Five reasons to watch ‘Gumnaami’

Srijit Mukherji’s much talked-about ‘Gumnaami’, based on the theories regarding Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s ‘disappearance’, is all geared up for an October 2 release. The thriller, starring Prosenjit Chatterjee, Anirban Bhattacharya and Tanusree Chakraborty in the lead, attempts to unearth many truths related to Netaji’s life, offering an ambiguous ending. The controversy regarding the death of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India’s most prominent freedom fighters, refuses to die down even after all these years and ‘Gumnaami’ is the latest example. Ahead of the film’s grand release we take a look at five interesting aspects floating around Srijit’s film and these points show us why ‘Gumnaami’ is a must watch.

Srijit Mukherji, the national award winning director insists his film doesn’t claim to say that Netaji was Gumnami Baba himself. Even the title of the film is ‘Gumnaami’, not Gumnaami Baba. “A filmmaker has to ask questions, not to give answers. So I didn’t give any verdict or answer. I have only followed the Mukherjee Commission proceedings and the debates and questions that arose out of these three theories. In the end, I have also quoted the commission where it debunked the plane crash theory but also said that there is no clinching evidence that proves 'Gumnami Baba' was Netaji,” explains Srijit.

What’s the source material of Srijit’s movie? Some have said it’s based on the Mukherjee Commission proceedings and some others claim it’s based on the book ‘Conundrum’. However, Srijit clarifies: “The movie is primarily based on the Mukherjee Commission proceedings. But while researching on the Gumnaami baba theory, I have referred to Conundrum as well as many other books, including India’s Biggest Cover-up.”

“There won’t be any confusion for the audience. In fact, the film is based on three theories regarding Netaji’s death — the plane crash theory, the death in Russia one and the Gumnaami Baba theory. Since these theories are based around one person, the same actor essaying multiple roles will be easier for the audience to compare,” explains the director.

The controversy surrounding Anirban Bhattacharya’s next release ‘Gumnaami’ hasn’t affected him too much. Anirban plays the second most important character in the film after Prosenjit Chatterjee. He will be seen as the print journalist Chandrachur Dhar which is a fictionalized new character in Srijit Mukherji’s film. “Frankly speaking, initially I didn’t know about the Gumnaami Baba theory. Also, prior to this film, my knowledge of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was limited. I was not much aware of the controversies surrounding Netaji’s disappearance. See, now everything can spark a controversy. Anyone can say anything. As long as the debates are restricted to social media, it’s ok. And there is no pressure of controversy on me. Controversy doesn’t help any actor. Instead, I have faith in my director and his vision,” said Anirban.

“Never in my wildest dreams had I thought of getting a chance to play such a character, but it’s also true that I am approached by directors only when they have a challenging role in hand. I also believe any actor in the world will agree to portray a global icon like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose,” says Prosenjit Chatterjee who will be seen in the titular role in ‘Gumnaami’. He had to undergo a prosthetic makeup that took three to four hours to perfect the looks of Netaji and Gumnaami Baba, “For me, it was more challenging to become Netaji, as I don’t have the same physical built or look like him,” adds the Tollywood superstar.