5 years of 'Life of Pi': 9 interesting facts about this epic saga
Last updated on - Nov 24, 2017, 14:04 ISTShare fbsharetwsharepinshare
01/105 years of 'Life of Pi': 9 interesting facts about this epic saga
The Bollywood and Hollywood film industries release a huge amount of films every year. Although there's a huge cluster of films out there, every once in a while, somebody with a unique idea creates a magnificent movie that leaves a mark in the audience's hearts. One such film was the Hollywood film 'Life of Pi', which came out in 2012, but is still remembered for its beautiful cinematography, wonderful visual effects, and of course, the spectacular acting by the lead cast. On its fifth anniversary, we bring you 9 interesting facts about this epic saga.
02/10The lead actor of the movie Suraj Sharma had no experience in acting
This might come as a shock but the lead actor of the film, Suraj Sharma had no prior experience in acting. Suraj never intended to audition for the film. He went to a casting call to support his brother and beat out more than 3,000 hopefuls for the lead role.
03/10Suraj was never in the boat with a live tiger
Another interesting fact to note is that the lead actor Suraj was never really in the boat with a real-life tiger. Most of the tiger shots were very high-tech CGI (computer generated). There were only a few scenes, like the tiger swimming in the water which actually included a real tiger.
04/10'Life of Pi' is partly inspired by another novel
The author of the novel 'Life of Pi', Martel said that the inspiration behind the bizarre setting of the novel came from 'Max and the Cats', a 1981 novella by Brazilian author Moacyr Scliar. The novella describes the journey of a Jewish family whose ship sinks leaving one member alone with a panther. Scliar was perplexed that Martin didn’t consult or inform him, but after talking with Martel he decided not to take any action.
05/10Pi is on the lifeboat for 227 days
The character Pi in the film supposedly survived in the lifeboat with a live tiger for an impressive 227 days. Now, what's interesting about this fact is that the mathematical approximation for the number pi is 22/7. Now didn't that just blow your mind?
06/10Initially, Tobey Maguire was supposed to be cast as the writer
Initially, Hollywood star Tobey Maguire was originally cast as the writer in the film. But filmmaker Ang Lee thought Tobey was too famous for such a small role and would have been distracting. Well, he would've still pulled off a great performance though, don't you agree?
07/10It was speculated that Hurricane Sandy would adversely affect the movie
In April 2011 it was announced that Tobey Maguire would be joining the film but Lee wanted an entirely international cast and so he cut Tobey from the film stating that his presence would be “too jarringly recognizable”. The film includes a massive storm and it was speculated that Hurricane Sandy would have a negative effect on its publicity. However, a spokesperson stated that it would not affect the film’s marketing approach.
08/10Ang Lee won the Academy Award for Best Director for 'Life of Pi'
'Life of Pi' was a commercial success grossing more than $600 million worldwide. It became the biggest Hollywood hit of the year in India. It is also one of the few Hollywood movies to gross more in China than in the U.S. 'Life of Pi' received widespread critical acclaim. It was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won 4 including the Best Director for Ang Lee. Richard Corliss selected the film as the third-best movie of 2012.
09/10The director hired a nautical consultant for the film
Director Ang Lee had hired Steven Callahan as a nautical consultant for 'Life of Pi'. Reportedly in 1982, Steven Callahan survived 76 days adrift on a rubber lifeboat in the Atlantic after his sailboat sank.
10/10Several shots in the film include the profile of Hindu God Vishnu
Several shots include the profile view of a supine Vishnu. He appears in the distant hills when Pi is on holiday and visits the church to drink the holy water. He appears in clouds on a dark night at sea. He is in the shape of the Marianas Trench on the oceanic map. He is also the carnivorous island in profile.
