MUMBAI: After making a movie on the life of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in nine languages, director Jabbar Patel is now all set to make a film on another historical personality – Mahatma Phule. The film will go on floors early next year.

“After Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar my next film will be Mahatma Phule, the research of which is currently in full swing. Like Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, this movie is also an equally challenging job. Phule was a reformist and had a large following from 1820 to 1890. The project is being funded by the government of Maharashtra,” says Patel.

Once the research for the film is complete by the end of the year, Patel will begin the scripting of the film. “The shooting will start early next year. The budget will be less than that of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, which was a Rs 90 million (Rs 9 crore) film,” he adds.