Legendary Hollywood filmmaker Barrie M. Osborne, who produced the blockbusters "Lord of the Rings", "Matrix" and "Face Off" will make a debut in Bollywood, India's formulaic Hindi film industry.
Osborne has joined hands with well-known producer-director Shekhar Kapur, a Mumbai native, to produce "Pani" (Water), a movie aimed at Indian and international audiences. "I am working on this film with Kapur and I hope to get all the help from Bollywood," Osborne told AFP Tuesday, April 5th. The producer was in Mumbai to attend the three-day annual Bollywood industry gathering called Frames. "Pani" will be made in English and Hindi, with music by popular Bollywood musician A.R. Rahman. Reports say that actor Vivek Oberoi may play the lead role. The film is set in an imaginary city 25 years into the future where water supplies have dried up. The plot revolves around how water is used like currency with the rich owning whatever water is available. For Osborne, Indian cinema holds strong growth opportunities. "India can become the focus of the world cinema if it makes a film that has a story of international appeal," he said. "I feel the way 'Lord of the Rings' became catalyst for cinema in New Zealand, Indian cinema can also go the same way." Osborne said he would make use of new animation technology for "Pani". "We will have animation technology in the film. We plan to introduce computer graphics and all other skills in this film as this is a very contemporary film and everyone will like it," he said. "With the development of technology, I am confident that there will be more developments in India on creative and visual effects work," a optimistic Osborne, who is keen to start work on "Pani", added. He did not reveal the budget of the movie. Osborne said his interest in Bollywood started a few years back when he first saw a movie made by veteran Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray. "I was very impressed with Ray's work and I have been to Madras, Hyderabad and now I am happy to be in Bombay (Mumbai)," he said. Ray is the only Indian filmmaker to be recognised with an Oscar. The Academy of Motion Pictures awarded him the prize for lifetime achievement in 1992. Kapur has been working on the script of "Pani" for more than two years now and the filmmaker is Bollywood's most admired export to Hollywood. His 1999 directorial "Elizabeth: The Virgin Queen" was nominated in a series of categories at the Oscars, including best picture and best actress. It however won the Oscar for best make-up. Kapur is also reported to be directing a film based on the life of the South African leader, Nelson Mandela. "We are working on the final draft of the script. I am committed to this project which will be produced by the South African government," Kapur was quoted as saying in an interview last year. ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Has someone you know been affected by illness or disease? Network for Good is THE place to support health awareness efforts! http://us.click.yahoo.com/pKxVKC/UOnJAA/n1hLAA/iyUplB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Explore, Experience, Enjoy A.R.Rahman - The Man, The Music, The Magic. Only at arrahmanfans - The definitive A.R.Rahman e-community. Homepage: http://www.arrahmanfans.com To Subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arrahmanfans/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
