that they would do a parade from Vijay Chowk from where they will head to the President’s house, in an activity to recreate the 1940s era.
The movie Raagdesh is a period drama based on the trial and court-martial of three INA officers Colonel Prem Sehgal, Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, Major General Shah Nawaz Khan. The INA was Subhash Chandra Bose’s standing army that fought the British on the Burma front for India’s independence. The movie promises a faithful reproduction of the drama that unfolded during the trials, and it has been reported that teams of researchers spent almost an year to put together a historically accurate plot after meeting with historians, family members and putting together other accounts.
