3rd April, 2023 Mumbai: Shekhar Kapur, the acclaimed Indian filmmaker, is reportedly planning to create an Indian version of the Harry Potter franchise. The news has generated excitement among Indian audiences, as well as those around the world who are interested in Indian cinema.
The Harry Potter franchise is one of the most successful film series of all time, with a global fan base that has remained loyal for over two decades. The series is based on the novels written by J.K. Rowling follows the story of a young boy named Harry Potter, who discovers that he is a wizard and attends a magical school called Hogwarts.
The success of Harry Potter has inspired many filmmakers to create their own magical worlds, but few have managed to replicate the franchise’s success. Shekhar Kapur, however, is no ordinary filmmaker. He has a proven track record of creating visually stunning films that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Kapur is best known for his work on the film “Elizabeth,” which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. He has also directed other successful films such as “Bandit Queen,” “The Four Feathers,” and “Elizabeth: The Golden Age.”
Kapur’s decision to create an Indian version of Harry Potter is significant because it shows a growing trend of Indian filmmakers taking on global subjects and bringing their unique perspective to them. India has a rich tradition of magic and mythology, which could provide fertile ground for a new magical world that is distinct from the one created by Rowling.
It is not yet clear what Kapur’s Indian version of Harry Potter will look like, but he has indicated that it will be set in a different time period and will focus on Indian mythology. Quoting down what exactly he said to the media ” I wanted to make Paani as an Indian production. Because one of the things that I always felt was, Slumdog Millionaire, even though it made around $400 million worldwide, was not called an Indian film. I really wanted Paani to be an Indian film. I came back to India to make it, even though at one point, I was thinking of making it in Spanish. I had thought of setting it in Mexico City, because we have the same problems over there, too. The same confrontations and the culture is the same. But I lost about five, six years of my life at that time.”This suggests that the film will not simply be a copy of the Harry Potter franchise, but will offer something new and exciting for audiences.”
He also added further “I am actually planning a project, which is kind of the Indian Harry Potter. I’m not making Harry Potter. But the Indian equivalent to it. Same genre. That genre of Harry Potter because I think in India, with the market we have, we are so used to things that are otherworldly. We’ve grown up with those kinds of stories. I am now developing and probably will make a film franchise like Harry Potter, that comes out of India and not the West”.
There are already many Indian films that feature magic and mythology, such as the Baahubali franchise and the recent film “Brahmastra.” However, these films have not yet achieved the same level of global success as Harry Potter. Kapur’s involvement in the project could change that, as he is well-respected in the global film industry and has a proven ability to create films that appeal to both Indian and international audiences.
In conclusion, Shekhar Kapur’s decision to create an Indian version of Harry Potter is exciting news for Indian cinema and for fans of the franchise around the world. Kapur’s talent as a filmmaker, combined with India’s rich tradition of magic and mythology, could result in a new magical world that is both unique and entertaining. While details about the project are still scarce, the prospect of a new magical franchise from one of India’s most respected filmmakers is sure to generate interest and anticipation among audiences.