Mahesh Manjrekar Reveals He Left Savarkar Bopic Because Of Randeep Hooda: 'There’s A Difference Between Sincerity And Obsession'

In a recent interview, Mahesh Manjrekar revealed that he left 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' because of Randeep Hooda's interference in the script.

New Delhi: Actor Randeep Hooda will be seen playing Savarkar in his upcoming film 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar'. The actor is also making his directorial debut with the film, which was originally supposed to be directed by Mahesh Manjrekar. In fact Manjrekar was a part of the film for more than a year before he officially quit the project. In a recent interview, the director revealed the reason behind leaving the film midway. 

In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Manjrekar shared that it was originally his project, and he brought the producers on board and then cast Randeep for the role but eventually, the actor started interfering a lot and wanted to make multiple changes. 

“I met Randeep and I saw that he’s quite sincere and was involved with the subject. We had a couple of meetings. He read several books related to the freedom struggle, World Wars etc. I found it quite interesting. The first draft was read out to him. He had a few issues and that was okay. Then even during the second draft, he had some objections. I told him, ‘If this is what’s going to happen, there will be a problem in the film’. He assured me that once the script is locked, he won’t question anything,” Mahesh told Bollywood Hungama. 

Mahesh also said that the actor wanted to include elements of Hitler, the King of England, the Prime Minister of England in the film. According to Mahesh, Randeep also wanted to include factually incorrect episodes in the film, like a scene between Bhagat Singh and Savarkar. 

Mahesh stated that Randeep got ‘too involved’ in the project and kept interfering in the script and direction part. 

He then started telling him that I can shoot in a particular way and then put the dissolve transition. I was like, ‘Now he’s telling me how to make films’. I made it clear that I am going to direct my way. I also realized that he’s not letting me work. I met the producers. They have been nice to me. I told them, ‘This film won’t be made if we both are a part of it. So, it’s either me or him in the film’. Maybe now they are realizing that they made a wrong decision.” Mahesh told Bollywood Hungama. 

He also said that he doesn't question Randeep Hooda’s sincerity, but it changed into obsession.  

“It was my story. I wanted to make the film my way. That is why I got the producers on board. I am not questioning Randeep’s sincerity. But there’s a difference between sincerity and obsession,” he added. 

'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' is directed and co-written by Randeep Hooda with Utkarsh Naithani.