NewKerala.com

Shekhar Kapur to Direct Biopic on Vaccine Pioneer Waldemar Haffkine

Shekhar Kapur is set to direct 'Foreign Bodies', a historical biopic about vaccine pioneer Waldemar Haffkine. Haffkine was a Ukrainian-Jewish scientist whose work on cholera and plague vaccines saved millions of lives. The British Raj falsely accused him of killing 19 people in what became known as "the Second Dreyfus Affair." Casting discussions are underway at the Cannes market, while Kapur is also working on the sequel to 'Masoom'.

Key Points: Shekhar Kapur to Direct 'Foreign Bodies' on Waldemar Haffkine

  • Shekhar Kapur to direct historical biopic 'Foreign Bodies'
  • Film focuses on vaccine pioneer Waldemar Haffkine
  • Haffkine saved millions with cholera and plague vaccines
  • British Raj falsely accused him of killing 19 people
  • Casting underway at Cannes market
2 min read

Shekhar Kapur to direct 'Foreign Bodies', a film on vaccine pioneer Waldemar Haffkine

Shekhar Kapur directs 'Foreign Bodies', a biopic on vaccine pioneer Waldemar Haffkine. The film explores his work on cholera and plague vaccines.

"Follow Haffkine, a brilliant outsider, as he is shaped by persecution, exile and personal loss - Deadline"

Mumbai, May 15

Shekhar Kapur has loads of interesting projects in his kitty. One of them is a historical biopic about vaccine pioneer and bacteriologist Waldemar Haffkine.

Haffkine, little known to the general public, was the Ukrainian-Jewish scientist whose work on cholera and plague vaccines in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries helped save millions of lives. The British Raj appointed Haffkine as their State Bacteriologist in India, but falsely accused him of killing nineteen people from tetanus in what became known as "the Second Dreyfus Affair," as per Deadline.

Set across Odesa, Paris, London, Mumbai and Kolkata, the film "will follow Haffkine, a brilliant outsider, as he is shaped by persecution, exile and personal loss, but who repeatedly risks his own body and reputation in pursuit of scientific truth."

The project is being produced by Helen Hadfield (Snapper Films), Alexandra Stone (Streetcar Productions), Egor Olesov (United Heroes), and J.D. Zacharias (Curiosity Rights).

Casting discussions are underway with producers currently on the ground at the Cannes market to discuss the film with potential partners.

Meanwhile, Shekhar Kapur is busy making the much-anticipated sequel to 'Masoom'.

The 1983 film 'Masoom' was a poignant Hindi drama about a family's struggle to accept an illegitimate son. Starring Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi, it featured soulful music by R D Burman and lyrics by Gulzar. The film was celebrated for its sensitive storytelling and remarkable performances by child actors Jugal Hansraj and Urmila Matondkar.

The film swept the 1984 Filmfare Awards, winning Best Film (Critics), Best Actor (Naseeruddin Shah), and Best Music Director (R D Burman). Its iconic soundtrack includes the timeless ghazal 'Tujhse Naraz Nahin Zindagi', the playful children's classic 'Lakdi Ki Kaathi', and the soulful 'Do Naina Aur Ek Kahani'.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
Interesting choice for Kapur, but I hope he doesn't just focus on the tragedy. Haffkine's work in Kolkata and Mumbai is a testament to India's role in global medicine. Would love to see more on his Indian connections and the local scientists who assisted him. šŸ¤”
R
Raghav A
Finally! A film about Haffkine. As a medical student, I've read about his vaccine work in Calcuttaā€”the man was a genius who faced prejudice even after saving millions. Kapur is perfect for this; his 'Bandit Queen' showed he can handle historical injustice. šŸ‡®šŸ‡³
A
Arjun K
Haffkine's story is heartbreakingā€”imagine being blamed for deaths you didn't cause, especially when you dedicated your life to saving people. I hope this film does justice to his legacy and also highlights how the British Raj often mistreated even their own allies. šŸ™
J
James A
Not sure why Kapur is jumping from 'Masoom 2' to this historical dramaā€”both seem very different. Still, Haffkine's work is remarkable, and it's great to see international co-productions like this. Hope the casting does justice to the Indian settings in Mumbai and Kolkata. šŸŽ¬
P
Pranav D
As someone from Kolkata, I'm thrilled! Haffkine's legacy lives on at the Haffkine Institute in Parel, Mumbai, but his link to our city is strong too. Kapur should film some parts in the old lanes of Kolkataā€”bring that 19th-century vibe alive. šŸ˜

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50