Shabana Azmi teams up with Kabir Bedi in Real-Life Legal Drama ‘USA v Raj’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Renowned Indian actress Shabana Azmi has joined the ensemble of USA v Raj, a biographical legal drama portraying the true-life legal struggle of Dr. Raj Bothra. The film chronicles Bothras battle against 54 federal charges at the age of 79, culminating in a unanimous jury acquittal in June 2022. During the prolonged trial, he endured over 1,300 days in detention without being granted bail.

In the film, Azmi will play Pammi Bothra, the steadfast mother who supported her family through the arduous legal proceedings. Veteran actor Kabir Bedi takes on the role of Dr. Raj Bothra, while Emily Shah portrays Sonia Bothra, the doctors daughter who remained by his side throughout the ordeal.

Filming has started in London under the direction of award-winning cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran. The production is a collaboration between Bollywood Hollywood Productions, led by Prashant Shah, and London-based Twickenham Productions. Sunny Vohra and Superna Sethi serve as executive producers.

The movie adapts the book USA v/s Raj, authored by Dr. Bothra with Jennifer DeBellis, which was featured at the Toronto Film Festival this year with presentations by filmmakers Ramesh Sippy and Deepa Mehta. The script is penned by Zill-e-Huma, Shubho Deep Pal, Hussain Dalal, and Abbas Dalal, while the technical team includes Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty of Slumdog Millionaire fame.

Dr. Bothra, a recipient of Indias Padma Shri award for his humanitarian work, has previously collaborated with Mother Teresa and advised Pope John Paul II on global health matters. He also spearheaded medical charity projects supplying equipment to hospitals across India.

Analysis: Shabana Azmi Joins USA v Raj

The addition of Shabana Azmi to the cast of USA v Raj reinforces the film’s commitment to authenticity and emotional depth. Portraying Pammi Bothra, Azmi brings her extensive experience in roles that explore resilience under pressure, highlighting the family’s struggle during Dr. Raj Bothra’s legal battle.

With veteran actor Kabir Bedi in the lead role and Emily Shah as the daughter Sonia, the ensemble promises a nuanced depiction of real-life events. The film’s direction by Ravi K. Chandran and collaboration between Bollywood Hollywood Productions and Twickenham Productions indicates a high-quality international production.

The project benefits from a technically accomplished team, including Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty, ensuring the courtroom drama and prolonged detention experiences are conveyed with realism. Adapting Dr. Bothra’s co-authored book, which has already attracted attention at the Toronto Film Festival, the film positions itself as a factual yet compelling portrayal of perseverance, justice, and humanitarian impact.

Sources:

• Shabana Azmi Joins Kabir Bedi in True-Story Legal Drama ‘USA v Raj’ (EXCLUSIVE)