Director, Farukh Kabir is ready with his movie Allah Ke Bandey. The movie is based on juvenile delinquency and society’s apathy toward them. We spoke to Farukh amidst his busy post-production schedules. He spoke candidly about the cast, crew and the difficulty of dealing with such subjects.
What gave you the idea to make a film on juvenile delinquency?
I read a lot of newspaper reports and follow general media coverage about the issue. I backed myself up with copious amounts of research, including meeting kids with criminal backgrounds, who found themselves locked in jails with no chance of reform. That and my desire to generate awareness regarding this social anomaly drove me to make this film.
What led you to cast Sharman Joshi, an actor better known for comedic performances in a somber role as a hardened criminal?
It was his dedication. Sharman read the script and he was excited to do the role. He worked a lot on the ‘look’ of the character and was in character even after the shooting was done.
How was the experience of working with Naseeruddin Shah?
It was an absolute thrill when he liked my script. He plays the reformatory warden. Suffice to say he is simply fantastic in the film.
Why cast Marathi actors as the boys in the films?
Well these two boys who play slum boys Yakub and Vijay have done a lot of theater and I needed actors who could respond to the senior actors like Naseer.
Is there scope for music in the film?
Yes, very much so. We have recorded a fantastic score in various countries like Turkey, Israel, Africa, with a special song composed and sung by Ameth Mal, a popular Afro singer. All the songs composed don’t have the conventional Hindi film instruments.
What made you cast yourself in the film?
Actually the character which I play in the film was refused by almost all the 105 actors we auditioned and so finally I had to cast myself.
Do the leading ladies have any scope in such a subject?
Yes, definitely! Both my leading ladies Rukhsar and Anjana Sukhani have substantial roles and have done a wonderful job.
What message do you want to give from the film?
I don’t want to sound preachy but my only good intention is to make the people aware of these wayward kids who take to crime and get the concerned authorities to take notice to reform them and provide them with a good future.