"I want to make a film about Gandhian values because 'ahimsa' remains a timeless human virtue" : Anand Pandit

Veteran producer Anand Pandit has had an interesting journey. From a film aficionado without any connections in the industry, he has become a maker whose 51st production, 'Chehre' recently hit the theatres. A soft-spoken man who enjoys immense goodwill despite his success, Pandit now feels it is time to create cinema that goes beyond just entertainment and reminds people of the lofty ideals that have defined humanity since time immemorial.

According to reports, Amitabh Bachchan was highly impressed by the script and he agreed to do the film in no time. In the Rumy Jafry's directorial venture, Big B will be seen playing the lead role of a lawyer, while Hashmi will portray a business tycoon. Television actress Krystle D’Souza is also playing a pivotal role in the movie.

The film faced several delays for its release due to the restrictions amid Covid-19 pandemic. Talking about the film's theatrical release, producer Anand Pandit stated that the whole team always wanted it to be showcased in the right way only.

He said in the interview, "The team had taken great efforts and we always thought that Chehre deserved a theatrical release. We want the magnanimity of the film to be showcased in the right way and hence are excited to finally reach the audience through the cinema screens."

He says, "The people who have impacted human sensibilities and the course of history in a positive way can never be forgotten because they showed us how to be our best selves. One of them was Mahatma Gandhi who demonstrated that we could counter evil with peace, violence with non-violence and with gentle conviction, shake the world. This is why, no matter where we go in the world, Gandhi is still held up as an icon of peace. This is why the likes of Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr were inspired by him in their struggle. This is the quality I want to capture in a film. This lasting influence he had on the hearts and minds of people across the world."

Pandit says, he is reading many scripts now but one in particular that has been written by youngsters and revolves around the idea of 'Ahimsa' and Gandhian values has captured his attention, the most.

He says, "This pandemic is an eye-opener. I feel, the world will heal only when we cleanse ourselves of negativity, hate and anger and I feel it is the spirit of Gandhi that can and will help us heal ourselves and each other."