Vishnu Vardhan Induri announces new film franchise Azad Hind

Director Vishnu Vardhan Induri announced a new film franchise on India's 75th Independence Day. The franchise, titled Azad Hind, will revolve around forgotten or unsung revolutionaries who were part of the freedom struggle.

The first film in the franchise will be based on the life and times of Durgavati Devi, a female revolutionary and comrade of Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad. 

In a statement, the makers said, "Launching the franchise by celebrating the heroics of a woman, the first film will bring to life the untold story of Veerangana Durgawati Devi, popularly known as Durga Bhabhi. Exhibiting courage, valour and strength, she fought British Raj,  inspiring the legendary freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and Chandrasekhar Azad. Durgawati was also referred to as “Agni of India” by British Secret Service Bureau MI5."

Popularly known as Durga Bhabhi, Durgavati Devi was the wife of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) member Bhagvati Charan Vohra. She ran a bomb-production factory, while also being a key part of Bhagat Singh and Rajguru's escape plan following the killing of the police officer JP Saunders. 

After independence, she started a school for poor children in Lucknow. Durgawati Devi died in Ghaziabad on 15 October 1999 at the age of 92.

Induri is currently producing the much-delayed Ranveer Singh-led 83, and the late J Jayalalithaa's biopic Thalaivi. He also produced a film on the late Andhra Pradesh chief minister, NT Rama Rao, NTR Mahanayakudu (2019).