A large feudal settlement set is coming up at Film City in Goregaon as production moves into the final schedule of ‘The Peasant’, Dev Patel’s second directorial. Set in the 14th century, the period action drama is in its last stretch after a month-long shoot in Madhya Pradesh. Patel, who also stars in and co-writes the film, is expected to start the Mumbai leg in the second week of February.
Dev Patel film ‘The Peasant’ builds massive period set
Mid-Day reports that filming began on December 1, with elaborate period sets constructed at Film City. Sources told the outlet that the team began with world-building and crowd sequences, while Patel filmed his portions between December 15 and 20.The new set is designed as a densely populated feudal settlement, with narrow alleys, market-style courtyards, and an adjoining fortress. The layout is built to support large crowd scenes, and combat staged in tight spaces. A unit hand said, “You’re looking at hundreds of performers in costume, plus stunt teams working in close quarters. The set has to facilitate that. They had earlier done a rough shoot here, but this is the major leg.”
‘The Peasant’ 14th-century revenge drama heads into final schedule
‘The Peasant’ is described as a revenge-fueled action drama centered on an Indian shepherd who takes on mercenary knights after they ransack his village. The project was first conceived as a revenge thriller set in Italy. Patel later reshaped it into a story rooted in India.Production logistics in the country are being handled by India Take One Productions, which previously worked on Patel’s breakout film, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. The unit took a Christmas and New Year break, then regrouped on January 6 for a long schedule planned to run through the end of March.Patel broke through with ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008) and later earned an Oscar nomination for ‘Lion’ (2016). He first appeared on screen in the teen drama ‘Skins’ (2007) and steadily expanded his career with roles in films such as ‘The Green Knight’. The actor-turned-director made his directorial debut with ‘Monkey Man’ and also played the lead role in the film.
