Biopic on Vedire Ramachandra Reddy
First film on historic personality
Remember the Bhoodan Movement which was started by Vinobha Bhave, Mahatma Gandhi’s follower and spiritual successor, in 1951? Well, his inspiration was Pochampally Zamindar Vedire Ramachandra Reddy, who donated 100 acres of land to the poor.
Now, 70 years later, Ramachandra Reddy’s life will be chronicled on the silver screen!
His grandson Aravind Reddy has roped in National-award-winning director Neelakanta to helm the biopic.
“When Aravind garu approached me to be part of this film, I was thrilled. Ramachandra Reddy garu’s story has great historical significance in the post-Indian independence era,” says Neelakanta, who considers it an honour to be part of such a prestigious project.
He has just began writing the script, but says the film will include all significant movements that took place during the postIndependence era.
“The film showcases Ramachandra garu’s childhood, how he pursued law, his tenure as a tahsildar under the Nizam’s rule, and how he turned into a social reformer and made the historic gesture,” says the director, adding that he had also linked Ramachandra’s story with the Freedom Movement.
Expressing awe at the ‘largest bloodless revolution’ for acquiring land, Neelakanta says, “Imagine pooling in 58 lakh acres of land (under Vinobha’s initiative) without undue coercion — incredible.” Noting that Ramachandra’s story has not yet been told on celluloid, the director says, “The film will be a tribute to his great sacrifice and also a tribute to others who donated their land. There are several other important characters who were influential and part of history, we shall bring them to life too.” Asked how a story set around the Independence
Movement would appeal to the current generation, he says, “If you look at the kind of films that are being made on OTT, most of the plots have a strong emotional connect. The project is challenging for me, both intellectually and as a director.”
garu’s broadmindedness will resonate with the audiences who will automatically connect with tales of such historic personalities