Amol Palekar to make a light-hearted children film

Mumbai, May 23 (UNI) Contrary to his earlier style of filmmaking, acclaimed filmmaker Amol Palekar today announced that his next feature will be a light-hearted children film 'Dumkata'.

Talking to reporters here, Palekar said his fans were making repeated demands to him to start acting and to make films similar to the Basuda and Hrishida 'gharana' of which he was an integral part as an actor.

'Dumkata' will be his 12th feature film, out of which five are in Marathi. The shooting of the film has commenced in Pune. His earlier noted films include 'Paheli', 'Anaahat', 'Dairaa' and 'Kal ka Aadmi'. Speaking about his film, Palekar said ''Do we offer anything original to our children? They have to relish the Hollywood combos or digest its second rate desi imitations. I am sure that 'Dumkata' will offer something original to our kids.'' The film's story, screenplay and dialogues are written by Sandhya Gokhale, who earlier wrote last three films for Palekar.

''Dumkata is very different from my last three serious screenplays of 'Anaahat', 'Paheli' and 'Thaang'. This subject is pure fun. No stretching brain muscles but sheer entertainment,'' said Gokhale who is also Palekar's Associate Director.

The star cast of the film include Om Puri, Sachin Khedekar and Sharnaz Patel, along with two child actors -- Khush Mallick and Aseem Desai.

''Rather than amassing glittery faces, I have always chosen to work with excellent actors. The music of the film is composed by the terrific trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and lyrics are written by Gulzar.

The film will also see Om Puri with his rock-solid base voice also tuned in for a stirring rap number,'' Palekar added.

UNI