I would luv for rgv to direct this but realistically speaking I doubt they are going to get an indian director

and if they did it would prob be someone better known - like mira nair(this would also be really good) and maybe even shekhar kapur(hopefully not)

but in terms of Hollywood directors I think someone like soderbergh or mann could do a brilliant job

what do you guys think??

Are you referring to ace director Shantaram or is this something I am completely missing ??

no the johnny depp film on greg david roberts

Is there a link that confirms this news? It will be interesting to see Depp play the role of Shantaram ! I have the novel lying on my desk and have only caught a few pages here and there....probably better to see the movie....its too darn huge for my liking !!!!

Now it makes sense , i checked imdb and this what i found

http://imdb.com/title/tt0429087/

though IMO imdb is not the most reliable source.

speaking of RGV:
http://indiafm.com/scoop/05/may/0905rgv/index.shtml

can't wait

roberts is currently in mumbai working on the script and has already had his meetings w/ depp

btw, ya pav can't wait they all look great

chunkey is going to play himself!


Hollywood embraces Chunky Pandey

Ram Gopal Varma’s D gave Chunkey Pandey a new lease of life and reversed the power equation. The industry that discarded him years ago has given him lots of offers after watching him in D. But this time he’s clear, “There’ll be no bad selection of films.”

It seems Hollywood is also ready to embrace him with open arms. He’s been asked to do a cameo in Hollywood film Shantaram (based on book Shantaram) with Johnny Depp. Says excited Chunkey, “I’m mentioned in the book as well and they’ve told me to play myself in the film. And it’s a great feeling.”

It’s been easy shooting in Bangladesh for the last couple of years. “It was like working in India,” feels Chunkey. After D, Chunkey has another film, Darwaza Bandh Rakho by Ramu and an offer by Raj Kanwar. His happiness can be gauged from the fact that he has completely forgotten his last release Ssukh, which flopped badly. “Right now, I want to work only with Ram Gopal Varma. I feel he’s someone who spoils his actors and gets the best out of them.”

I really don’t know how to feel abt this, as I am really not familiar w/ this guys work. the only film I have seen of his is master and commander, and I did not like that at all. though reading his imdb page, I see he has been nominated 4X for best director! anyone have any takes on peter weir as a director for this??


Peter Weir Helming 'Shantaram' for Warner

Master and Commander director Peter Weir has signed on to helm Johnny Depp-starrer Shantaram, an adaptation of the Gregory David Roberts novel, for Warner Bros. Pictures, according to Daily Variety.

Depp plays an Australian heroin addict who escapes a maximum-security prison and reinvents himself in India as a doctor in the slums of Bombay. His attempt to find medicine for his destitute patients leads him into counterfeiting, gunrunning and smuggling.

WB executives envisioned an epic film when they agreed to pay $2 million for worldwide rights to the novel last year.

The project is being produced by Initial Entertainment Group's Graham King along with Depp's Infinitum Nihil and Plan B's Brad Pitt.

The studio hopes to begin production late next year

http://www.themovieinsider.com/n2518-peter-weir-helming-shantaram-for-warner.html

I've only seen Master and Commander, Dead Poets Society, Truman Show, and Picnic at Hanging Rock. The last two are very good films. Master and Commander was not that exciting for me, though I would like to see the franchise continue. Didn't like DPS.

I don't know quite what to think of him as a director overall, but he has filmed a wide range of subject material. I haven't noticed much that I would characterize as being "Weiresque" but he's definitely a capable director, at the very least. IMDB says he does a lot of films about people in surroundings strange to them. Shantaram has that kind of story.

According to IMDb, the author of Shantaram is keen on casting Shah Rukh Khan for a role in this film.

excellent news!! weir was completely wrong for this

Peter Weir Leaves Shantaram

Jun 12 2006

Director Weir Exits the Big Screen Adaptation of Shantaram
Director Peter Weir (Master and Commander) has stepped down as the director of the upcoming film, Shantaram, based on the novel by Gregory David Roberts. According to Variety, Johnny Depp is still attached to star in dramatic movie for Warner Bros Pictures.

Depp, who'll next be seen in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, will star as an escaped convict on the run in Bombay, India. Risking his anonymity, he sets up a free clinic in a slum and helps out people who otherwise wouldn't have any health care.

In a statement issued to Variety by a studio spokesman, the cause of Weir's departure was said to have been creative differences between the critically acclaimed director and the studio and producers.

Warner Bros is aiming to begin production in early 2007.

Source: Variety

ya but you gotta remember that throughout the book qasim ali is an old man, so I doubt we will be seeing srk in there

I agree mola ram. peter Weir was not suited for a movie like this. I am glad he is out.


Personally I hope Martin Scorcesse gets the job. The only downside is that he might opt for Di Caprio. But if Depp is already cast, he might have no say in that matter. My second choice is Michael Mann(he might make a stylish noir out of it. no worries, it will still be one hell of a movie)


and I am so relieved that Depp is still on. From what I've read about the character, He sounds perfect.



They should cast Irfan Khan or N Shah in Qasim Ali's role.
jmo

No bollywood director should be allowed to direct this, they will just make a mess of it, even Ram Gopal Varma. I hope Shahrukh doesn't get a role in this either, he will butcher it with his hammy acting. Bollywood should keep it's dirty paws off this one.

As for Chunky Pandey, if it's just a cameo appearance he might pull it off.