Taanashah (film)

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Introduction

Taanashah is a 2020 Indian feature film based on the life of Shiva Kumar aka Dadua, a dreaded dacoit of Bundelkhand|Bundelkhand. Dadua went on to become the most dreaded outlaw with a strangle hold he brutally gained through a period of 30 years. Taanashah was made on a Rs. 4 crore (USD 0.56 million) budget and the entire film was shot in Karwi Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh.

The film was directed by Ritam Srivastav, who was awarded the Official Selection Monthly Edition (August – September) of Debut Filmmaker for Taanashah at the Crown Wood International Film Festival. Produced by Sanjay Malik with Dilip Arya playing a leading role as Dadua, Taanashah also won Best Narrative 2019 at the Virgin Spring Cinefest.

Film releases 7th February 2020.

The Plot

After a village Thakur, a strongman of the region murders Shiva’s father & Sister. Shiva takes it upon himself to avenge the family who he has lost to the Thakur. After doing so, he joins a gang of dacoits led by Raja Rangoli along with his partner in crime Sukhlaal. The duo does so with little choice after killing 3 policemen while escaping a police squad led by SP Suraj Pratap and Inspector Jamal.

In the course of time, Shiva is no longer happy operating under Raja Rangoli. His time with the gang acquaints him with Daya Baba, a wise man, who later becomes his advisor and guru. Shiva is a quick learner but despite his contribution to the gang, Raja repeatedly insults and abuse him. Eventually, during a raid at a rich trader’s house, when Raja attempts to rape the trader's daughter, Shiva revolts and leaves with Sukhlaal and Ganga to form his own gang. This marks the turning point in Shiva’s life and the beginning of becoming the most feared outlaw of Bundelkhand. As Shiva’s might and reputation grows, many powerful people reach out to him seeking favours. Amongst them is a wily politician Jagat Prabhu, who is looking for Shiva’s support to win the forthcoming elections. Shiva obliges by perpetrating terror and murdering the Election Presiding Officer. Jagat Prabhu’s win, launches Shiva into the corridors of political power. However, this does not go down well with the people in power, who appoint a young and dynamic DSP, Ranbir Singh to bring Shiva’s reign of terror to an end.

Ranbir is honest and daring but reckless as an officer, and in his enthusiasm Ranbir baits Shiva by taking his mother into custody. She unfortunately dies in custody leaving Shiva inconsolable, who in his grief abducts the DSP and decapitates him. This stirs more trouble for Shiva, and Jagat Prabhu tries to reach out to Shiva in trying to assuage his rage, but it backfires, and Shiva humiliates him instead. He strips him in front of everyone and sends him back. This ultimately leads to Shiva’s downfall.

Very soon the newly appointed SP Ajay Sinha takes the charge, who ruthlessly moves to bring Shiva and all his men down in a well panned encounter. The irony of Shiva’s story is, even the mighty SP would not have succeeded in getting him and dismantling his empire, had he not been betrayed by a man he deeply trusted.

Music

Song: Sadho Singer: Sawani Mudgal Lyrics: Kabir Music: Pravesh Mallick

Song: Baghi bane chitchor Singer: Pravesh Mallick Lyrics/Music: Pravesh Mallick

Music mixed and mastered by Pankaj Borah at Neo Sound, Mumbai.

CAST

Dilip Arya - as SHIVA KUMAR A graduate from Film and Television Institute of India, who debuted the silver screen with Taanashah. He has hosted several live shows on Sony, Colours & Star Plus, before he got his break in the cinema industry.

Shashi Chaturvedi - as LAAL KUMAR Another new face in the industry. Taanashah happens to be his debut film as well.

Laura Mishra – as RAMA An Indian actress with two films to her credit, who is on her way to establish herself as a prominent actress on the big screen.

Indraneel Bhattacharya - as AJAY SINHA An Indian film and television actor, known for his roles in films such as Fan, Rustom and Batla House.

Ravi Khandwilker - as JAGAT PRABHU An Indian actor who is best known for his appearance in various Hindi and Marathi movies & television series. He is best remembered for his roles in movies like 'Like Stars on Earth' (2007), Once Upon a Time in Mumbai (2010) & Delhi Belly (2011).

Vinod Nahardih - as the DOCTOR SAHAB An Indian actor who has appeared in supporting roles in Bollywood films. He is best known for his role in Miss Lovely and Mastram.

Tanmay Ranjan - DSP RANBIR SINGH An actor and well-known assistant director, known for films like Shagird, Jai Gangaajal and Raag Desh.

CREW

DIRECTOR – RITAM SRIVASTAVA A talented individual who assisted Prakash Jha for nine years and made his directorial debut with Taanashah.

PRODUCER – SANJAY MALIK He has been a line producer for over than 30 years. He has many big films to his credit, films like Maqbool, Pride and Prejudice, Earth 1947, Bandit Queen and many others.

CINEMATOGRAPHER – HARI NAIR A graduate from Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Hari Nair ISC is an Indian cinematographer. He has majorly worked in Malayalam, Bengali, English and Hindi cinema.

EDITOR – PRASHANT NAIK A winner of 3 National Awards and a graduate from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Prashant Naik has been felicitated on many occasions for his contribution to cinema.

PRODUCTION DESIGNER – JAYANT DESHMUKH An art director and mentor at MIT School of Film and Television, Jayant Deshmukh has worked on many award-winning films viz. Singh Saab The Great, Aarakshan and Namaste London.

Awards

Lift India Filmotsav - World Cine Fest Best Actor Debut Best Director Debut Best Production Design Best Sporting Actor

Crown Wood International Film Festival - Official Selection Monthly Edition Aug-Sept of Debut Filmmaker

Virgin Spring Cinefest - Best Narrative 2019

Revise 3

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