Om Puri's next on Indian farmer suicides

Om Puri is set to star in "Project Marathwada", which highlights the issue of farmers' suicides across India. The veteran actor says the "critical topic" urged him to take up the project.

"It's moving at how we have abandoned our farmers and yet they have continued to feed us. Their life-taking problems can be solved with modest but genuine efforts by the state, central government and private organisations.

"When the script was read out to me, I immediately agreed to be a part of it as this is a critical topic and needs our urgent attention. I feel honoured to be a part of this project and hope to bring a change in their lives through 'Project Marathwada'," Om said in a statement.

The film revolves around the life of a Marathwada-based indebted farmer named Tukaram, portrayed by Puri, who reaches Mumbai with high hopes of seeking help from the government, from the unabating adversity in his village.

Once faced with reality, he meets some of the corrupt government officials, who send him from one office to another.

The story moves further when he comes across four college students, engaged in the making of a documentary on the issue of farmers' suicide. It then leads to unexpected twists and turns.

The movie also features Govind Namdeo and Dilip Tahil.

The movie's director Bhavin Wadia said: "Farmers in large numbers are committing suicide every other day. The least we can do is bring their plight to the notice of people who can bring a change.

"I am thrilled to work with Om sir who can skilfully carry the role of a depressed farmer in the film and also thankful to the producer Satyavrat Tripathi and all the brilliant actors, who have believed in me and have come together for this venture."

"Project Marathwada" will go on floors in Mumbai and across rural parts of Maharashtra, beginning Jan 20.