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Deepa Mehta's 'Water': 20 Years of Film Legacy
1 Mar
Summary
- Film 'Water' marks 20 years since its release as Mehta's trilogy finale.
- John Abraham's casting was based on Mehta's mother's personal recommendation.
- Original 'Water' production faced protests, leading to a four-year shutdown.
Twenty years after its release, Deepa Mehta's 'Water' remains a significant cinematic achievement. This film, the third in her renowned 'Elements Trilogy,' delves into the lives of widows in 1930s Varanasi. Director Deepa Mehta recently reflected on the film's enduring legacy and its challenging production journey.
Mehta disclosed that John Abraham's casting as the idealistic Narayan stemmed from her mother's suggestion due to his handsome appearance. This personal endorsement led to a notable shift from action roles to independent cinema for Abraham. The original production, intended to start in 2000, encountered severe difficulties.
Violent protests and extremist sabotage halted the project for four years, forcing a relocation to Sri Lanka under a different title. Originally slated actors included Akshay Kumar, Nandita Das, and Shabana Azmi. Despite the trauma and anger associated with these events, Mehta expressed no regret over the final film.
