‘I loved Newton’s ideologies and principles’
Do our duties end with voting? Aren’t we, as responsible citizens, supposed to be constantly aware and vigilant? Shouldn’t we make sure that we do something good for society? These were the questions that came to director Amit Masurkar’s mind when he decided to make a film in this space. What followed was extensive research, as the film is not a regular drama. Newton narrates the story of a government clerk, named Newton Kumar, who is sent as a volunteer to conduct elections in the middle of a Naxalite-Maoist dominated jungle in Chhattisgarh.
But wait before you think that this is a serious film. Amit says it’s not. “The story has a humorous connect. Somewhere along the film, everyone will feel connected with this hard-working, honest and sincere soul. Yes, it’s inspired by real life. In fact, a district collector had showed us a letter written by one of the polling party members and the situations described in it is much like the film,” he says.
Rajkummar Rao aka Newton feels that this is one character that has not been shown on the Indian screen for a very long time. “Shahid was probably the last idealistic character I saw and, of course, portrayed. For Newton, I loved his ideologies and principles. And, most importantly, the interesting backdrop that the film has,” he adds.
According to Pankaj Tripathi, who plays the role of Aatma Singh, the film is a seriously done comedy. “You’ll laugh and enjoy at the same time. It’s not a brainless drama. I would ask the audience to bring their brains to the theatre,” adds Pankaj.
Eros International and Aanand L Rai present Newton, a Drishyam Films Production in association with Colour Yellow Productions, written and directed by Amit V. Masurkar, and is releasing today.