'Haathi Mere Saathi': Hindi version postponed due to COVID-19 surge
What's the story
Makers of Haathi Mere Saathi have decided to postpone the release of the Hindi version of the multilingual film in view of the rising COVID-19 cases in the northern markets.
However, its release as Kaadan (Tamil) and Aranya (Telugu) will go as planned on Pongal, March 26.
For the unversed, the adventure-drama was scheduled to be released in all the languages on that day.
Statement
New date will be decided when cases will fall
The production house backing the Prabu Solomon-directorial, Eros International, took to their social media handles to announce the postponement.
The post read: "Given the COVID-19 situation in the Hindi markets, the team of Haathi Mere Saathi has decided to hold on to the release of the film."
Unsurprisingly, the new date will depend on the fall in the surge of cases.
Details
Also starring: Pulkit Samrat, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Zoya Hussain, Vishnu Vishal
Haathi Mere Saathi was originally slated to release in April of 2020 until it had to be pushed back indefinitely in view of the pandemic.
Earlier this year, lead star Rana Daggubati had announced that the new release date had been set at March 26.
Apart from him, the film also stars Pulkit Samrat, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Zoya Hussain, and Vishnu Vishal in important roles.
Role
Bandev is the kind of hero you want, says Daggubati
In an interview, Daggubati described his character, Bandev, as someone who is intricately associated with nature and fights against its exploitation.
"Bandev is the kind of hero you want. I saw him in that perspective. So, I had to play him," the Baahubali actor had stated.
He said he idolizes Bandev and recalled how shooting in the forest was "spiritually healing" for him.
Backstory
Daggubati had been seriously ill during the shoot
It was during shooting Haathi Mere Saathi Daggubati was diagnosed with heart complications and kidney failure.
When his photo surfaced last year, fans got worried, but he and his family termed news of his ailment as rumors.
It was only last year that he opened up on a show.
On his return, he said his films have taught him to "rise as a hero."