Johnny Depp stalls Shantaram Movie indefinitely

by admin on May.20, 2009, under Johnny Depp, Mira Nair, News, Shantaram Movie

As reported on the community forum yesterday, we can confirm news stories floating around the web detailing Johnny Depp’s reluctance to shoot the Shantaram movie in India, quoting security concerns.

This will deeply sadden many fans of the book, who have patiently waited for news that the production was underway. It appears that Depp is more keen on using Mexico as a location, rather than Mumbai and India.

The good news is that Mira Nair is not budging on the location, insisting that the ambience of Mumbai’s dusty streets would not be recreated on sets. Some news sites are reporting on rumours that Nair is being removed from the project. It is worthwhile to note that this speculation cannot yet be confirmed, and we feel Mira is still the best candidate for director of this movie given her previously outstanding work.

Our opinion here on the Shantaram Forum is that if the movie goes ahead then it should be set as authentically as possible. Not only to aid the drama of the scenes, but to reveal more of the real India through the imagery set by the novel.

Source: spicezee news:

"Confirming the news, Irrfan Khan, who has been roped into play the role of a musician in the film, said, “From what I understand, Johnny Depp wasn’t too keen to come to India. Brad Pitt and he are good friends. What happened with Brand and Jolie in Mumbai scared him off, apparently".

What are your feelings on this? Let us know in the comments below, or head on over to the community to give us your thoughts

In other news

Head on over to this website to catch a picture of Gregory David Roberts having a copy of GQ mag signed by the eminent actor Irrfan Khan (Namesake)

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41 Comments for this entry

  • Megan
    May 20th, 2009 on 10:29 am

    I think that Nair makes a good point. With a book such as Shantaram, the true essence of India really clings to the reader and makes a lasting impression. It seems obvious that India should actually be involved in the making of the film, Mexico won’t leave that same impression, that same essence. Depp’s concerns are fair, but shouldn’t control the movie. Dump Depp, there are others who are worthy of playing our beloved main character.

  • admin
    May 20th, 2009 on 11:01 am

    I agree completely with your views, Megan. That’s why I’m still hoping this debacle can still be resolved without any of the usual celebrity spats which occur when these disagreements arise.

    I don’t hold out much hope of that, but like you I think that the point of the movie should be India, not Johnny Depp. He can be replaced, no matter if GDR and he are friends, the movie and it’s authenticity must come first before any celebrities.

    Thanks for the comment! I’m glad there are other fans of the book who agree with us here :)

  • mumbai_meri_jaan
    May 20th, 2009 on 11:28 am

    I don’t think Depp can be replaced coz it his production company (Infinitum Nihil) that has bought rights for the book….

  • admin
    May 20th, 2009 on 11:35 am

    Yeah, that is sore news.

    I know what usually happens in this case, the actor usually says “no way” and gets their own way. Unusually, the actor would release the rights to the movie.

    I guess Greg and Johnny need to have a few discussions on how the movie is to progress before this is resolved.

  • Johnny Logic
    May 31st, 2009 on 12:25 pm

    Johnny Depp is a tool for stalling this movie. He can and should be replaced if that’s the truth. Is it also true he thinks the character Jack Sparrow and Linbaba are similar?! What is he smoking? What about Leo Decaprio or Mark Walberg as the lead?! I think that’s a better choice anyways.

  • Evanaught
    June 5th, 2009 on 12:09 am

    I’ve just put the book down for the 2nd time, i think it’s the sort of book that could be read every year. Gives me so much inspiration. I have to disagree with filming in Mexico. I’d be highly dissapointed and don’t think i would enjoy the movie.

    Let’s all keep our fingers crossed, for India!

  • tim
    June 10th, 2009 on 2:05 pm

    This movie absolutely must be filmed in India. There is no other place on earth that can be substitued for India. It’s all about India … need to see India trains, Mumbai slums, Haji Ali Mosque, Gateway of India and Colaba, Nariman Point, Back Bay and Chowpatty, etc. etc. Man, how disappointing.

  • ralph
    June 22nd, 2009 on 10:41 am

    The integrity of the story /movie demands Mumbai as the site for filming – if Johhny Depp won’t come to the party then he should stand aside for someone else- his track record as an honorable and credible artist/human being suggests he is a big enough man to do this
    Heath Ledger would have beengood in the role but the Aussie actor David Wenham is a stand out alternative- he is pure class as an actot- versatile and convincing in every role he plays

  • nick
    July 16th, 2009 on 3:51 pm

    Those are all top class actors.
    David Wenham is utterly convincing in everything I’ve seen him in. One minute he’s English gentry, the next he’s a down and out junkie armed robber from Rooty Hill or somewhere (check out “Gettin’ Square” ;) ).

