After receiving a warm response at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival the trailer of Amit V Masurkar’s highly anticipated Newton has garnered an overwhelming response from viewers and incited intrigue amongst them. The Rajkummar Rao-starrer is about a rookie government clerk, determined to conduct fair elections in conflict-ridden jungles of Chhattisgarh against formidable odds.
The dark comedy was shot extensively in forest areas frequented by Maoists.
Resolved to conserve the ambience and showcase the untamed flavor of jungles, tribal people of the jungles were auditioned and cast in the film. Amit informs, “We shot in Dalli Rajhara. My casting director and I cast locals from villages near the Naxalite-controlled jungles. We cast 100-plus people from over ten villages.”
Talking about his thoughts on shooting in Naxalite-controlled zone, the director says, “Initially, the idea was scary. But once we went for a reccee, we realized people don’t care for Bollywood much. We told everyone how we are making a movie about elections and it has nothing to do with Maoism. As long as you aren’t making anyone suspicious, you are safe.”
Eros International and Aanand L Rai present a Drishyam Production in association with Colour Yellow Productions, written and directed by Amit V Masurkar, Newton is scheduled to release on the 22nd September, 2017.
