Film director Iqbal Durrani (right) meets chief minister Babulal Marandi at his residence. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Ranchi, March 11: Film director and script writer Iqbal Durrani of Phool Aur Kaante and Khuddar fame will make a film on Birsa Munda.

Durrani met chief minister Babulal Marandi today and discussed the details of the film, titled — Gandhi Se Pehle Gandhi. The mahurat will be held in Mumbai on March 25.

Durrrani has also written a book on Birsa Munda by the same name. The book will be released in Lucknow on March 22.

Durrani’s desire to make a film on Birsa Munda can be traced to his early days which was spent in undivided Bihar. Born in Bhagalpur, he did his schooling in Chaibasa and Ranchi. He finished his studies in Jamshedpur.

He started his career as a journalist and later switched over to film making.

Model Samir Kochar and actress Suman Ranganathan will play the lead roles in the film to be shot in locations like Chutia temple, Ranchi jail, Jagannathpur temple, Bargaon and Dombari Hills.

“The idea behind making the film is to tell the people that even before Mahatma Gandhi there was a man who stood by the principles of truth and non-violence. The narrative will not be autobiographical,” Durrani said. The film will also be released abroad.

On the film industry in the state, Durrani said: “Jharkhand has an immense potential for film making. The scenic beauty in the region makes it an ideal location for shooting. The government should provide financial help and security for setting up studios in the state.”