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Bollywood actors dub for Gumnaami’s Hindi version

Srijit Mukherji’s ambitious next, Gumnaami, is all set to release in both Bengali and Hindi next month. The film is based on the Mukherjee Commission hearings, which happened between 1999 and 2005, where the three theories about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s death were discussed and debated. The thriller explores the myth surrounding Gumnaami Baba, an ascetic spotted in Uttar Pradesh in the 1970s who was often rumoured to be Netaji in disguise. It is a dramatisation of the hearings where an investigative journalist supporting the Gumnaami Baba theory locks horns with the official lawyer, who supports the plane crash theory. Starring Prosenjit Chatterjee in the titular role, the film sees Anirban Bhattacharya as the journalist, Chandrachur Dhar.

The film was recently dubbed in Hindi. Ashish Vidyarthi has dubbed for Bose and Gumnaami Baba, Kay Kay Menon has dubbed for Chandrachur Dhar, while Gauahar Khan and Adah Sharma have voiced Ronita and Leela Roy respectively. Speaking about the dubbing, Srijit shared, “When I heard the Hindi-dubbed version of the film, I realised it lacks the quality of natural dialogue delivery. I spoke to the agency that was entrusted with the job and told them I’d like to come down to Mumbai to get actors from Bollywood to dub for the film. I wanted the main characters, at least, to be dubbed by seasoned actors. I have worked with Gauahar, Kay Kay and Ashish before and Adah is a dear friend. I’m eternally grateful to the four of them for coming on board.”

Kay Kay, Srijit said, was keen on doing the film. “Initially, when Gumnaami was supposed to be made in Hindi, Kay Kay had read the script. He wanted to play Chandrachur Dhar. It’s a great coincidence that he is dubbing for the same character in Hindi,” he said.

Srijit is hopeful that the film will strike a chord with audiences nationally. “I have high expectations from the film. Netaji is one of the biggest national heroes and the history surrounding him has always intrigued people. I’m looking forward to its nationwide release,” he signed off.