Ranjit Thakur
Jammu and Kashmir has increasingly become a sought-after destination for filmmakers due to its stunning landscapes, natural beauty, and the warmth of its people. One such film that recently made waves is JAMMU 86 GANGWAR, a Punjabi feature film that brings the local story of gang wars in Jammu to the big screen. Directed by Rajesh Raja, the film features Bollywood stars Shakti Kapoor, Shahbaz Khan, and Tanvir Dar, alongside over 80 talented actors from Jammu. The entire film was shot in just 30 days across the breathtaking landscapes of Jammu.
Excelsior Correspondent Ritesh Gupta spoke to film director Rajesh Raja to gain insights into the making of the film and his experience of filming in the beautiful region of Jammu.
Excerpts of Interview:
Ritesh: First of all, congratulations on the success of JAMMU 86 GANGWAR. It has received a good response from the public. What inspired you to make this film, especially given the many potential topics that could have been explored?
Rajesh Raja: Thank you so much! Well, I’m not new to Jammu and have been working here for quite some time now. I’ve three films before this, but JAMMU 86 GANGWAR is my first as a director. I spent around three to four years researching the topic before writing the script and finally making the film. I felt it important to showcase a local story and give people a glimpse into a subject that’s not often explored in mainstream cinema.
Ritesh: You’ve chosen a rather intense topic for your film, focusing on gang wars in Jammu. Why did you decide to tell this particular story, even though there are many other themes you could have explored?
Rajesh Raja: I was born in Jammu, and this land has always held a special place in my heart. This film is my way of repaying that debt to the place that shaped me. The subject matter, though intense, is very much grounded in reality. Jammu is often misrepresented, and I felt it was important to bring out a local story in a true light. The film features over 80 local artists, and we shot at 30 different locations around the region. It has been three weeks since the film released, and the overwhelming support from the people of Jammu has been heart-warming.
Ritesh: Casting is always one of the most challenging aspects of filmmaking. Was the casting process for this film difficult, especially with so many local actors involved?
Rajesh Raja: I’ve been in the film industry for many years, and casting Bollywood stars was not as challenging for me. However, casting local artists was a bit more demanding. It was tough to find the right fit for the characters, but I’m very happy with the performances of all the local artists. They truly brought the characters to life. Also, I want to mention that this film, which is a mix of Punjabi and Dogri, has also been made available in Pakistan because of the linguistic similarities.
Ritesh: Jammu and Kashmir has produced many famous Bollywood actors over the years, and many people were hoping for a local superstar like Mukesh Rishi to be a part of this project. Can you shed some light on this?
Rajesh Raja: Yes, I did speak to Mukesh Rishi about joining the project, but due to a scheduling conflict, he couldn’t be a part of it. However, I’m hopeful that we will work together on another project in the future. He’s an incredibly talented actor, and I would love to collaborate with him soon.
Ritesh: The Government has recently launched a new film policy for Jammu and Kashmir. What are your thoughts on this initiative?
Rajesh Raja: At this point, we haven’t received much support from the Government, but I sincerely hope that they start assisting filmmakers, especially new directors who are making low-budget films. If the Government steps in and provides support, we can ensure more films are made and reach a wider audience. Additionally, I believe there should be a formal recognition of the Jammu Film Industry. People should start appreciating and supporting their local actors and artists, just like they do in other regions. If this doesn’t happen, it will be hard to take the industry to new heights. In 50 years, we’ve only produced 12 films, and that speaks volumes.
Ritesh: In your opinion, what was the most challenging part of making this film?
Rajesh Raja: The most difficult part was releasing the film in theatres. We finished the film two years ago, but due to the unavailability of theatres at the time, the release kept getting delayed. I really hope the Government can step in and help filmmakers get their films released on time. Access to theatres is a key issue, and resolving this would help boost the local film industry.
Ritesh: What are your upcoming projects? Are you planning to continue working in Jammu?
Rajesh Raja: I have two projects lined up, specifically for Jammu, but I’m hesitant to proceed due to the lack of support from the Government. The finances, script, and artists are all ready, but if we don’t get proper assistance, it’s very difficult to continue making films here. I hope the Government will provide the necessary support so that we can make these projects a reality. I truly want the Jammu and Kashmir film industry to grow, but without proper backing, it will be challenging. If the situation remains the same, the industry may not survive in the long term.
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