Director Mahesh Manjrekar opens up on his camaraderie with action choreographer Don Lee while working on Hotstar Specials’ 1962: The War In The Hills

~ Mahesh Manjrekar shares his experience of working with Don Lee in 1962: The War In The Hills, releasing 26^th February 2021 on Disney+ Hotstar VIP ~

 

Inspired by true events, Hotstar Specials brings 1962: The War In The Hills - a tale about these soldiers who despite being outnumbered and armed with basic equipment stopped the infiltrating army in its tracks, which became one of the greatest last stands in military history. Almost 60 years ago, our soldiers stood strong to protect what truly belonged to the nation - Ladakh; a battle we continue to fight even today. This is the story of 125 Indian soldiers who fought against 3000 Chinese in a battle that changed the course of the war. Produced in partnership with Arré Studio, this 10-episode war-drama has been written by Charudutt Acharya and directed by one of Bollywood’s finest filmmakers Mahesh Manjrekar who has beautifully captured not only the war but also the personal lives of the soldiers and what they left behind in service of the nation.

World-renowned action choreographer Don Lee, best known for directing a host of spectacular franchises such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Trek Beyond among others, has choreographed all action sequences in the series giving each soldier a unique form of combat. 

Talking about his experience of working with the action choreographer Don Lee, director Mahesh Manjrekar Said, “Don is such a wonderful guy and he became a friend soon after we started shooting. He used to write a story of what we were going to shoot and choreographed it well in advance which worked fantastically for me. It became much easier, and the climax that he shot was brilliant. Don was absolutely prepared but at the same time open to suggestions because he was working on a terrain which was alien to him.”

Further adding about their on-shoot camaraderie, director Mahesh Manjrekar said, “Don on the 5th day of the shoot started eating spicy food and he started eating with his hands during lunchtime he used to ask me ‘Kya banaya hai’. We shot in different locations and he knew all my food places in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani, so he knew these 2-3 hotels also and used to be like ‘I am going there to eat’. We became friends and that’s why it was easier working with him. Don loves to eat fish and had even asked me if he could take some back home with him because he wanted his mom to taste it. Our good relationship made working together easier and I miss him sometimes. I really want him to come down and do another film with me. Don was a fantastic asset to the show.”

The series features an ensemble cast including Abhay Deol, Akash Thosar, Sumeet Vyas, Rohan Gandotra, Annup Sonii, Meiyang Chang, Mahie Gill, Rochelle Rao, Hemal Ingle and many more. The series has been shot in the high terrains of Ladakh and remote villages across India that gives the show a real, believable look. 

~Hotstar Specials presents 1962: The War in the Hills, a 10-episode war-drama set to launch on 26^th February 2021 exclusively for subscribers of Disney+ Hotstar VIP and Disney+ Hotstar Premium ~