If Jungle, which was released 25 years ago on July 14, were to be released today, it would probably have met the same fate as Adipurush—though Jungle was a better, far more intelligent film.
It was also a rigorous, revisionist version of the Ramayan, where ‘Sita’, played by Urmila Matondkar, is abducted by ‘Raavan’, played by Sushant Singh… not Rajput, the other talented Sushant Singh.
Singh played Durga Narayan Choudhary, a Veerappan-styled dacoit in the jungle who abducts a group of tourists, uses them to negotiate with the government, releases them—but decides to hold back one hostage, Anu (Matondkar), whom he takes a fancy to.
The rest of the tense film—shot in striking hues of light green and red—is all about ‘Rama’ Fardeen Khan rescuing his ‘Sita’. Significantly, Sushant’s character never touches his special hostage physically; also, none of the characters were named after their counterparts in the Ramayan. Ram Gopal Varma only used the Ramayan analogy in his head.
In an interview with this writer before the release of Jungle, Ramu said, “There are many ways of looking at our mythological epics. A majority of Indian films are directly or indirectly based on the Ramayan. The idea is to not cannibalize the original content but to tap into it.”
Fardeen Khan spoke to me on 25 years of Jungle: “When I think back to the opportunity I had to work with Ram Gopal Varma on Jungle, it feels like a pivotal moment in my career, one that brought with it a mix of trepidation and excitement. After my first film Prem Aggan, many had written me off, doubting my abilities and my place in the industry. The criticism was harsh, and I found myself at a crossroads, questioning my path forward.”
“Then came the call from Ram Gopal Varma, a director whose films I loved and greatly admired. Known for his unconventional approach and knack for extracting raw performances, RGV saw something in me that perhaps even I didn’t know I had. I couldn’t believe he offered me the leading role in a film that was far removed from the glitz and glamour of films being made at the time. It was a project that demanded authenticity and a fearless dive into a challenging character.”
“Working with him was a transformative experience for me. He encouraged me to dig deep, to shed any remnants of self-doubt, and to embrace the raw, unfiltered nature of the character I was portraying. His faith in me was both daunting and inspiring—a reminder that I had much more to offer than what was evident from my first outing.”
“The process was grueling, with long days in the heart of the jungle, facing the elements and pushing through physical and emotional exhaustion. But it was in this environment that I discovered my craft. RGV’s guidance was relentless yet nurturing; he knew how to get the best out of his actors, and in doing so, he helped me rebuild my confidence and redefine my place in the industry.”
“Jungle was not just a film; it was a turning point for me. It taught me resilience, the importance of trusting the process, and the value of working with a visionary like RGV. His belief in my potential gave me the strength to persevere, and for that, I remain eternally grateful. The experience reaffirmed my passion for acting and set the stage for the journey that lay ahead.”
“RGV is one of a kind in the literal sense of the word. Working with him, learning from him, and getting to know him in the process has been such a great privilege—and I deeply cherish every single memory.”
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