Mehul Kumar Reflects on the Legacy of 'Krantiveer' After 31 Years

A Journey Through Time

Mehul Kumar, the director behind the iconic film 'Krantiveer', reminisces about the journey of the movie, stating, "It feels like just yesterday. While we were creating 'Krantiveer', we never anticipated its lasting impact. Now, three decades later, it continues to resonate with audiences." During that era, directors personally chose their actors without the assistance of casting directors, relying solely on their instincts. Kumar recalls, "We instinctively knew Nana Patekar was perfect for the role. A friend from my college days often lamented about societal issues, much like the character in 'Krantiveer'. I encouraged him to take action rather than just talk, which inspired the character's development."

Inspiration Behind 'Krantiveer'

Kumar reveals that the film was influenced by the demolition of the Babri Masjid. He explains, "Following the Babri Masjid incident, riots ensued, prompting me to consider a film addressing Hindu-Muslim relations. Initially, I feared the audience might not accept it, so I crafted the narrative to convey our message through powerful scenes, especially in the climax."

Working with Legends

Raj Kumar joined the project after Nana Patekar. Kumar notes, "It's rare for anyone to have collaborated on three films with Raj Kumar, just as I did with Nana. I feel fortunate to have directed both. Raj Kumar was incredibly educated and composed. If you presented the story well and provided the script in Urdu, he was very receptive. He respected the Urdu language, while also being well-versed in English. Dharam ji, who has worked with me on four films, also preferred scripts in Urdu."

The Changing Landscape of Cinema

Kumar expresses concern over the current state of the film industry, stating, "With the rise of corporate culture in cinema, our industry has shifted towards a business model, stifling creativity. The value of storytelling has diminished, leading to the marginalization of our culture. Traditional festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Eid are rarely depicted on screen anymore, and the presence of parents in films has also faded."

Navigating Challenges with Actors

Discussing the dynamic between Raj Kumar and Nana Patekar, Kumar shares, "Both actors share similar temperaments. If you narrate the story effectively and discuss costumes, I found it easy to manage them. A well-known producer once told me, 'May God give you the strength to handle these two actors.'"