From Smita Patil-Naseeruddin Shah starrer Chakra to Purush, Manish Goswami acquires adaptation rights

Renowned producer Manish Goswami has made a major move to bring some of Jaywant Dalvi’s most celebrated literary works back into the spotlight. Goswami has acquired the adaptation rights to two of the acclaimed Marathi author and playwright’s most iconic works, his novel Chakra and landmark play Purush. Both stories have already made a strong impact through their earlier screen and stage adaptations, and the acquisition brings renewed attention to two timeless works that continue to hold relevance even decades after they were first introduced to audiences.

Speaking about the acquisition, Manish Goswami shares, “I had seen Chakra in 1981, and even then it struck me as one of the most powerful and relevant films of its time. Looking at the world today, I believe its themes are even more relevant than they were over four decades ago. Great stories never lose their relevance, they only become more meaningful with time. Jaywant Dalvi’s writing possesses that rare quality.”

Based on Jaywant Dalvi’s acclaimed novel, Chakra was adapted into a landmark feature film in 1981 and went on to become one of Indian cinema’s most powerful portrayals of urban poverty, survival, and human resilience. The film offered an unflinching look at life on the margins of society and captured the struggles of individuals trying to survive in an unforgiving urban landscape. Its honest and deeply human storytelling continues to resonate, making the narrative as relevant today as it was at the time of its release.

The film featured extraordinary performances by Smita Patil and Naseeruddin Shah, who brought immense depth and authenticity to their respective characters. Smita Patil won the National Film Award for Best Actress as well as the Filmfare Award for her unforgettable performance, while Naseeruddin Shah also received the Filmfare Award for his outstanding portrayal. Chakra went on to receive widespread critical acclaim and several prestigious honours in India and internationally, including recognition at the Locarno Film Festival, further cementing its position as one of the significant works of Indian parallel cinema.

Goswami has also acquired the rights to Jaywant Dalvi’s celebrated play Purush, another work that has had a lasting impact on Indian theatre and cinema. The play was later adapted into a feature film featuring acclaimed actors including Irrfan Khan and Om Puri. Known for its fearless exploration of power, justice, gender dynamics, and social inequality, Purush remains one of the most significant works in modern Indian theatre. Its bold social commentary and examination of deeply rooted power structures continue to make it a compelling and thought provoking story for contemporary audiences.

The acquisition of Chakra and Purush marks an important step towards revisiting the works of one of India’s finest literary voices. Both stories have already established themselves as culturally significant works, with their themes continuing to find resonance across generations. By securing their adaptation rights, Manish Goswami is not only celebrating Jaywant Dalvi’s literary legacy but is also opening the possibility of introducing these powerful narratives to a new generation of audiences.

The move comes at a time when Indian entertainment is increasingly looking towards stories with strong social themes, memorable characters, and narratives that can spark conversations beyond the screen. In that context, Dalvi’s works offer a rich foundation, combining powerful storytelling with subjects that remain deeply connected to society.

The acquisition also reflects Goswami’s belief that exceptional literature can transcend generations and continue to find new meaning with changing times. While Chakra explored the harsh realities of urban survival and human resilience, Purush challenged conventional ideas around power, justice, and gender. Their themes may have originated decades ago, but their relevance continues to make them potent stories for audiences today.

With Manish Goswami now holding the adaptation rights to both Chakra and Purush, attention will naturally turn towards how these acclaimed works could find a new life for contemporary audiences. For now, the acquisition brings two of Jaywant Dalvi’s most celebrated creations back into focus, reaffirming the enduring power of stories that refuse to become outdated.