Project Detail

The Mystic Masseur

Synopsis

The Mystic Masseur, a joyful drama of optimism, self-belief and wondrous imagination, that can work miracles.

Based on the first novel of Nobel winning V S Naipaul,The Mystic Masseur , is the first ever film adaptation of any of Naipaul's work.

The Mystic Masseur tells the story of 'Ganesh', a struggling author, who finds his fortune when he discovers he has an ability to cure people's minds. It is rare to see a rags-to-riches story in which we are so intimately involved with the characters, so sympathetic to them, and led so easily to understand that riches may not always be a good trade for the happiness of youthful ambition.

Details

Year
2002
Type of project
Features
Running time
117 mins
Format
35mm Fuji
Director
Ismail Merchant
Producer
Paul Bradley, Richard Hawley
Editor
Roberto Silvi
Screenwriter
Caryl Phillips
Director of Photography
Ernie Vincze
Sound
Peter Schneider
Composer
Richard Robbins, Zakir Hussain
Principal cast
Om Puri, James Fox, Aasif Mandvi, Ayesha Duarker, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Jimi Mistry

Categories

Production Status

Production Company

Merchant Ivory Productions Ltd

Contact: Paul Bradley
46 Lexington Street
London W1R 3LH
UK

T 00 44 (0)20 7437 1200

miplondon@merchantivory.demon.co.uk

Sales Company

Global Cinema Group, LLC

Contact: Peter Elson
1007 Broxton Avenue
Suite 214
Los Angeles
CA 90024
USA

T 00 1 310 443 7788

pelson@globalcinemagroup.com

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