Renowned filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj has announced plans to develop a feature film inspired by the Tarun Tejpal rape case, following a significant legal development. The Bombay High Court recently overturned a previous acquittal and convicted Tejpal, the former editor of Tehelka magazine, imposing a 10-year prison sentence. Bhardwaj confirmed the project shortly after this ruling and revealed his intention to employ a narrative structure similar to the classic film “Rashomon,” which presents events from multiple perspectives.
The director, known for his acclaimed Shakespeare adaptations including “Maqbool” and “Haider,” explained that the conflicting outcomes between the two court verdicts served as his primary creative inspiration. Bhardwaj stated he has thoroughly studied the trial court’s extensive 527-page judgment multiple times and believes the contrasting judicial conclusions make the case ideal for a multi-perspective storytelling approach. He emphasized that the legal document contains numerous facts and details previously unknown to the public.
Bhardwaj stressed his commitment to maintaining objectivity throughout the filmmaking process, describing his role as that of an impartial observer rather than an advocate for any particular viewpoint. He plans to cast an actor unfamiliar with the case details and intends for them to approach the material as fiction rather than fact. The film is being produced by Bhardwaj in partnership with a major Bollywood studio, though specific details remain undisclosed.
Originally reported by Variety →
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