BIG Pictures’ Shyam Benegal film Abba Ka Kuan becomes Well Done Abba

BIG Pictures' veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal directed satirical comedy Abba Ka Kuan has now been titled Well Done Abba.

It stars Boman Irani in a double role, along with Minissha Lamba and Sammir Dattani in pivotal roles. Benegal has wrapped up its final schedule in Ramoji Filmcity and Ibrahimpattnam Village, Hyderabad. The film has also been shot in parts at Whistling Woods, Film City, Mumbai and the Mumbai - Pune Expressway.

One of the pioneers of the ‘New’ and ‘Middle’ cinema in India, Shyam Benegal has been considered one of the leading filmmakers of the country ever since his first feature film, Ankur was released. An author, director and a social activist, Benegal has been honoured with some of the most prestigious awards like Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award and numerous National Film Awards. In ‘Well Done Abba’ he narrates the story of Armaan Ali, a driver working in Mumbai. He takes leave for a month to find a husband for his teenage daughter, who lives in a small locality close to Hyderabad. Armaan Ali returns to work only after 3 months. His young employer wants to sack him but is persuaded to listen to the reason why Armaan got so delayed.

The film is inspired by two short stories; ‘Narsaiyyan Ki Bavdi’ by Jeelani Bano and ‘Phulwa Ka Pul’ by Sanjeev and a film treatment by Jayant Kriplani. A screenplay by Ashok Mishra and music by Shantanu Moitra, lyrics penned by Ashok Mishra, Swanand Kirkire and Ila Arun, Well Done Abba also stars Ravi Kishen, Ila Arun, Salim Ghouse, Sonali Kulkarni, Rajit Kapur, Yashpal Sharma, Ravi Jhankal and Deepika Amin in supporting roles.

--SAMPURN