Actor Aditya Om’s latest venture, “Bandi,” teased its thrilling essence in a recently unveiled trailer. The film, a unique tale emphasizing environmental preservation, was introduced at Mumbai’s Star Preview Theater. Producer-director Raghu Tirumala, hailing from South India, announced the movie’s scheduled release in Hindi and Telugu slated for March 2024.
What sets “Bandi” apart is its singular focus on Aditya Om as the sole actor throughout the narrative. Voices of supporting characters, including singer-composer Akbar Sami, echoed during the trailer launch. Shot amidst authentic forests, the film promises an engaging, experimental, and thrilling experience.
Aditya Om, deeply enthusiastic about this project, shared insights into his role as the antagonist—an advocate backing a corporate entity’s forest-clearing agenda. His character’s transformative journey unfolds as he’s abducted by activists championing nature preservation. Their aim: to enlighten him about environmental consciousness and the realities of climate change.
Debutant director Raghu Tirumala helms the production, showcasing Aditya Om, recognized for his Telugu repertoire in movies such as ‘Massaab,’ ‘Bandook,’ and ‘Allif,’ where he assumed leading roles. The visually distinct appearance of the actor in “Bandi” stems from a four-year filming stint across diverse forests, encompassing domestic and international locations. Notably, Aditya Om performed all stunts sans a double or stand-in.
Tirumala, a first-time producer-director from Hyderabad, aspires to craft films that resonate with societal issues, fostering awareness and vigilance. “Bandi,” a creation under the ‘Gully Cinema’ banner, underscores the critical message of safeguarding the environment and preserving forests.
The film boasts a talented ensemble with Akbar Sami and Rupa Sharma lending their voices. Aditya Om takes credit for the story and screenplay, elaborating on the challenges encountered during forest shoots. Battling leeches and evading wildlife became routine, with memorable incidents like monkeys absconding with crucial equipment necessitating three days of reshoots.