Hide & seek

Manpriya Singh

There are cars turning and there is romance blooming and together it is as promising as a package can be within the constraints of commercial cinema.

Only we hope, it will be packaged in a palatable entertainment. To begin with, Hero—Naam Yaad Rakhi, sounds like a rip off Bond—James Bond. Let’s get closer, Rahul—Naam toh suna hoga? Clear the mind and stay put.

“It’s no comedy and the audience needs to bring their brain along to watch the film. For the first time, a romantic thriller has been attempted at this scale in Punjabi cinema,” Jimmy Sheirgill, who is playing the title character Hero himself, promises at the heavily attended Press conference for the music launch of the upcoming film.

He adds, “Every time we’d be asked to attempt something different. We had been in talks for this story for some years now, which is based on an incident that happened in the UK.”

As for the plot or character, there’s no giving away. “I just cannot reveal anything. The story is such.” Does he play a psycho? “It’s a thriller and if the trailers make you ask me that question, that’s a really good sign.” He adds, “But nobody will come out of the theatre asking why the film’s title was kept as Hero. That again, I guarantee.”

Joining in is the female protagonist Surveen Chawla. Perhaps, she can talk about her character even though Jimmy didn’t? “No, I can’t. I just can’t. The script is such that we just cannot talk about it,” the refusals to give away anything appear well rehearsed by the entire cast and crew present.

Post Hate Story 2, how difficult or easy have things been. As for this movie, “It’s been easy,” she shares.

Alright, may be the title role (played by Jimmy of course) has a few shades between the proverbial black and white. He laughs, “I’m not going to tell you anything about the story. Alright my character has shades between white and grey. Now make whatever you can of it.”

Just music it is then, comprising eight songs for which Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Arif Lohar, Sunidhi Chauhan, among others have lent their voices.

Directed by Baljit Singh Deo, thankfully, the 98 to 100 minute film, comes without any promotional track.

It’s not funny

Of whatever the film is and of all the things they promise to be; there’s one thing he draws the line at. “It is not a comedy film. I’m sorry guys but there is no comedy in it. Dark humour may be, but nobody will be trying to make you laugh.”

There’s yet another, the makers would like to clear the air on. Adds Jimmy, “A lot of times they say, it’s a light entertaining film. But to watch our movie, the audience needs to bring their brains along. They cannot ‘not think’ and come and sit through the movie.”

To an industry, that’s rather riddled with comedies than deprived of, that itself sounds like music.

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