Filmmaker Sanoj Mishra has officially announced his next directorial venture titled 'Sanoj Tanha Safar', aimed at bringing the turbulent chapters of his personal life and career to the silver screen. The announcement was made during a formal press conference, where he detailed the various legal battles and controversies that have marked his journey over the past few years.
The Backstory of the Kumbh Viral Girl Controversy
Sanoj Mishra is the same filmmaker who intended to launch Monalisa, the girl who sold Datun during the Maha Kumbh, in a movie titled 'The Diary of Manipur'. However, that project came to a standstill due to numerous legal hurdles and controversies. The newly announced film 'Sanoj Tanha Safar' will capture that exact narrative, shedding light on the untold story from giving Monalisa a break through his previous project to her eventual relocation to Kerala.
Allegations of Conspiracies and Legal Battles
During the press conference, the filmmaker made several striking revelations, claiming that he was targeted as part of a massive conspiracy. He stated that Monalisa considered him a father figure, but things changed when he objected to certain matters, leading to a case being registered against him in Kerala under the POCSO Act. He also targeted former Shia Waqf Board chairman and his former producer Wasim Rizvi, against whom he has already filed a fraud case involving 3 crore rupees. Furthermore, he noted that during the making of 'The Diary of West Bengal', multiple fabricated cases were filed against him along with an attempt on his life, adding that Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut came to his rescue during that difficult phase.
Directors Bringing the Reality to Screen
Directors Kripa Shankar Saroj and Abhilash S. Gupta, who have previously worked alongside Sanoj as associates, have taken up the responsibility to adapt these real-life experiences into a feature film. Drawing from the realities they witnessed firsthand, the movie will highlight how a girl was allegedly manipulated by Wasim Rizvi to frame Sanoj, and how she later admitted in court that she made the accusations in exchange for money. The court subsequently acquitted Sanoj while raising questions on false litigations that undermine public trust in the judicial system.
Battling Suicidal Thoughts and Mental Strain
Reflecting on the darkest moments of his ordeal, Sanoj shared that the relentless accusations pushed him to the brink where he experienced suicidal thoughts and his mental balance began to falter, while his mother also suffered immense mental distress. Describing his journey spanning 35 years in the industry, he expressed that he has harbored a passion for cinema since childhood and remains as solitary today as he was decades ago. He mentioned treating Monalisa like a daughter and spending time with her family, noting that her actions severely impacted his professional standing.
Losing Fear and Embracing Spirituality
Asserting that his life is an open book of which this film is a part, Sanoj explained that facing countless allegations has completely stripped away his fear. Describing himself as a spiritual person and a sadhu, he emphasized that his experiences must reach the masses, which is why this project is being brought forward. He clarified that filmmaking is not a commercial business for him, as he lives like a fakir, and he will also essay the lead role in the film, which features elements of glamour and scope for music.
Production Timeline and Crew Details
The movie is being produced under the banner of Ashicom Media Private Limited, backed by a seasoned technical crew. The script is penned by Deepak Sutha, with music composed by Adhir Dutta, cinematography by Iqbal Singh Mehrok, and editing by Yogesh Pandey. The makers have commenced the casting process, and the film is scheduled to go on floors this December. Notably, a majority of the shooting will take place across real locations.
