political satire on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will be screened at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival starting next week. The film has been well received by 11 international festivals, including the Chicago South Asian Film Festival over the last couple of months. The film, Pied Piper shows how a laundryman starts an agitation and finds quick success after his brain is transplanted with a donkey's brain.

The film's producer-director, Vivek Budakoti confirmed that his creation was his take on Kejriwal's anti-corruption movement. "I was witness to the drama that took place in Delhi over the Jan Lokpal issue and the subsequent formation of AAP. It is extraordinary how people get swayed so easily."

Lead actor Rajpal Yadav plays the role of Chunnilal dhobi (laundryman). He and his donkey meet with a freak accident while delivering clothes. The donkey succumbs to his injuries, but Rajpal is saved thanks to the brain he receives from his donkey. What follows is a series of hilarious events that prove to be turning points in Yadav's life. From an ordinary dhobi he becomes a kingmaker and spiritual guru. "He ends up being a nuisance for other political parties. It's similar to the situation we are witnessing in Indian politics today," Budakoti said.

"There are certain issues that Kejriwal has taken up. I have portrayed them through Rajpal. Just as Kejriwal is an accidental hero and politician in real life, Rajpal is an accidental hero in the film. I have tried questioning the word democracy," he said.

According to Budakoti, Pied Piper is about the common man and for the common man. "It is a film that tells everyone's story collectively. It's absurd because it's so real. We have tried to portray reality, which in itself is totally absurd," he said.

But the filmmaker believes that AAP has started off on a positive note. "I cannot predict their future. All I can say is that their intentions were correct." Budakoti wants to invite Kejriwal to watch the film when it releases in Delhi in April. "I can show my film to any politician. They will love it as it has humour."Image 2nd

Pied Piper was filmed in Bhopal on a budget of Rs 3 crore.

Budakoti's partner Rajita finalised the film's title. "I like titles that signify the crux of the story so when Rajita came up with Pied Piper from German folklore's The Pied Piper of Hamelin, we all immediately agreed as no other name could have defined our leaders and their mindless followers," he said.

Rajpal Yadav expressed satisfaction over his role and audience response. "I am glad that the global audiences loved it. As an actor, the film has been immensely satisfying for me," he said.

However, AAP treasurer Suresh Acharya threatened to get the film banned if it was found to be making fun of his party: "If we find the film has portrayed AAP in a bad light we will write to the Censor Board to stop its release. You cannot make fun of democracy."