Ananth Mahadevan to adapt short story of Satyajit Ray

In his zest to pay a tribute to Satyajit Ray, actor-director Ananth Mahadevan has decided to adapt a short story Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro of the master filmmaker. “Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro follows the sojourn of a man, who after retirement, looking to keep himself engaged, is invited to be a storyteller of a rich businessman. It is a piquant situation he finds himself. Thereafter, Ray springs two magnificent surprises in the narrative,” quips Mahadevan. The director has thought of Amitabh Bachchan to reprise the role of the retired person. Talking about the story, Mahadevan observes, “A writer friend of mine Tapobrati Das Sammaddar approached with me with the story. It set my adrenaline pumping. A tribute to Ray was a rare opportunity and after hearing the charming story he had penned, I wrote to Sandip Ray for permissions hoping that he wouldn't have any reservations.” After all, it's better to keep the master's story confined within the pages of a book rather than let it turn into a wrongly made film, he feels. “But I guess my track record of 4 National awards and my penchant for challenging subjects turned the tide in my favour. Sandip was prompt and gracious in giving me the requisite permission," Mahadevan adds. Mahadevan has already written to Amitabh Bachchan. "I am waiting for Mr Bachchan to revert," the filmmaker maintains. Right now, he is working on the rest of the cast and crew. The film will be titled The Storyteller.