Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj has confirmed that he is working on a feature film inspired by the Tarun Tejpal case. The development comes soon after the Bombay High Court set aside Tejpal’s 2021 acquittal, convicted him of rape and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Bhardwaj has said the film is still at an early stage, but he is drawn to the case because of the sharp contrast between the trial court and High Court judgments. He also said the subject demands a careful, multi-sided approach instead of a film built around a fixed conclusion.
Why Vishal Bhardwaj wants a multi-perspective structure
In an interview with Variety, Bhardwaj said the difference between the two court decisions makes the case suitable for a “Rashomon”-style narrative, a format built around different versions and perspectives of the same events.
“The contradiction between the two judgments makes it a perfect case for a ‘Rashomon’-style narrative. There are a lot of facts and incidents in this case that nobody knows about, and people will be amused and surprised to discover them on screen,” he said.
The filmmaker said he has spent time reading the legal material connected to the case. According to him, the details are important, but they are also difficult for the public to access because of the length and language of court documents.
“As they say, the devil lies in the detail. How do you expect people to go through the tiring, dry legal language of a 500-plus-page court judgment? I have gone through the minutest details. I have read the judgment many times and am still grappling with it. It’s a very important case for society,” Bhardwaj said.
Bhardwaj says the film will not begin with a fixed view
Bhardwaj made it clear that he does not want to start the film with a predetermined position. He said it is too early for him to decide what the film is ultimately about, and that the approach should be closer to observation than judgment.
“I’m very clear that the approach must be that of a dispassionate observer, like a true film journalist, if I may say so,” he said.
Explaining why multiple viewpoints matter to him, Bhardwaj said, “No story is complete without all the different points of view, especially in a ‘Rashomon’ structure, because half a glass of water is also half empty at the same time. The only difference is perspective.”
His comments suggest that the film may focus as much on the legal record and conflicting readings of events as on the central accusation itself. However, Bhardwaj has not announced a title, cast, shooting schedule or release plan.
Casting approach for the film
Bhardwaj also spoke about the kind of actor he would prefer for the project. He said he would like an actor who is not already familiar with the crime and who can approach the material as fiction, without being shaped by public discussion around the case.
“I want the actor to be unaware of the crime, if possible, and to set the judgments aside. I would love for him to approach it as fiction,” he said.
The director added that the film is being made in association with a major Bollywood studio. He has not revealed the name of the production house.
Background of the Tarun Tejpal case
Tarun Tejpal, the former editor of Tehelka, was arrested in 2013 after a junior colleague accused him of sexual assault. In 2021, a Goa sessions court acquitted him. The Goa government challenged that decision.
On August 6, the Bombay High Court overturned the acquittal. The High Court described the trial court’s judgment as “perverse” and convicted Tejpal. The court relied on the complainant’s testimony, CCTV footage and apology emails sent by Tejpal before sentencing him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Tejpal has stated that he will challenge the High Court verdict before the Supreme Court.
Bhardwaj’s planned film is therefore being developed while the legal process may continue. For now, the filmmaker has only confirmed the broad direction of the project: a feature film inspired by the case, told through different perspectives and shaped by close reading of the court record.
Source: Bollywood Hungama.