Rajesh Nair to Transform Bhojpuri Cinema's State and Direction

Renowned filmmaker from the South Indian film industry, Rajesh Nair, has such a profound affinity for the Bhojpuri language, culture, and soil that he has taken on the responsibility of directing the Bhojpuri film "Mahadev ka Gorakhpur." This film, produced in both Bhojpuri and Hindi, is not only set to release on March 29, 2024, simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, but also marks a significant milestone in the history of Bhojpuri cinema as it will be released in the United States for the first time in Bhojpuri language. Recently, the director of the film, Rajesh Nair, discussed this film, presenting some notable points...

**How did the transition from South cinema to the Bhojpuri industry happen?**

"I initially wanted to make this film in Hindi. However, during my research, I realized the deep-rooted love and beauty of the Bhojpuri language and dialogue delivery. Bhojpuri has a rhythm of its own. Consequently, we decided to make this film in two languages. We shot it in both Bhojpuri and Hindi, and after dubbing, it will be released in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada as well."

**How did the idea for this film come about?**

"I have a friend who is an IAS officer. He initially wrote the story. This story revolves around the tradition of Shiva. We all consider ourselves great devotees of Shiva. The question arises, are we just devotees, or are we warriors of Shiva? Mahakal has created an army to protect people. Those who realize what they need to do when the time comes. Who they are. I am also a great devotee of Shiva. I felt that this subject is very close to my heart and a beautiful film could be made on it."

**How did you contact Ravi Kishan for this film?**

"While looking for Veer Bhadra, I ended up at Ravi Kishan's doorstep. His eyes are very influential. When you see his eyes in the film, you will understand why I chose him for this film. He is a fantastic artist. In this film, he will be seen as an embodiment of Shiva's Veer Bhadra and also in the role of a police officer."

**The way Ravi Kishan's character is portrayed in the film, it seems like the story is told in two time periods.**

"The story of this film is not limited to one or two periods. You will get to see many different periods in this film. Through Ravi Kishan's portrayal of Veer Bhadra, you will witness a different era, and through his role as a police officer, you will see another era. Between these two periods, there will be many interesting versions that will entertain the audience and offer them a unique Bhojpuri cinema experience."

**Apart from Bhojpuri and Hindi, you have made this film. What are your thoughts behind releasing this film in other languages of the country?**

"'Mahadev ka Gorakhpur' is a universal subject. This film's topic is quite unique in itself. It is a film that will be liked by audiences regardless of the language it is dubbed in. From a commercial perspective, Ravi Kishan has a huge fan following in the South. Moreover, I believe that cinema cannot be bound by regions and languages. Good cinema finds its place in the hearts of audiences, no matter what region or language it belongs to."

**In conclusion, what would you like to say to the audience?**

"I would like to urge everyone to come to the theaters with their entire family and children to watch the film. There has been a misconception about Bhojpuri cinema being obscene for some time. In recent years, some people have tarnished its reputation in the lure of profit. There was a time when big stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Ajay Devgan respected Bhojpuri films greatly. I hope that through this film, the lost respect for Bhojpuri cinema will be regained."