BAHRAIN’S scenic views, from beaches to historic forts, will form the background for an upcoming Bollywood film expected to start production next year, according to an Indian filmmaker and writer.
The rom-com will feature Bollywood and Bahraini actors, and aims to promote the kingdom as an ideal locale for budding filmmakers.
This was revealed exclusively to the GDN by Zanané Rajsingh, who was in the country to attend the Bahrain Film Festival which concluded last week.
The event was organised by the Bahrain Cinema Club under the theme ‘Celebrating the Art of Film-making’, and attended by iconic Arab movie stars.
The third edition of the festival was opened by Information Affairs Minister Dr Ramzan Al Nuaimi and was held 100 years after the introduction of cinema in the kingdom.
“Bahrain is an amazing location from a filmmaker’s point of view because there are forts, the Tree of Life and other historic sites that can be beautifully captured and used for songs and dances that you know are a staple for a Bollywood film,” said Mr Rajsingh.
Script
“I am planning two feature films in Bahrain with Bahraini and Bollywood actors and we expect to finalise a script and start production by February.”
The film will mostly be shot in Arabic, with some Hindi dialogues.
“I cannot reveal more details, but it’s a romantic comedy.”
Mr Rajsingh also spoke about plans of the yet-to-be-announced Bahrain Film Commission that will aim to rope in Bollywood actors to shoot tourism commercials to attract visitors to the kingdom.
“The planned commission is keen to attract Indian filmmakers to explore this untouched kingdom, and this campaign is backed by the local tourism and culture authorities.
“I am already in talks with Bollywood actors to promote Bahrain tourism through a special TV commercial and the list includes Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, comedian Zakir Naik and other celebrities.”
The filmmaker has executed several Indian and international projects.
His debut film, Beyond Blue – An Unnerving Tale of a Demented Mind, world premiered at the 68th Festival de Cannes-Marche Du Film in 2015.
His second film, Colorbaaj, a Gujarati film,was released in 2017 following which he moved to Dubai to work on international projects.
He worked with Visioneers, a production house under the UAE Prime Minister’s Office, and was an executive producer on an Egyptian TV show Mabrouk Ateya featuring some well-known Egyptian celebrities.
He then worked as a creative producer on a 30-episodes Arabic TV show called Al Sununu, featuring the legendary Yasser Al Azmah.
He also produced television shows/documentaries for MBC, Nat Geo and Discovery Arabia.
He has also co-written an Indo-Arabic feature film starring Bahrain’s favourite actor/comedian Ahmed Sharif tentatively titled 31.
The film is produced by Visioneers and Mova Productions and is currently being shot in Dubai and India.
The plot revolves around three bosses who are facing racist allegations and are in India to find Ramesh, the complainant, to convince him to drop the charges and bring him back to Dubai.
“I would like to have a similar genre of shows or films here that has a mix of Bahraini and Bollywood actors,” said Mr Rajsingh, who has visited the kingdom in the past.
“Everyone is watching films on OTT, but I strongly feel if we produce such content, it will drive locals to the cinema halls in the same way they go and watch any top Bollywood film.
“I am working closely with Bahraini authorities who are keen to work on these projects that will help promote tourism.”
The 35-year-old added that such joint initiatives help local professionals or talents to work with their Indian counterparts, and even attract Indian investors.
The filmmaker is currently working on three projects to be released next year. This includes Morpankh, written and directed by him and produced by Aayush Mehta.
There are also two mini shows No Love Please! (NLP) and The Blue Bird.
NLP, which he has co-produced, is a light-hearted show that highlights how anxiety and depression among the younger generation has risen to new heights all because of excessive access to information floating around on social media.
It revolves around 24-year-old Nirvana, who undertakes an online learning course of NeuroLinguistic Programming during the Covid-19 lockdown.
She opens her own therapy clinic at home. Over the course of four episodes, she undergoes her own personal issues and breakdown while giving therapy to Gen-Z patients.
The Blue Bird revolves around a young chef who has to deal with insubordinate kitchen staff, and her strained family relationship with her sister – all the while grappling with the impact of her father’s death.
The GDN previously reported about Bahrain’s opening up to the film industry, and destination Pearlywood could prove an additional attraction to lure film crews looking for an ideal location.
The new Bahrain Tourism Strategy for 2022-2026, also focuses on the development of waterfronts, sea leisure activities, business, sport and medical tourism.
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
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