Where are the films for kids? That question haunted director Amit Rai for years. It has resulted in Dharma, his upcoming drama that tells the story of a child and a dog. “Every country makes films for kids. They are our future generations. But the condition is pathetic here. It has been 10 years since we last watched a film for kids. In my opinion, Dangal [2016] or even Sultan [2016] is a film for kids; they aren’t only enjoyable but also allow kids to imbibe values of gender equality and love for sports. But we have failed to make such movies,” laments the director.
Amit Rai with Isaac Hamon
As he set out to explore the genre, Rai found a generous collaborator in Pankaj Tripathi, the leading man of his last film OMG 2 (2023). The actor wasn’t on his mind at all as Dharma’s protagonist is a child, played by Maahi Rai. “I went to meet him and his wife after they had a [personal] tragedy. While sitting with him, I saw how his dog clung to him. So, I mentioned that I had written Dharma. He liked the story. Then over dinner one night, I gave him the full narration and he said, ‘It’s a wonderful story. Plus, you’re shooting in Bihar. I’d like to be a part of it’.”
(From left) Máté Herbai and Pankaj Tripathi on the set. Pics/Instagram
The filmmaker, however, wasn’t sure whether Tripathi was serious. That is, until the actor asked for the script two months later. “I offered him the role of a teacher, which is very important. I kept asking him about the commercials. But he never talked about it. He never said, ‘This will be my remuneration’.”
Another former collaborator of Rai shared similar enthusiasm regarding Dharma — Akshay Kumar. The director says he was touched by the superstar’s interest. “Very few stars are interested in the story above anything else. Akshay Kumar is one of them. When he learnt about Dharma, he asked me why I didn’t pitch it to him. He said, ‘You saw that my dog passed away recently. I know that sentiment. You should have narrated it to me once.’ I told him that the film wasn’t star-driven. So, I didn’t think a superstar would say yes to it.”
