Based on the political ideals of the former leader Bal Thackeray of extremist right-wing Indian organisation Shiv Sena, Marathi film Balkadu will be released in India today (Friday) marking the birth anniversary of the deceased leader reported Indian Express.

Founded by Thackeray, Shiv Sena is known for its anti-Pakistan sentiments and routinely stages protests upon the visits of Pakistanis for visits related to sports, arts or politics.

The film which is not a biopic will show Thackeray’s role in the form of a voice-over advocating the famous ‘Marathi Manoos’ cause which stood for his ethnocentric vision for Marathi nationalism.

‘Balkadu’ is a homonym in Marath meaning ‘medicine given to infants to ensure their good health.’ However in the light of the film, the word signifies the ‘bitter medicine given by Thackeray for well-being of Marathi Manoos.’

Shiv Sena MP and daily Saamana’s editor Sanjay Raut is said to be the man behind the project as his name appears as the ‘presenter of the film in the titles.’

“People should know about the icons of the country and Balasaheb was one of the biggest icons that the country has produced,” Raut said.

Directed by Atul Kale and produced by Royal Maratha Entertainment Company, Balkadu is being said to have one of the biggest screenings that a Marathi film has seen up till now and would be opening in more than 500 screens across the state.

The film stars Umesh Kamat as Balkrishna who would be portraying Thackeray in spirit, in the role of a history teacher. The young teacher would be shown as someone greatly perturbed the gradual decrease in Marathi population and who’d later seek inspiration from Thackeray’s voice. Although the leader will not appear on the screen his voice is supposed to have a profound impact on the development of the film.

When asked why Raut didn’t opt for a biopic instead, he commented:

“Balasaheb during his lifetime had stated that he would never write his autobiography. How can we make a autobiographical film on him. We wanted his ideas to be propagated to the maximum people but did not want to make a drab documentary. The best option was to make a commercial film which showcased Balasaheb’s ideals,” Raut said.