“Das Capital - Gulamon Ki Rajdhani”, a film that was envisioned in the 90s, scripted over a couple of decades, shot in 2012 is releasing for viewing on OTT Platform – Cinemapreneur. The film is the labour of love of renowned and celebrated Indian cinematographer Rajen Kothari who passed away in 2012 soon after the film was shot.
Das Capital is an envisioning of rural north India and sets the canvas for the protagonist – Purshottam Ram played by Yashpal Sharma who is torn between his duties toward his family, his corrupt employers and a corrupt political system. The plot employs dramatic performances by a stellar cast including that of Pratibha Sharma, Jameel Khan, K.K. Raina, Ravi Jhankal, Manoj Pahwa, Seema Pahwa, Anupam Shyam, Rajpal Yadav among others who form a part of the ensemble and seamlessly bring forth the characters that form vital ingredients in the film.
Shaiwal, the film’s writer gave an account of his experience with the film, and said “Das Capital is an amalgamation of my short stories 'Arth Tantra' and 'Akvan Ka Coat'. Set in the '80s the film is a journey of a lower-middle-class Dalit man Purshottam who works as a cashier in a block office in the backdrop of grassroot bureaucracy which is corrupt, incompetent and inhuman.”
Pratik Rajen Kothari, the chief AD of the film shares his experiences, added “I am truly happy that my father's last work is finally getting its voice, against all odds. Apart from acting in the film, I was closely associated with the making of the film, right from pre-production to the release. What this film has taught me is priceless. I am just grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey.”
Muktinath Upadhayaya, the producer of the film says, “Today's global scenario is that of capitalism. The capitalistic way of life has turned us human beings into skeletons. It doesn't stop there. We will soon start to exploit the skeleton too for our benefits. Set in the '80s somewhere in Bihar, Das Capital was the journey of a common man trapped in the web of grassroots capitalism and his struggle for existence. Purshottam's story has a largely universal context. He, as a common man, finds himself trapped in the vicious circle which has an unfortunate bearing on his family. I loved the script that Mr Shaiwal had written and instantaneously wanted to back the film.”
Dayal Nihalani, co-director of the film laments, “Das Capital is Rajen Kothari's world. A mysterious world of ordinary people.”
Yashpal Sharma, lead actor of the film, shares his experiences, “Set in Bihar, Das Capital- Gulamon ki Rajdhani is a slap in the faces of people who are party to scams of thousands of crores. This film has a special place in my heart. One of the reasons being Mr Rajen Kothari (director) and Mr Shaiwal (writer). Now that the film is releasing on an OTT platform, I am very happy and excited. I am sure Late Rajenji would also be happy up there. I am grateful to the entire team without whose support and cooperation we wouldn't have been able to make this film.”
The film was directed by Rajen Kothari and Dayal Nihalani, and music has been composed by Amod Bhatt and the background score was produced by Mangesh Dhakde. Das Capital was produced by Muktinath Upadhayaya and written by Shaiwal who also worked as a dialogue consultant on Manjhi - The Mountain Man.
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