MUMBAI, 16th OCTOBER, 2024 (TGN): An answer has finally been given to the question the entire Maharashtra had been staring at, “Who will be Hitler?”. In the much-awaited film “Mukkam Post Bombilwadi,” set to release on January 1, 2025, the role of Hitler will be played by the senior and popular actor Prashant Damle. Since this film is directed by Paresh Mokashi, who has won national awards for his three consecutive films, the excitement among audiences had started moving northward, and has now further skyrocketed after the announcement that Damle will portray Hitler.
After winning a hat trick of national awards for their consecutive films like ‘Harishchandrachi Factory’, ‘Elizabeth Ekadashi’, and ‘Vaalvi’, Paresh Mokashi and Madhugandha Kulkarni announced their new film Mukkam Post Bombilwadi. The film is based on the play with same name which had been hugely hit a few years ago. After the announcement, the excitement about who would play the role of Hitler the talk of the town. To find out the options, the producers organised a quiz from among the audience amid overwhelming response. Other names in contention were Vaibhav Mangale, Pranav Ravarane, Manmeet Pem, Sunil Abhyankar, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Ritika Shrotri, and Advait Dadarakar. Ultimately, the decision was confirmed in favor of Prashant Damle.
Writer-Director Paresh Mokashi, Producers Madhugandha Kulkarni, and Vivek Films, Maysabha Karamnuk Mandali revealed the name of Damle in a press conference at Hotel Orchid in Mumbai on Wednesday.
When asked about playing Hitler, Prashant Damle said, “When you think of Hitler, a certain image, perception come to your mind. I have never played such a character in my life and I don’t intend to. However, the one I am portraying in this film is not the typical Hitler character and the question in one’s mind arises is, why call this character the Hitler? It is important for me to be a part of this playing this character and to work with Paresh and Madhugandha. This is my first collaboration with Paresh, and he is a wonderful director.”
When asked about the Marathi cinema today, Damle mentioned, “I don’t have much knowledge about Marathi films; I can speak more about theater. I have done very few films. My nature is to do what the director says. When I sit with a blank slate, it makes working easier. Vaibhav Mangale is also in this film, along with my favourite director Advait Paralkar, who is playing a character. Their company makes this project a unique joy. Since everyone is from theatre, it feels like I am shooting for a play.”
Speaking about the selection of Hitler, Writer-Director Paresh Mokashi said, “We started discussing what our Hitler should be like. Hitler is typically portrayed as cruel, a conqueror, and harsh personality. However, considering the farcical aspect of the play, we concluded that our Hitler should be ‘cute.’ When the question arose about who could be the cute Hitler, the name that came to mind was Prashant Damle who is known to be Maharashtra’s cute actor. As the adaptation from play to film happened, we discussed who would be suitable for various characters in the film. The selection of actors was spot on, and you will see how well they fit into their characters.”
When asked how he feels Prashant Damle has portrayed Hitler, Mokashi quipped, “I would actually like to ask this question to the real Hitler. Would like to ask him, ‘Did he manage to pull it off? Can you do something like this in your life?’”
Producer Madhugandha Kulkarni stated, “Whenever we met people for premieres or other events for other films we did, they would often tell Paresh to bring back the play ‘Bombilwadi.’ I love that play because it’s a laughter ride. Gradually, we thought, why not make a film out of this play? So, we decided to adapt this concept into a film. The exciting part is that Prashant Damle agreed to play Hitler, which has increased the film’s graph. The film has automatically grown larger. He has done an excellent job. Alongside Prashant, we have seasoned actors like Vaibhav Mangale, Pranav Ravarane, Manmeet Pem, Sunil Abhyankar, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Ritika Shrotri, and Advait Dadarakar, creating a wonderful ensemble. Their performances have been outstanding. This is going to be a delightful laughter ride.”
Mr. Bharat Shitole, Producer from Vivek Films said, “When I entered film production, I decided to focus on Marathi and Hindi films. While considering which film to make, Pareshji and Madhugandhaji narrated me the story of ‘Mukkam Post Bombilwadi.’ As soon as I heard the story, I felt this was the film that Vivek Films should start with. This collaboration brought Vivek Films and Mayasabha together. Working with Paresh Mokashiji and Madhugandhaji has been a great experience; I’ve learned a lot from them. Paresh was insistent about Prashant Damle for the role of Hitler. When Prashant came in that getup, it confirmed Pareshji’s vision. There couldn’t be another complete and cute Hitler. We look forward to working together in the future.”
When asked as to why audiences should watch this film, Mokashi humorously responded, “These days, people don’t exercise much, so their lungs don’t get the workout they need. ‘Mukam Post Bombilwadi’ is so funny that it provides a lot of exercise for the lungs. That’s a healthy reason to watch this film.”
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