What An Idea!

SUMAN SHARMA CHATS WITH AMIT V MASURKAR, THE YOUNG FILMMAKER, WHO’S JUGGLING ADULATION AND ALLEGATIONS AROUND NEWTON

- Suman Sharma

Newton is in the headlines for two distinct reasons. One is the phenomenal box-office and critical success and the other is the allegation of plagiarism. On one hand, the movie world is celebrating India’s decision to choose Newton as its official representative at the Oscars. On the other, there’s concern regarding the similarities between Amit Masurkar’s film and an Iranian movie called Secret Ballot (2001). Addressing the plagiarism issue Amit says, “I haven’t watched Secret Ballot. I’ve only heard about it.” He continues further, “Newton has gone to so many international film festivals where the programmers and organisers have watched both films. Honestly, I don’t know what the critics’ intentions were when this issue was brought up.” He points out that the makers of Secret Ballot have issued a letter clarifying the matter. He adds, “Now it doesn’t matter who’s saying what.”

He’s ecstatic that Newton has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars this year. “I’m happy it was chosen at a time when it was running in the theatres so that people could go and watch it,” he says. He insists his film is inspired by real people, events and situations. “There’s a reality outside Mumbai, which you will only know when you visit places like Bastar and Chattisgarh,” he says.