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CASTING AND CREATIVITY IN - CINEMA

Though the Director is the ultimate decision maker in cinema; the casting
director plays a vital role in realization of what is conceived in
screenplay. Correct casting is an important key to the creation of one’s
conception. It brings alive the structure and puts it in flesh and blood on
screen .It is difficult to say as to what would have been the result if
instead of Marlon Brando some one else was cast in the role of the
legendary ‘Godfather’ because the role was so perfectly portrayed. The
very presence of Brando uplifted the film . Similarly, Topol was so well
cast in ‘Fiddler on the Roof ‘ that despite many characters the movie is
identified with him. On the contrary there are imminent Directors who
work with a set of actors in most movies; because they have tremendous
faith in their script and they too feel comfortable amongst friends and
protégé. Satyajit Ray cast Soumitra Chatterji in most of his films. Martin
Scorsese had Robert De Niro as his protagonist. Though; some consider
actors and even stars as mere props to execute the Director’s vision.
Roberto Rossellini cast non actors to drive home his point . Historical
charater pose a different challenge to Directors as public image of the
person is prevalent in the minds of the audience; the challenge is to
balance one’s creativity with the popular appeal. George C scott achieved
the vision in ‘ The Patton ‘ essentially with the brilliant screenplay of
Francis Cappola . In Hindi cinema the role of Akbar played by Prithvi
Raj Kapoor established the image of the famous emperor in the
consciousness of the Indian people – a case of perfect balance and
casting.

Though many Directors in Hindi films merely succumb


to the stereotypes, moreso when dealing with minor characters. So we see
the lean and tough Iftikar playing the role of commissioner of police
whilst Jagdish Raj had to satisfy with the role of an Inspector. Characters
of Doctor, Pandit and similar such roles are assigned to a set of actors
permanently—good old bald headed David performed as Doctor in
numerous films. Reduced now owing to surge of ‘Saas- Bahu’ soaps on
TV; but ‘Mothers’ played an important role enacted by a set motherly
actors. Lalita Pawar, Nirupa Roy and Sulochana excelling in their flow of
emotions.

Minor characters act as a link to the major action or to the confluence


of action. They are distinct landmarks to destination and therefore should
be well crafted. ‘ Sholay’ the most popular and successful Hindi film of
the last millennium is remembered for its ‘characters’- ‘ Ramu Kaka’,
‘Mausi’ and ‘Sambha’. Films which have entertained generations after
generations are those which give regard to the minor characters. Those
who treat minor characters as mere fillers have short shelf life and lack in
totality. Inadequacy in characters leads to deficiency in story and
screenplay thus hampering the success of the film.

Among the many abilities of Raj Kapoor as a great film maker


was his casting sense. Though commercial considerations play a
dominant role in hindi cinema Raj looked for the suitability and of
course ability. Two of his films suffice at what I intend to convey. ‘Mera
Naam Joker’ failed commercially but the casting of Dharmendra as the
Boss of the Circus was apt and was proved on screen with his refined
announcements, attractive built to match the Russian Artists and the
overall sophistication in command . The portrayal of David by Manoj
Kumar,the fiancé of Raj’s beloved teacher was a pleasant surprise; easy
going, subtle and understanding the emotions of his rival !. Few would
have suggested his name at the writing stage. Only Raj could fathom the
ability of the available talent. And there could examples and examples.
Simi as the class teacher is discussed to this day . The casting of ‘Bobby’
is lesson in the Department of Casting. Premnath as a loud large hearted
rum loving Konkan fisherman. Prem Chopra as a mean villain was
redesigned by Raj and remains unforgettable for his tiny role but
terrorizing presence.Pran as matter of factly father, ‘Sonia Sahni’ as a
glamorous and glossy mother, Durga Khote as loving and loyal Nanny
contributed in equal measure for the success of this landmark love Saga
which liberated the Indian Youth.

Finally; the hallmark of a casting Director and in our case the


Director himself is his sharp creative insight in assessing and sizing up an
actor. Greatness of a Director is executing the conception in Screenplay
with the ability of the Actors so that they rise above the script.

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