Vikrant Massey is officially stepping onto the international stage. The actor is set to headline his first global project, White, where he portrays Indian spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar — a role that demanded both physical transformation and deep emotional preparation.
While Massey’s look from the film is still under wraps, director Montoo Bassi has now opened up about the demanding process the actor went through to inhabit the part.
Five Hours of Prosthetics, Twelve-Hour Shoots
Speaking about his collaboration with Vikrant Massey, Bassi described the experience as seamless and creatively fulfilling. He praised the actor’s commitment, revealing that Massey underwent five hours of prosthetic makeup daily, followed by 12-hour shooting schedules, without complaint.
According to the director, Massey approached the role with complete dedication, embracing both the physical transformation and the emotional weight of playing a globally respected figure. Bassi noted that while the role was challenging, it aligned perfectly with the kind of meaningful characters Massey is known for choosing.
Not a Biopic, But a Global Political Thriller
Bassi clarified that White is not a traditional biopic of Sri Sri Ravishankar. Instead, the film focuses on one of the longest-running internal conflicts in the world, set against the backdrop of Colombia’s decades-long struggle with civil unrest.
The story highlights how millions have been affected by the conflict over the past 52 years, with an estimated 250,000 lives lost. Against this grim backdrop, the film explores how Sri Sri Ravishankar became involved in Colombia’s peace process, engaging directly with rebel leaders and playing a key role as a mediator.
Rather than glorifying a single individual, White positions its protagonist as part of a broader, high-stakes geopolitical effort toward reconciliation.
A Truly International Production
Adding to its global scope, White features a multinational cast and crew, with actors from Bolivia, Panama, Colombia, France, Argentina, and India. The film was shot extensively across Latin America and involved close collaboration with one of Colombia’s largest production houses.
The film is primarily in Spanish and English, with Spanish-speaking characters using their native language. Bassi shared that directing a largely Spanish-speaking cast as an Indian filmmaker required intense preparation, including learning Spanish to communicate effectively with actors and crew.
He emphasised that he didn’t want the film to feel like an outsider’s perspective, which is one of the reasons the project took nearly five to six years to complete.
Release Plans
After years of development and international coordination, White is now gearing up for a May release this year. With Vikrant Massey at its centre and a politically charged, real-world story at its core, the film is shaping up to be one of the actor’s most ambitious projects yet.
Final Words
With White, Vikrant Massey isn’t just making his international debut — he’s taking on a role rooted in global politics, diplomacy, and real-world consequences. The scale of preparation, the multicultural production, and the subject matter signal a bold new chapter in his career, one that extends far beyond borders and languages.
