OTT sensation Jitendra Kumar is all set for his next release – the Netflix sports comedy drama movie ‘Jaadugar’, which is set to stream on the OTT platform from 15th July onwards. In the Indian film industry and even in Hollywood, audiences have witnessed some magic-based or magic-related films like ‘The Prestige’, ‘The Illusionist’, and ‘Guzaarish’, to name a few. However, when it comes to making biopics of real-life magicians and illusionists, there is a dearth of such movies.
India has a long history with magic which dates back to 3500 BC, and it had begun to gain more prominence after the advent of the 18th Century. India has produced some really fine magicians in the modern era and one such reputed name is that of Ganapati Chakraborty (1858 – 1939). And considering his eventful life, his life story would be the perfect recipe for a big-budget period biopic film or web series.
The Kolkata-based magician Ganapati Chakraborty was a mentor of eminent Indian magicians P.C. Sorkar and K. Lal. Owing to his little interest in studies, he had left his home at an early age to gain unique knowledge and supernatural healing techniques from Hindu monks. Later, he started his professional career at the Great Bengal Circus where his magic performances namely ‘Illusion Box’ and ‘Illusion Tree’ captivated the viewers.
Some of the successful magic performances of Ganapati Chakraborty included the likes of his ‘Vanishing Act’ and his ‘Cards’ tricks. He had also created the immensely popular magic act called ‘Kangsha Karagar’. Such was his stature and repute that the people of that time even believed that he possessed supernatural powers.
So, as you can observe from the notable Indian magician Ganapati Chakraborty’s brief biography that in case a film or web series is planned, by say Netflix, then it would surely have the potential to rival its magic-based Hollywood counterparts such as ‘The Prestige’ and ‘The Illusionist’. Imagine an actor like Ranbir Kapoor or Jr.NTR or Dhanush essaying the role of the charismatic magician Ganapati Chakraborty.
Until a potential Ganapati Chakraborty biopic happens, you can watch the Netflix film ‘Jaadugar’ which is set release on the OTT platform tomorrow. Directed by Sameer Saxena, ‘Jaadugar’ revolves around a small-time struggling magician named Magic Meenu (played by Jitendra Kumar), who lives in Neemuch town in MP. Despite no interest in sports, Meenu must now lead a down and out football team and win the coveted inter-colony football tournament – in order to marry his love interest (Arushi Sharma). The movie also features Jaaved Jaafery in an important role of a sports coach.