  • Alex
    August 1st, 2009 on 10:46 am

    I really hope that the movie will not be made. There is no way it won’t be a disaster. The book has way too many things happening they would have to leave a huge chunk of it out of the script… which would be a shame. the only way it would work would be to shoot it as a HBO type mini series but even then…. Please leave Shantaram alone.

    ps: johnny depp as lin? come on…… Lin is an impressive, ugly looking viking type of guy. His relation with Karla is a beauty/beast kind of thing.

  • Austin Maloney
    August 6th, 2009 on 8:56 am

    What a bummer! I equate the production of this film to have almost as many inherent challenges as Tolkien’s trilogy (sans the amazing special effects). Depp is talented but seems to have morphed into his own worst enemy. Filmed in Mexico due to security concerns? This book necessitates India, brings it alive and opens the door to its privy–repeatedly. I guess Johnny D did some realism research in the opium den and has become permanently altered. Sure, Mexico city has comparable slums, chock full of Mexicans! Put JD on a slow boat to China with just Shantaram to read–he needs another fix to see straight.

  • Sasson Solomon
    August 13th, 2009 on 5:16 pm

    BRING IN RUSSELL CROWE.

    I had read that Russell Crowe and Johnny Depp were both at tug-war to purchase the rights for the magnificent SHANTARAM… Russell lost that war, and Depp bought the rights to SHANTARAM…
    Now, upon hearing what a PAMPERED, coward and “delicate” celebrity Depp is proving to be with his un-based fear of India (so what if Brad and Jolie didn’t like India?! Is Depp so childish and stupid or simply immature to NOT understand that every person may and will experience a foreign country DIFFERENTLY?!)– I am sincerely feeling a HUGE SENSE of REGRET for Russell Crowe not purchasing and owning the rights to SHANTARAM instead of Depp.
    Russell Crowe may be a “hot-head” who throws telephones on slow clerks in hotels (but hey, in the novel, Linbaba has some issues with rage control himself…)– but now, learning about PAMPERED DEPP and his useless shenanigans– I hope Depp is MAN enough to simply relinquish the rights to this wonderful novel BACK TO RUSSELL CROWE (instead of halting production on the movie)– because you can say a lot of things about Russell Crowe– but one thing HE (Russell) IS NOT: a pampered celeb.
    Russell is a wonderful actor. He is intense, focused and loves movies and characters from deep in his soul; a fact which shows clears in most of his portrayals in movies. Russell baritone and deep voice is PERFECT for the beautiful lines and quotes from the novel, so wonderfully phrased by Gregory David Roberts.
    Russell, because of his devotion to characters and his love of movies, will NOT act like a childish-pampered-kid like Depp, because Russell is one who will do it all –go to India, stay and film in India and sleep in the slums, if need be– to do justice to GDR’S SHANTARAM adaptation.
    Russell has read the novel and LOVES it (now I feel that Russell probably loves it FAR MORE than Depp) and if Depp is “looking from above” on India and it’s poverty– Depp is clearly NOT the correct actor or MAN to portray the wonderful role of Linbaba.

    Depp? If you’re there, reading this stuff somehow, do the least you can do: BE A MAN. If you’re NOT man enough to go to India to make SHANTARAM (because your BRANGELINA friends didn’t like India and you clearly lack judgement of your own)– be MAN enough to give the rights back to someone who has the minimum or respect towards the SHANTARAM novel and what it (the novel), ultimately, stands for and salutes.

    Depp, instead of coming up with excuses, every Sunday-Mondays, for NOT making the SHANTARAM movie happen– why not give the rights back (or even sell it to him) to RUSSELL CROWE– who seems far more enthused to make SHANTARAM than you (Depp) are…

    I have that feeling, the kind that won’t go away, that if it were Russell Crowe who was making the SHANTARAM movie, portraying Linbaba– THE SHANTARAM MOVIE WOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED– AND HAD WON 12 ACADEMY AWARDS AT THE OSCARS OF 2009, INCLUDING BEST ACTOR (second time around, after “Gladiator”) for Russell Crowe (while Depp will still be waiting-in-line doing the countless Tim Burton flicks and “Pirates of the Caribbean no. 15″…)

    So, Depp? GET SERIOUS or step up and do the right thing and let Russell Crowe make the movie already.
    If there is anything (most) fans of SHANTARAM can NOT tolerate it’s someone who has NO respect for India– for ALL it stands for– and showcases that dis-respect for India by, impudently, suggesting to make a movie about India and Indians in Mexico!!

