Kundan Shah's Satirical Journey: From Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro to P Se PM Tak

Kundan Shah's Iconic Satire

Do you remember the groundbreaking satire Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro? Released in 1983, this film by Kundan Shah cleverly critiqued societal corruption. The cult classic showcased two clumsy photographers, a domineering female journalist, a corrupt builder along with his accomplices, and a corpse that played a pivotal role in the narrative.

A New Political Satire

Kundan Shah returned with another film that boldly targeted political issues. P Se PM Tak, which premiered on May 29, 2015, also featured a corpse. In a conversation with a journalist before the film's release, Shah clarified, “Yes, there is a dead character from the interval onward. However, P Se PM Tak is not a sequel to Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. I have actually penned a formal sequel to Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, which does not include a corpse.”

Themes of Corruption

Shah acknowledged that his films often share recurring themes. He stated, “In a sense, P Se PM Tak extends my commentary on corruption from Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. There will naturally be similarities in my work, much like the recurring tortured protagonists in Guru Dutt’s films, whether it’s the poet in Pyasa or the filmmaker in Kagaz Ke Phool.”

Challenges in Casting

P Se PM Tak marked Kundan Shah’s return after the poorly received Ek Se Badhkar Ek in 2004. He expressed hope for better market conditions since the time of Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. Despite claiming that the female lead in his new film was as impactful as Nargis in Mother India, Shah faced significant challenges in casting the right actress for the role.

Struggles to Find the Right Actress

Reflecting on his casting journey, Kundan shared, “The script was presented to several well-known actresses, including Madhuri Dixit, but they all hesitated to take on the role. I even considered theatre actresses, searching for that unique spark I had seen in Bhakti Barve when I cast her for Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro.”

Final Casting Decision

At one point, the project was set to feature Mallika Sherawat as the lead, but that plan fell through. Ultimately, Kundan chose newcomer Meenaxi Dixit for the significant role.

The Complexity of the Role

Kundan was perplexed by the reluctance of top actresses to portray a prostitute who rises to become a chief minister and later a prime ministerial candidate. He remarked, “The role carries the emotional depth akin to the female lead in Mother India. The character’s beauty lies in her unwavering essence, transitioning from a brothel to a powerful political figure, while her vibrant spirit remains intact. My protagonist is a mimic, capable of imitating anyone’s voice.”

Industry Challenges

The fact that a filmmaker of Kundan Shah’s stature had to struggle to find a lead actress highlights the harsh realities of an industry that evaluates filmmakers based on their latest releases.