A special pre-release screening of a film on Swami Vivekananda was organised here today for Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and his Cabinet colleagues by its producers.
Modi, along with his Ministers, MLAs, government officials and state BJP leaders watched the first screening of 'The Light: Swami Vivekananda', slated for release on August 23.
Modi, after the show, congratulated the producers for making an "inspiring movie". The country is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary year of the renowned philosopher-monk.
"Year 2013 marks 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. We made this film as a tribute to the legendary monk. It is an endeavour that captures the life and times of Swami Vivekananda and his rise to spiritual enlightenment," said producer of the movie J Misra.
"The movie covers different phases of his life encompassing his transition from the young Narendra Nath Datta to the world renowned monk, who was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian spirituality to the Western world.
"Swami Vivekananda has been a figure of inspiration for many. I too had been a strong believer in Swamiji and his philosophies since my childhood. It was this belief that inspired me to produce this biopic," he said.
"We kept the first screening of the movie here in Gandhinagar as Modi is a follower of Swami Vivekananda," Misra said, adding when they approached the Chief Minister for a special screening, he readily agreed.
"We are going to screen the film in West Bengal (where he was born) and other places also," the producer said.
The film, directed by Utpal Sinha, has Deep Bhattacharya playing Swami Vivekananda. Bhattacharya, who has made his acting debut with this biopic, was finalised after auditioning many faces across the country.
"When it is a biopic, the biggest challenge is to find the right face to represent the epic personality. I was surprised to see the striking resemblance that Deep has to Swami Vivekananda's face," the producer said.
The young actor said it was a privilege to work in a film on the life of Swami Vivekananda, whose teachings are still relevant.
Sinha said it was challenging task to portray the life of Swami Vivekananda on screen.
