Telgi appreciates film on self

New Delhi, May 14 (UNI) 'Mudrank' - a film on the exploits of the alleged stamp paper scam kingpin Abdul Karim Telgi has been seen and admired by the accused himself, claims the film's director Shakir Shaikh.

At a press meet here last evening, the film's director claimed, ''After seeing the film, Telgi was taken aback to find that it resembled his autobiography which he had written while being in jail.'' The filmmaker went on to add that Telgi, however, objected to the way item girl Rakhi Sawant danced with his character in a song.

''Telgi did not like the song but we have retained it.'' As per directions of a Pune civil court, the film was shown to the scam's kingpin in Yerwada Jail, Pune on April 22.

Certified 'U/A', the film has been cleared by the Censors without cuts, Shaikh said. ''We have tried to do full justice to the story. The film depicts even Telgi's childhood days. While writing the scipt myself, I thoroughly researched the man and the scam via newspapers, internet. We also talked to political leaders and particularly, police officials who were in touch with Telgi.

''Even the four item songs are not just there for their own sake.

They were required as Telgi had a fascinataion for bars and dancing girls, where he used to celebrate.'' Kailash Manav, who portrays the notorious scamster in the film and has been a stage actor, told mediaperosns that portraying Telgi was not an easy task. ''I had to observe his mannerisms, his way of speaking. It took a lot of observing him in news, magazines and later some impovisation on my own part. I particularly noted that whether he was in jail or elsewhere, he always had a smile on his face.'' However, the actor maintained that never once did he try to overact his part. ''In fact, I underplayed my role, for I tried to imitate Telgi to the hilt.'' When asked whether a film sans polular starcast would click with the audiences, the film's Production Executive Rakesh Sabharwal said, ''The subject of a film should be good and success will follow despite the absence of any major stars. We are confident that 'Mudrank' will pick up with word of mouth publicity.'' The director added, ''The USP of the movie is that it will inform as well as entertain the audiences.'' 'Mudrank' is likely to be released on 23 or 30 May, Sabharwal said.

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