Acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta and producer Sahil Saigal are collaborating to bring the Hindi-language adaptation of Ilango Ram’s critically acclaimed Sri Lankan comedy, Tentigo (originally Nelum Kuluna), to Indian audiences under their production banner, True Story Films.
Tentigo premiered in Sri Lankan theaters on March 14, and its Tamil-language counterpart, Perusu, also directed by Ram, debuted in India on the same day.
The Hindi adaptation marks the debut of celebrated casting director Mukesh Chhabra as a producer, with Tentigo producer Hiranya Perera serving as associate producer. True Story Films is partnering with the indie powerhouse Crawling Angel Films, with Sanjay Gulati and Neeraj Pandey co-producing the project. Karan Vyas, a three-time Filmfare winner known for his work on Scam 1992, Scam 2003, Scoop, and Saas Bahu aur Flamingo, is adapting the comedy into Hindi, promising a “fresh, madcap take on the original.”
Internationally, Tentigo garnered significant recognition after premiering at the 2023 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Award.
While specific details about the director and cast are being kept under wraps, the producers have teased an ensemble of talent set to elevate the project. “I’m not usually in favor of remakes, but this one had me genuinely excited,” said Mehta. “The moment I saw Tentigo, I couldn’t stop laughing. It was sharp, irreverent, and yet deeply emotional – the kind of story that stays with you. I believe this adaptation will resonate with audiences across India.”
Chhabra, who has worked with Mehta as a casting director on notable projects such as Shahid, expressed his excitement for the venture: “Working alongside him as a producer feels like a natural extension of everything we’ve built over the years — I’m excited about this new chapter in my career.”
Sanjay Gulati of Crawling Angel Films, known for his involvement in projects like the Sundance-winning Girls Will Be Girls, Once Again, and Nimtoh, added, “Over the last 10 years, many films I’ve been involved with have premiered at film festivals but often remained out of the public eye. Tentigo, as a comedy, defies the typical ‘festival film’ label. Through this adaptation, I aim to break free from such definitions, as what truly matters is reaching a wide audience.”
With its compelling storyline and promising talent behind the scenes, the Hindi adaptation of Tentigo is set to be an exciting addition to India’s cinematic landscape.
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