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Dehati Disco, trailer launch: Ace choreographer Ganesh Acharya debuts as leading man

They chose International Dance Day to release the trailer of the film Dehati (Rural) Disco at the deserted and decrepit Golden Tobacco cigarette factory, in suburban Vile Parle, Mumbai, which stopped production of their Panama brand decades ago, and the place, which was a landmark once upon a time, now constitutes vestigial remain.

Dance has always been the heart of our Indian cinema. We have seen several iconic films based on dance which have left a great impact on the dancers of the world. Keeping the adrenaline rush at its peak, choreographer Ganesh Acharya announced the release of Dehati Disco, in May 2022, and the team uploaded the trailer of the film on 29 April. Present on the occasion were actor dancer Govinda, who has had several fruitful partnerships with Ganesh, choreographer- director Ahmed Khan, whose film Heropanti had released just that day, and Terence Lewis, who has choreographed songs in films like Lagaan, Jhankaar Beats, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. Ganesh referred to Govinda as “My Bhagwan (my God).” 

Govinda gave a long speech, though he stressed that he has given up politics 15 years ago and had, as a consequence, stopped giving speeches altogether. It was a strange speech, partly inspiring, partly meandering. Those who had come expecting to see Govinda shake a leg were disappointed, for he only moved his larynx.

Helmed by Manoj Sharma, Dehati Disco is a story of Bhola (Ganesh Acharya) and Bheema (Saksham Sharma, Super Dance-Chapter 3 finalist) establishing the importance of dance in their village, Shivpur, where the art form is believed to be a curse. Produced by Gitesh Chandrakar, Vaseem Qureshi and Kamal Kishor Mishra, under Qureshi Productions Pvt ltd and One Entertainment Film Productions, the film features Ganesh Acharya, Ravi Kishan, Manoj Joshi, Rajesh Sharma and Sahi Khan, in significant roles

Manoj Sharma confessed that having Ganesh Acharya on the set was a boon. “He never interfered, but if he felt that a shot would look better if taken in a slightly different way, he used to tell me so. And I would say – Why not? –and he was always right.”

Ravi Kishan, who was not spotted at the event, nevertheless shared his thoughts, “When I read the script, I was completely moved by the story. I couldn't say no to such an inspiring film. Ganesh Ji has done a phenomenal job as always. I was surprised by how full of etiquette Saksham was on the sets. He won all our hearts during the shoot of this film. All I can say is this is a must-watch for all the dance lovers out there.”

The trailer, shown twice, as is the norm, showed Ganesh and a little boy taking up the challenge of competing against Saksham. The former know only rustic steps while the latter has learnt all the latest big city beats. Rajesh Sharma played the father of Saksham while Manoj Joshi played the orthodox leader/priest who is against dance itself. Ravi Kishen was seen fleetingly and it was not clear what role he is playing. Ganesh seemed to go over the top a bit, but this film is surely targetting the gallery, so that’s fine.

To entertain the audience, a large contingent of dancers presented a contest between two sides, one comprising city slickers, while the other dressed as village folk. In the contest, the little boy drew thunderous applause. Guess that is precursor of what we shall see in the film, come 27 May.

Talking about the film, Ganesh Acharya expressed, “Dehati Disco is a very special film for me. The whole cast and crew have done an amazing job on this film. I want to inspire the dancers all over the nation that nothing is impossible. Furthermore, I am sure Dehati Disco will leave a strong impact on the audiences.”

Starting as an assistant to legendary choreographer, Kamal, Ganesh founded his own dance company when he was 12, became a choreographer when he was 19, and worked in his first film, Anaam (1992), when he was 21. He won the Filmfare award for best choreography in 2007 for the song ‘Beedee jalailey’ from Omkara. That very year, 2006, Ganesh choreographed four other notable films: Rang De Basanti, Phir Hera Pheri, Golmaal, and Lage Raho Munna Bhai.

Multi-faceted and multi-talented, Ganesh decided to pursue a career in film direction and made a film called Swami (2007), which he also produced and wrote. Next, Ganesh Acharya directed the comedy film Money Hai To Honey Hai, in 2008. He appeared as a villain in the Tamil film Rowthiram in 2011 and acted in a few other films as well.

His favourite dancer is Govinda, and some of the films in which they worked together are Coolie No. 1, Bade Miyaan Chhote Miyaan, Anari No. 1, Hadh Kar Di Aapne, Jodi No. 1, Ankhiyonse Goli Maare and Bhagam Bhag.

International Dance Day was created by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute ITI, the main partner for the performing arts of UNESCO. Since its creation in 1982, the International Dance Committee and the International Theatre Institute ITI select an outstanding dance personality to write a message for International Dance Day each year. This day is a celebration day for those who can see the value and importance of the art form “dance”, and acts as a wake-up-call for governments, politicians and institutions which have not yet recognised its value to the people and to the individual and have not yet realised its potential for economic growth.

Scheduled to begin at 11 am, the event finally got going at exactly 1 pm. Thankfully, there was lunch on the cards, otherwise 300 stomachs would end up performing Dehati Disco.