When classic isn’t enough for the kids

Producer Pandit says his recently announced remake of Ajay-Saif’s Omkara is his attempt to introduce the story to the young generation

Many argue that classics should not be remade. But producer Anand Pandit believes that important stories should be revisited and introduced to a new generation. It is with this thought that he has announced the remake of Vishal Bhardwaj’s Omkara — which starred Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Konkona Sensharma, Bipasha Basu and Vivek Oberoi, and was adapted from William Shakespeare’s Othello. Tell him that reimagining Bhardwaj’s celebrated crime drama is a big responsibility, and Pandit says, “Remaking the classic movie will be challenging. But I am sure we can do it. Our remake will be completely rewritten. After every three years or so, the audience’s taste changes. Omkara was made 15 years ago; two generations have been born in the period. I am remaking Omkara for today’s generation.”

Anand Pandit

Pandit, along with Parag Sanghavi and Eros International, are currently finalising the writers for the project. Only after the script is ready will they begin approaching directors and actors. Has he spoken to Bhardwaj, or the film’s leading men about the remake? “There has been no conversation with them [so far]. After we finalise the story, I can call them. I respect Vishal as a director, but most filmmakers are not keen to direct their movies’ remakes.”

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Rumours suggested that Khan, who played the memorable Langda Tyagi in Omkara, has been approached for the latest edition. Pandit clears the air, stating, “We have not approached any actor. Both Ajay and Saif are fabulous actors who made Omkara and Langda Tyagi iconic. Since the remake will be rewritten, all the characters may not even be there. I would like to cast the lead from the current generation of actors so that the youth can relate to the story.”

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