Mumbai, June 28 (IANS) Sammir Dattani, who debuted with Rajshri Production’s “Uff Kya Jadoo Mohabbat Hai” in 2004, says “Mukhbiir” will be a re-launch for him in Hindi films. “My first film will always be close to my heart as it was my first step. But things did not work out and now ‘Mukhbiir’ will be a re-launch for me. I have great expectations from it,” said the actor who was seen in a small role in Madhur Bhandarkar’s “Corporate”.
Sammir, also known as Dhyaan in the south Indian film industry, plays an informer in the espionage thriller “Mukhbiir”.
He said: “I had to do a lot of research on the character because we don’t come across them easily as they are always in disguise. I met a few real informers, read books on them and had discussions with various people.” The film is directed by Mani Shankar, who has earlier directed movies like “December 16”, “Rudraksh” and “Tango Charlie”. Sammir says it was easy to work with Shankar because he knew what he wanted.
“I had a constant interaction with him because the subject matter demanded it. He supplied me with all the information and guided me all through to understand the character. He knew what he wanted, so the work became easier for us. We developed a great bond and I am probably working in his next project too.”
“Mukhbiir”, which has an impressive list of actors like Om Puri, Sushant Singh, Suniel Shetty, Rahul Dev and Rimi Sen, has been in the news for one reason or the other.
First producer Pritish Nandy objected to its release because of a financial dispute with Shankar that was later sorted out. Then producer Sudhish S. Rambholta of Color Chips announced an unprecedented ‘money back’ offer to audiences who see it in theatres and do not like it.
And finally, after its premiere at the two-day 10th Osian’s Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema here and other previews for guests, the producer, going by audience feedback, forced the director to re-shoot a different climax for the film.
So what does Sammir have to say about it?
“I go with the audience,” quipped Sammir. “Since a majority of the audience suggested a change, I respect their wish and go with them.”
Following “Mukhbiir” will be Sammir’s light-hearted comedy “Love Ka Tadka”, directed by Rajan Wagdhare, where he plays a young man struggling for a better life in Mumbai.
The film, produced by Gautam Adhikari, also stars Nauheed Cyrusi, Satish Kaushik, Bakhtiyaar Irani, Dinyar Contractor and Rakesh Bedi.
— By Devapriyo Bhattacharjee
