Akshay Kumar launches his first Marathi film with 72 Miles: EkPravas

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]kshay Kumar, who is one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars, has launched his first Marathi film 72 Miles: EkPravas under Grazing Goat Pictures. Akshay has co-produced this period film along with Ashvini Yardi. The 45 year old actor previously co-produced and starred in the film OMG: Oh My God (2012), which was both a major critical and commercial hit.

72 Miles: EkPravas is based on the autobiography of Ashok Vatkar and focuses on his journey of self-actualization as a 13 year old boy in rural India. It looks at the transition into post-independent India, as experienced by Ashok.

Speaking about his latest project, Akshay mentioned the following in an official statement. “72 Miles marks our first regional film and we’re delighted to announce the release date. Marathi isn’t my first language but living in Mumbai I picked up the language very quickly and immersed myself in the culture. I’ve seen some really interesting Marathi projects and love the cinema. I am personally touched by the story of 72 Miles and I hope the audience likes it as much as we do.”

Adding to the buzz surrounding the film, Ashwini had this to say.  “It was my dream to produce a period film and with 72 Miles, I have had the chance to do so. This subject and the plot of the film is so thought-provoking that it forces you to completely engage in the film, connect with the characters and grow with their thought. What’s more it’s by the same director of Jogwa which won 6 national awards. Akshay and I are very proud of this project and the opportunity to be able to produce such a marvellous film. The film will definitely engage with international audiences despite the language barrier and will let them in on our heritage, our culture and a panoramic setting of post independent India. I am sure the Marathi audience will be proud of this film.”

72 Miles: EkPravasis scheduled for theatrical release on 26 July 2013.