A truly International collaboration, THE EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY OF THE FAKIR, directed by Ken Scott and starring Indian actor Dhanush, rolled in Mumbai this week. THE EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY OF THE FAKIR is produced by Brio Films, Vamonos Films, M! Capital Ventures, Little Red Car Films, Impact Films, Aurora Global Media Capital, Scope Pictures, TF1 Studio and Aleph Motion Pictures.
The film is based on “The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir who got trapped in an IKEA wardrobe” by Romain Puertolas. The screen play of the film is by Puertolas and Luc Bossi (Brio films) and has a conglomeration of production houses from 3 different continents. The shooting has commenced earlier this month and is expected to be shot in Mumbai (India), Brussels (Belgium), Rome (Italy) and Paris (France).
Starring the inimitable Dhanush in the titular role of the FAKIR, the film, as the name suggests, marks an extraordinary journey in the life of Aja aka Ajatshatru (Dhanush). After the death of his mother – the Fakir takes on a journey to track down his father – a man he never knew. The quest takes him to Paris and soon, he realizes his destination is all set to change his journey. From falling in love to brushing shoulders with a Hollywood star, to dodging hit-men and being held as a hostage in a bureaucratic war the Fakir’s life goes hilariously awry the moment he steps into Parisian soil, despite his best intentions.
Speaking about the film, actor Dhanush says, “So happy to be a part of this film with collaborators from 3 continents, looking forward to an extraordinary journey ahead”.
Producer Luc Bossi of Brio Films says, “The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir” is also an out of the ordinary production adventure, creating through its producers, locations and talent a unique bridge between India, Europe and Hollywood. It’s cast reunites actors from more than 15 countries and an International Indo-French-Belgian-Italian crew with a common passion and goal: Tell a universal story full of laughs and emotions.”
Adds Aditi Anand of Little Red Car Films, “What an incredible experience to be working with a power packed crew and cast chalkfull of talent. Couldn’t have asked for more!”
Taking the enthusiasm further, Director Ken Scott adds, “I’m super excited to be working with Dhanush who is so talented and great great great to work with”.
“In our endeavor to be associated with productions that appeal to the global audiences, we are delighted to be part of this mega production with Dhanush, his first international project, along with a host of international award winning stars” adds Saurabh Gupta, Managing Director & Co-Founder, M! Capital Ventures based in Singapore.
Samir Gupta of Impact films, says,”The incredible combination of an International best-selling book translated and sold in 36 countries across the globe, a successful Hollywood director, an ensemble international cast who have acted in previous Oscar winners, and an Indian superstar in the lead role is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
“As co-production specialists, Aurora Media is pleased to expand our producing and financing footprint into South Asia with this project and its partners. The commercial appeal of the film’s story, its cast and talent pool behind the camera will be a defining step towards structuring more organic and mutually beneficial collaborations between producers in Europe, Asia, and North America in the near future,” observes Justin Deimen, Group Managing Partner and Head of Investments, Aurora Global Media Capital.
Other than Dhanush who shot to fame internationally with his single ‘Why this Kolaverdi’ and has been hugely appreciated in films like RAANJHANAA, SHAMITABH and more; THE EXTRAORNINARY JOURNEY OF THE FAKIR also stars French actor Bérénice Bejo (known for the Oscar Winner “The Artist”), American actor Erin Moriarty (last seen in “Blood Father” with Mel Gibson) and Somalian American actor Barkhad Abdi (“Captain Phillips”) amongst others.
The film has music by Nicolas Errera, while Amit Trivedi has also composed two hindi songs in the film. Vincent Mathias is the DOP, and the production design is by Alain-Pascal Housiaux and Patrick Dechesne, costume design is by Valerie Ranchoux and Philippe Bourgueil will be editing the film.
