John Mathew Matthan, the director of the Aamir Khan-starrer 1999 film Sarfarosh, said that he had written the script of Sarfarosh 2 “for five to six times before finalising it”.
Matthan, who is the chairperson of the Indian Panorama Jury at the 51st International Film Festival of India (IFFI), was in conversation with film journalist Faridoon Shahriyar during a virtual session Do You Have It? at the film festival.
“When I wrote the script, I looked at its criticism and kept it aside. After five to six months, I started writing it again and came across new potholes. This is the fifth script which was finalised. You need have good friends who are critical of you,” Matthan said.
While Sarfarosh dealt with cross-border terrorism, the sequel will be based on the internal security of India.
“It shows how India’s security stands strong in spite of various problems,” Matthan said. He said that he is dedicating the movie to the CRPF, who bear the brunt of these problems.
There has been no confirmation about the film and its cast.
Speaking about working on a film’s content, Matthan said, “I have travelled all over India in search of content for my films. It is important for any filmmaker to understand the elements of sociology and politics. I think a writer or director should be sensitive about the society. You can put across your point without being offensive to anyone.”
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Matthan, who began his career as an assistant director in Sir Richard Attenborough’s directorial Gandhi, spoke about his experience as the jury chairman of IFFI’s Indian Panorama section. “I saw 180 films and realised how diverse we are. This is a country to be embraced and loved,” he said, adding that India is a bubbling active democracy.
The 51st edition of IFFI is currently being held in Goa and will conclude on Sunday.
Sarfarosh, which won the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, was directed and produced by Matthan. He had also written the film’s story and screenplay.