Shekhar Kapur’s 1994 film ‘Bandit Queen’ chronicled the life of Indian dacoit Phoolan Devi. Three decades on, its sequel has been confirmed, promising to pick up another chapter of her story. Honey Trehan, who directed ‘Satluj’, signed on to helm the project last month. According to a report, the new film will centre on her 1983 surrender to the police, her life after 11 years in jail, and the events that led to her assassination in 2001.
Honey Trehan on directing the ‘Bandit Queen’ sequel
In a conversation with Mid-Day, Honey acknowledged that working on the ‘Bandit Queen’ sequel carries a sense of responsibility. The director noted that the 1994 film has been a major source of inspiration for filmmakers of his generation, and he considers the opportunity a special one. Honey also shed light on how the sequel’s story will move forward.“This film begins where Shekhar sir’s Bandit Queen left off. It’s a great responsibility to honour what the original film represented. I am engrossed in the script and going through the amount of research Bobby (Bedi) sir has already done,” he told.
‘Bandit Queen 2 ’ will explore Phoolan Devi’s life after jail
Producer Bobby explained that Shekhar Kapur’s film centred on r*pe and revenge, while the sequel will explore Phoolan Devi’s life after her release from prison. “It’s about a woman who has survived an extraordinary life and what she chooses to do thereafter.” Her bond with Umed Singh, whom she went on to marry, will also form an important core of the narrative.“Her love story with Umed Singh is an important part of this film. Her personal life, her fight for women’s rights, and becoming a member of Parliament twice are all part of this journey. There is so much more to her life than what people have seen in Bandit Queen,” Bobby added.
‘Bandit Queen’ cast, crew and Honey Trehan’s last project ‘Satluj’
Directed by Shekhar Kapur and written by Mala Sen, the Seema Biswas and Nirmal Pandey-starrer hit theatres on January 26, 1994. Inspired by the life of Phoolan Devi, the film was produced by Kaleidoscope Entertainment and Film Four International, while Amitabh Bachchan Corporation handled its distribution. As for Honey, his most recent project was the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer ‘Satluj’, which premiered directly on ZEE5 but was pulled down within a few hours of its release.
