Siddharth Roy Kapur, whose production house Roy Kapur Films (RKF), whose recent projects include Pippa, Tumse Na Ho Payega and Rocket Boys, is now gearing up to bring to life the story of Sukumar Sen, India’s first Chief Election Commissioner and the architect of independent India’s first General Elections in 1951-52.
Along with Trickitainment Media, RKF has acquired the rights to produce a biopic on the life of this relatively unknown visionary — a brilliant mathematician turned civil servant, who played a crucial role in India’s transition from a British colony to a democratic republic. The biopic was announced on the eve of the counting day of India’s 18th General Elections, as the makers seek to remind audiences of the sheer ambition and audacity behind the country’s first and the world’s largest electoral process, for which Sukumar Sen laid the foundation.
Sharing his thoughts about the biopic, producer Siddharth Roy Kapur stated, “We are so honoured to bring to life the incredible story of one of our national heroes Sukumar Sen, who played a crucial role in shaping India’s democratic history. From the very system of identifying political parties by different symbols and colours in order to combat illiteracy to coming up with the idea of indelible ink on fingernails to avoid voter impersonation…so many of his innovations are in place even today! His contribution to laying the architecture for our democratic process deserves to be celebrated and we look forward to bringing audiences in India and around the world this thrilling story of our very first election and the amazing man behind it.”
"We firmly believe that Sukumar Sen's legendary and historically significant story, filled with monumental and dramatic moments, will resonate with all Indian citizens who exercise the right to vote. Told after 73 years, it is a must-see for all generations across the nation," said Romanchak Arora from Trickitainment Media
“One of India's greatest successes as a nation has been its successful democracy. The foundation of all democracies is free and fair elections and the credit for laying the bedrock for this vibrant electoral process must go to Sukumar Sen, my grandfather and the 1st CEC of Independent India. I wish the producers all the success to portray the untold story of an unsung hero of this great nation.” said Sen’s grandson Sanjiv Sen.
“I congratulate the producers and wish them all success in their endeavour. This is a laudable effort to make the people of our country aware of a remarkable person and his achievements,” added his second grandson Debdatta Sen.