India‘s Ellipsis Entertainment, following acclaim for “Do Aur Do Pyaar” and “Sharmajee Ki Beti,” is set to produce a film based on a notorious fraud. The untitled project will delve into the controversial 1971 Nagarwala case that rocked a Delhi branch of the State Bank of India.
The Nagarwala case centers on alleged double agent Rustom Sohrab Nagarwala, who supposedly impersonated then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to convince the head cashier to withdraw INR6 million (then $800,000) from the bank. However, the exact details of the incident remain disputed.
The investigation was led by Hari Dev Kaushal, then Station House Officer of Delhi’s Chanakyapuri locality, known for his effective and compassionate approach to law enforcement. Kaushal, who passed away at 91, left a lasting impression on the police force.
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Kaushal is the father of Bollywood actors Rahul Dev and Mukul Dev. Mukul Dev, who wrote Hansal Mehta’s 2017 Toronto title “Omerta,” joins the writing team alongside Suprotim Sengupta (Netflix’s “Murder Mubarak”) and Kunal Aneja (Netflix’s “Maamla Legal Hai”). The group has conducted extensive research using primary and secondary sources.
Ellipsis is currently casting for the role of Hari Dev Kaushal, finalizing the director and assembling an ensemble to portray the key figures involved in the case.
Founded in 2016 by veteran Indian film executive Tanuj Garg and photographer, talent agent and producer Atul Kasbekar, Ellipsis’ credits also include “Tumhari Sulu” (2017) and “Looop Lapeta” (2022).
Garg said about the bank scam film: “As an enthusiast of the espionage genre, I was drawn to this case, which remains enigmatic. Many individuals connected to the investigation, including the primary suspect, died within months of the incident. We’re eager to finalize our cast and begin production.”
Kasbekar added: “My early photographic work in 1990 involved Rahul and Mukul Dev, who are also personal friends. I had the opportunity to interact extensively with their father, Hari Dev Ji. It’s fitting that he’s the central figure in this compelling narrative.”
