One of Indian cinema’s most highly anticipated films ‘Brahmastra: Part One Shiva’ is geared up for its grand theatrical release this Friday on 9th September. Ayan Mukerji’s massively mounted venture is also one of the most expensive Indian films ever made and features an ensemble cast that includes Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Nagarjuna, Mouni Roy, and Shah Raukh Khan (in a cameo), amongst others. For this write-up, we have compiled a list of five interesting facts / trivia about ‘Brahmastra’ which you might not be aware of. So, here we go.
Nagarjuna’s Bollywood Comeback
Veteran actor Nagarjuna is known for his umpteen performances in the Telugu film industry. In the year 1990, he made his Bollywood debut with Ram Gopal Varma’s action drama ‘Shiva’ followed by ‘Khuda Gawah’ (1992), ‘Criminal’ (1995), and ‘Zakhm’ (1998), etc. But his last role in a Hindi film was J.P. Dutta’s war film ‘LOC Kargil’, which came out in 2003. So, Nagarjuna is making his grand comeback in Bollywood after a hiatus of almost two decades with ‘Brahmastra’.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Casting
Legendary Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan will be sharing screen space with Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhat for the very first time in a movie. Moreover, he will be seen alongside Dimple Kapadia after a gap of 18 years as they last starred in the mystery film ‘Hum Kaun Hai’ in 2004. Incidentally, Amitabh Bachchan has shared screen space, in some way or the other, with all of Ranbir Kapoor’s family members excluding Rajiv Kapoor and Babita.
Film’s Music / Score
All three songs of ‘Brahmastra’ namely ‘Kesariya’, ‘Deva Deva’ and ‘Dance Ka Bhoot’ have been written by Amitabh Bhattacharya (of Kabira, Raabta, and Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin fame) and sung by singing sensation Arijit Singh (Hindi version).
While the film’s score has been composed by the globally renowned Simon Franglen, whose notable works include David Fincher’s ‘Seven’, ‘David Cronenberg’s ‘Crash’, James Cameron’s ‘Titanic’ and ‘Avatar’, and James Bond films ‘Skyfall’ and ‘Spectre’, etc.
Screen Count
‘Brahmastra’ is set to be shown in a whopping 5000 screens in India and an additional 3000 screens outside of India. The total screen count of 8000 is ostensibly the highest for any Indian film before this.
Different Title
Previously, as per a few reports, the tentative / working title of ‘Brahmastra’ was Dragon. This might have been because the film’s protagonist Shiva (played by Ranbir Kapoor) is said to possess incredible powers related to fire.