    I would suggest Depp to read SHANTARAM once again, and to PAY ATTENTION to the novel and what it signifies, and what is it’s message. I don’t think Depp did that the first time.

    If he(Depp) would had paid attention the first time, he would NOW be on the next plane to India, to the Colaba location– and would had begun filming SHANTARAM already, instead of distressing Mira Nair and dissapointing the countless SHANTARAM fans by his highly immature and quite stupid Celebrity-pamperings and shenanigans…

  • Warren
    August 29th, 2009 on 10:37 am

    Russell Crowe should play the role if Depp won’t. The Australian connection and intensity required for the role is perfect for him. A great book, a great country, requires that the film be great as well.

  • james
    August 31st, 2009 on 9:05 am

    I agree with most of the posts here as I’m sure all fans of the book will. it seems everyone is united in the hope that it is filmed on location in India, i mean how can there be any substitute. Mexico? come on!
    depp is ruining the film already. leaving it in an endless void because of his lack of commitment to the project. crow amongst many others would be great for the role and depp in my eyes is completely wrong for lin. completely wrong man in a completely wrong location. i hope he will realize that he is gonna ruin it and take a different approach.
    i think depp should play didier. im sure he would do a brilliant potrayal of him. he could relate to jack sparrow. i also think rupert everet could play him. funny choice i know but he would give it his all and would be oscar worthy of an actor who hasnt had a role like that.
    for lin i would like crow, daniel craig or even that actor from momento. if done right this would definitely be one of the greatest films of all time, but can easily be cheap and flat attempt. so depp, who seems to have the power in the outcome, please listen to the fans!!

  • depp_cant_be_linbaba
    September 12th, 2009 on 4:03 pm

    Johnny Depp is too much of a pretty boy to play a good Linbaba….It would be a shameful to ruin the character from the very beginning. The very basis of the character is his rough characteristics, inside and outside. I can’t imagine that a pretty boy like Depp, who is too frightened of “big bad” India to go further away from home than Mexico, could do Linbaba justice. What a shame that someone with a more artistic mind didn’t end up with the rights. Someone that would understand that India is not just the setting of the story, but the heart and soul of the Novel and and character Linbaba. One of the main themes of the book is how Linbaba falls in love with Bombay (Mumbai) and not Mexico f***ing city. Besides all that, I think that if this novel were made into a movie, that movie would ruin the soul of the entire story. I think Hollywood continually devastates books, and takes the soul away from novels or stories every day, and this is not a novel I would like to see destroyed for anyone.

  • rajnikant
    September 15th, 2009 on 8:18 pm

    Three’s only one possible reason for movie not to appear. Indians tried cheating someone for the money, and that someone said BAKWAS BAND!

  • rajnikant
    September 15th, 2009 on 8:21 pm

    This might be Depp’s only chance to become an actor for movies with the age group above 12.

  • Gail
    September 20th, 2009 on 2:26 pm

    Shantaram must be filmed in India, it would not be the same if this is filmed in Mexico or anywhere else come to think of it. I also feel Leonardo De Caprio would be the fav for the leading part, not Johnny Depp as much as I enjoy him acting.

  • Sarah M
    September 20th, 2009 on 9:18 pm

    Russell Crowe is the best choice to play Linbaba and the film must be made in India – end of story.

  • Not Khan
    September 28th, 2009 on 2:15 pm

    Johnny Depp,

    I say no one can fit Shantaram as great as you! Mira Niar is not a film maker/Director. She is plain B rated director! Replace her. Mexico will be fine and more controlled rather than India.
    I have no experience directing but looking at her work it’s just simpleton work. Great script and greater actors make a film hit. There is not (too) much to directing except of stress and headache of shooting the film. Everything is delegated by the director. Lights, Camera and Action…..Replace her! She wants attention in her native India and hence India is her choice and she wants to direct Kader bhai Bacchan under her belt!
    Man why was I not in this industry!

