Film on Thackeray family feud nears completion

The Bollywood potboiler follows Raj Thackeray’s split from his uncle and Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray, to form his own party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. Naresh Kamath reports.

The very personal, very political Thackeray family feud will be up on the big screen sometime soon.

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The Bollywood potboiler follows Raj Thackeray’s split from his uncle and Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray, to form his own party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.

The film, Mumbai Tiger, written and directed by Raju Kokate, will focus on the Sena’s dynasty politics and how party workers are now torn in their loyalty between the two parties. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Kokate (35) called the film a purely commercial venture focusing on Mumbai politics.

“It is a fictional movie with shades of reality from events that have taken place over the last few years,” said Kokate. The film will focus on the senior Thackeray’s failing health, the succession battle that unfolded inside the Sena, and the issues raised by Raj through his new party. The film, which is now in an advanced stage of completion, is scheduled for release this year-end.

Kokate said his film will be more realistic than other recent Sena-based films like Sarkar and Sarkar Raj, both with Amitabh Bachchan’s character modelled on Bal Thackeray.

Kokate said he was ready for any controversy. “These things will only help my film get publicity,” said Kokate. This time, the senior Thackeray is being played by veteran actor Ramesh Deo, while the character of Raj is being played by veteran Marathi actor Ashok Shinde.