"It was always a dream to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. And to get Mr Bhansali on board for a film is for me like the ultimate for me as a producer.And this film gives me not just the chance to work with one of the finest filmmakers but also with the mighty Mr Amitabh Bachchan, " says Madhu Mantena
The project is an ambitious period film Chenab Gandhi to be made at an estimated budget of Rs 35 crores. It will feature Mr Bachchan in the title role with Vidya Balan and Hurman S Baweja playing other key roles. Sanjay Leela Bhansali will produce the film in collaboration with RPG-Sa Re Ga Ma while debutant Vibhu Puri will direct.
Says Mantena, "Mr Bhansali has done period films Devdas and Black. Both had a lot of period detailing that went a long way into making the goings-on look convincing.We hope to recreate an era in Chenab Gandhi with the same degree conviction. "
This would be the first of RPG-Sa Re Ga Ma's projects to roll off to be followed by Abbas Tyrewala's 1: 800 Love which Madhu himself is producing in collaboration with RGP-Sa Re Ga Ma.
"We also have Aparna Sen's The Japanese Wife with Rahul Bose and Raima Sen ready for which we hope to tie up with a major international company, " informs Madhu.