  • Michele
    November 15th, 2009 on 8:36 am

    As an Australian who spent time in India ( Bombay ) at exactly the same time as Linbaba and who has read the book several times, each time enjoying it more, I feel almost a personal connection with it. The choice of Depp was crazy. It should be an Australian actor to be genuine to the feel of the character. Russell Crowe’s intensity works for me. And Mexico..are they nuts.

  • shan
    November 18th, 2009 on 6:35 am

    I think Daniel day lewis could be a good choice….watch his acting ..the way he submerged himself in a character…and there is no point shooting it in mexico!! ….Mira nair is a good director ,not brilliant!! …..but again Depp is the best choiceeeeeeeeee…

  • VN
    November 25th, 2009 on 9:26 pm

    Whatever respect I had for Depp has vanished. Can someone please tell me what exactly happened Brad Pitt in India? Did some goons attack him?

    Russel Crowe for Shantaram! Do you guys thing we should make an online petition for this?

  • Solomon Sasson
    November 28th, 2009 on 2:03 am

    I say, we fans make a petition to THROW “Patsy-delicate Johny Depp” off the SHANTARAM project for good.
    Anyone as stupid and impudent as Depp, who offers to make an adaptation of a novel which SALUTES the INDIAN SPIRIT in Mexico– is someone who is spitting into the face and values of the novel–
    and anyone who has this type of dis-respect and arrogance towards the touching SHANTARAM novel– should NOT be allowed to come anywhere near the adaptation of it, to the big screen.

    It was a SAD day, a day to mourn indeed— when “India-fearing” Depp bought the rights to Shantaram instead of the MUCH MORE DESERVING, more focused, less-spoilt and far more talented Russell Crowe.

  • Lauren Cleaver
    November 30th, 2009 on 6:01 pm

    yeah, I always had the hots of Johnny. No more. I LOVE India. I have traveled the world, and would go back there in a flash. I can’t imagine why one wouldn’t want to go, and pitty the folks that fear such a fabulous, colorful, beautiful country. Stick me on a tuk-tuk in a sari any day – love the Indians, love the food. Johnny, you should go. You are missing it, my dear, to say the least. Russell Crowe…okay, or Liam.

  • Nicholas George
    December 2nd, 2009 on 5:09 pm

    I like Johnny Depp as an actor, but as soon as I heard that he was going to play Lin, I shook my head… Having read the book twice, I feel that Russell Crowe is far more suited to the role… I can’t believe Depp has taken so long to make a movie out of what is undoubtedly an amazing story… I’m no film director, but I would think that anyone who read the book would be more than a little bit excited about turning it into a movie… Johnny, if you’re not going to make it, do us all a favour, and hand it over to someone who will…

  • Jame Gumb
    December 11th, 2009 on 3:19 pm

    I agree. I read this book in 2006. I really liked it and must say it made question many things I take for granted in my own life. Even a little soul searching.

    When I heard they were choosing Johnny Depp I suspected it would not go well. No he’s jerking them around. Screw Him! Get a real Aussie for god’s sake. Rough looking, blond, and serious. I can’t take someone serious who dresses like a clown and acts weird because it’s cool. Seriously, I take Gregory David Roberts to be a serious person who overcame many things. Depp clearly does not come across this way to me.

    Why does the lead actor have to be a great star anyway. Surely there are people out their that could do this.

  • Muad Dib
    December 11th, 2009 on 3:31 pm

    Willy, What the ****? Get Serious. This guy can’t act. Chocolate? Scissors? And that stupid movie about the cursed book. Wait a minute the headless horse ****** was worse? It’s all bullshit and mojo with Johnny. Im not going. I can’t stand it. What the hell are they thinking. Give em the Gom jabbar! That’ll fix his ***.

    This book was REALLY Spiritual. Not bullshit!

  • sandeep
    December 11th, 2009 on 10:47 pm

    Wonder who would be the choice for Prabhakar.
    Probably Asif Basra of Outsourced (2006) would be a good choice?

    India or Mexico, as long as it captures the essence of Shantaram, that would be great. I do not want to pitch who would be appropriate as Linbaba, who know, it could be someone entirely new…

  • karyn
    December 13th, 2009 on 2:46 pm

    I am in agreement with most of the above comments, Depp is far too pretty boy for this role and not even blond or australian. As for not filming it in India, thats ridiculous!!! India is the soul of the book, the story could not exist without it and to go and shoot it in mexico???? duh…I wont even bother to go and watch,I would much rather preserve the authentic images the book created for me in my mind than go and watch hollywood botch up what i consider the best story written in our time. Russel crow as lead..for sure!!!!

  • A_Shantaram_Fan
    December 15th, 2009 on 8:14 pm

    Wow….! i always thought JD was a great actor. I thought he would give it all, cos this might be his only chance at the oscars.
    Damn Mexico…for mumbai(bombay)..! \ its been almost three years since i read this epic book, i still am in awe with the characters, with mumbai(bombay) and the slums.
    I have never been to mumbai(bombay) still, but the book took me right there,I could smell and feel it in the book.I could see the dark room in which Lin got stoned for 3 months. I could feel myself being crushed in the train,being touched by karla, being worked up on in the jail, being chased by a hundreds street dogs.
    Now all this gonna happen in Mexico…huh..!
    Wake up JD, its time u gave up acting. I dont think u will ever make up ur mind of stepping into a mumbai slum. let alone sleeping on the floor of one. Neither would u be able to learn hindi, which i feel should be a integral part of the movie.
    JD just leave this one out man. its alright even if u just sit on it for ever. But dont waste such a brilliant book by making the movie look stupid.
    Not sure who should be Linbaba. however he sure should be able to give his best shot after a joint. lol..!

    And dear friend Sandeep – for prabhakar let JD find Jose Guillermo or whoever. How the ****** does it even matter to u man. Go and read the book for once.

  • Adam Morley
    January 4th, 2010 on 2:52 pm

    Johny Depp is a PLONKER, mexico what a fanny

  • Kiantea
    January 8th, 2010 on 11:26 am

    Liam Neeson should play Lin – This film is mostly about Mumbai and how it transforms people – Making it in Mexico would be a mistake, Depp will ruin a very good story if he is not careful and makes the wrong choices.

  • Sarah
    January 31st, 2010 on 8:11 am

    I imagined Linbaba to be younger- he was 28 when he escaped prison. Sam Worthington?? I also like Eric Bana for this role…I see Johnny Depp as the Didier character!!!

  • Joan
    January 31st, 2010 on 12:56 pm

    I just finished this great book today and went online to see if its been made into a film. I can’t believe all I’ve just read about Johnny Depp!t MUST be filmed in Mumbai.Isn’t he impressed by the success of Slumdog Millionaire?! Give it to Russell Crowe and let’s be having it!

  • Sandorf
    February 8th, 2010 on 8:41 pm

    I was in Mumbai some months ago and got the book there.. It’s simply fascinating, one of the best I’ve ever read.. I concurr that shooting it in Mexico makes no sense at all. Mexico and India are on opposit sides of the plante and simply cannot be replaced nor compared with each other.. I’m Mexican by the way..

  • Basil
    February 8th, 2010 on 11:58 pm

    Joan’s on the money. After seeing the amazing footage captured in slumdog millionaire there it would be absolute travesty to shoot this film anywhere but in India… Especially if its beacause j depp’s a f**kn pussy. Disgraceful.

  • Gail
    February 9th, 2010 on 2:33 pm

    I say bring Leonardo De Caprio in to the film as leading role.
    Personally I think J. Depp is being far too immature and silly about this.
    The Film has to be without any doubt made in India and if J. Depp goes
    there and gets the real essence and feel in Mumbai he won’t regret having the film made there. Watch this space eh!!

  • Ash
    February 14th, 2010 on 9:45 am

    Excellent book, Russel Crowe in the Lead, has to be filmed in Bombay, India, no question about it. Depp do the right thing and sell the rights so that some one else can bring this beatiful book to the screen.

  • Emre
    February 21st, 2010 on 3:48 am

    Russell Crowe would be a lot better than Depp.

  • David
    February 28th, 2010 on 5:47 pm

    Here is summary of Brad Pitts “incident”. The film crew were shooting a scene for Jolies film at a school in Mumbai. The company did not take permission from the cops to shoot there (although they did take permission at lot of other places). The only permission they took was from the school principal who did not inform the parents about it. When the parents came to the school to pick up their kids they were not allowed to enter because the shooting was still on. Some parents got angry and barged into the school to pick their kids and got ruffled by Jolies bodyguards. Some say they even hurled racial abuses. The cops were called and three of the body guards were arrested and later released. The Indian and the American media gave it lot of publicity, which later on prompted Pitt and Jolie to issue an apology.

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