A Potpourri of Vestiges Feature
By Murtaza Ali Khan
Vikash Verma, the
director of one of the year’s most anticipated Indo-Polish action thriller “No
Means No”, has given a strong demonstration that he is a man of action and great
empathy. “Will release after my audience is safely vaccinated,” Verma famously
said while announcing the postponement of his much-talked-about film which was originally
scheduled to release worldwide on March 22, 2021. Verma, who had planned a
grand premiere in both India and Poland as part of his grandiose promotion plan
for the film, has set a fine example by choosing to put the public safety
first. At a time when filmmakers all
across the globe are desperately trying to get the audiences back to the
theatres, Verma’s decision to defer his highly anticipated film’s release would
hopefully help set a new precedence. While it’s very important to bring back
the audiences to the theatres, it is perhaps even more important to ensure that
when they come to enjoy cinema they are fully protected and are at a minimal
risk against the disease.
Here it is important to
understand that with the rising cases of COVID-19 and the safety restrictions
that are in place, the multiplex cinema halls and single screens aren’t able to
function to their full capacities. The theatres are either running far below
their strength or are still not operational. Under the circumstances, Vikash
Verma’s bold decision to delay the film’s release actually sends a very strong
message which underpins one thing above everything else. That his commitment to
his audience’s safety and well being surpasses the fear of incurring any losses
due to the delay in releasing the film. “COVID-19 pandemic has taught so many
new things. Presently, at many places, the lockdown and night curfew is still
imposed. The way I see it the safety of human life is paramount. There is a still
a risk of infection spreading amongst the crowds. As a result, theatres and
multiplexes are not fully operational. Yes, the pandemic has been controlled
but cases are still rising not only within the country but across the globe.
Hopefully with vaccines being administrated to the people the world over we
should help contain the virus. Only then the theatres can fully operate like
before. I totally support the government policies which are taken best in best
interests of humankind,” explains Verma.
Verma already conveyed
the decision the Polish ambassador in India Adam Burakowski on the phone ahead
of his meeting with the Consul General of the Republic of Poland Damian Irzyk
in Mumbai. “Looking at the current situation and a lot of uncertainty on the
basis of COVID-19 news published in the media, it was decided to postpone the
release of the film, ‘No Means No’,” reveals Verma. “I eagerly pray and wait
that once the entire course of COVID-19 vaccinations is complete and things
simmer down we will release the film. I am sure this film will also win the hearts
of all the audiences too,” added Verma. The releases of various other major international
releases including “Jurassic World: Dominion”, “Fast and Furious 9”.
The first ever
Indo-Polish film, “No Means No” is majorly shot in the hitherto unexplored
exotic locales of Poland such as the breathtakingly beautiful Zywiecczyzna
region, Bielsko-Biala, Szczyrk and Zwardon. The film will introduce Poland to
the Indian audiences and is expected to boost tourism and further reinforce the
culture connection between India and Poland. Bielsko Biala, also known as
Little Vienna, is a stunning town situated in southern Poland. Vikash Verma’s
creative decision to base a large part of ‘No Means No’ here will go a long way
in putting Bielsko Biala in the limelight for the rest of the world after
mostly remaining away from the public attention for a better part of the last
century.
With so many things
working in his favor, Vikash Verma certainly has his eyes on something big. He
is well poised to achieve for India and Poland with “No Means No” what the
legendary Raj Kapoor achieved for India and Russia with his films. What makes
“No Means No” really unique is that it is shot simultaneously in three
languages viz. English, Hindi and Polish through which Verma endeavors to weave
a socio-cultural, religious, and bilateral connect between India and Poland
through a love story.
“No Means No” revolves
around an Indian man (essayed by debutant actor Dhruv Verma) who visits Poland
to participate in a ski championship and ends up falling in love with a Polish
woman. The film’s ensemble cast includes the likes of Gulshan Grover, Sharad
Kapoor, Nazia Hassan, Deep Raj Rana, and Kat Kristian from India, alongside
Natalia Bak, Sylwia Czech, Anna Guzik, Pawel Czech, Anna Ador, and Jersey
Handzlik from Poland. The playback singers for the big-budget action-adventure
include the legendary Hariharan and Shreya Ghoshal. The film’s music team also
includes the likes of Rishav Nagh and the ‘Indian Idol’ Judge Arvinder Singh.
Produced by G7 Films
Poland, “No Means No” with its breathtaking cinematography brilliantly
capturing snow-clad mountains and picturesque vistas provide a hitherto unseen
glimpse into the life in Poland. The lead actor Dhruv Verma underwent rigorous
training to prepare himself for the role. He spent months in Poland mastering
the Israeli fighting style Krav Maga, developed for the army, and Jyrki Sario
Defendo, the defensive fighting style developed for the European police, from
his guru Bartek Dobrowolski. He also undertook a specially tailored course in
gun shooting in addition to the training he received from Sanjay Dutt in
disarming and shooting techniques. He also mastered the techniques of 17
different handguns, rifles and shotguns from other maestros at the Strzelnica
Gun Club in Bielsko Biala, Poland. He also learnt dancing from the legendary
Shiamak Davar.
The trailer as well as
the first look of “No Means No” was launched on March 3. Since its release it
had received a tremendous response with the critics as well as the fans
praising it. The film’s trailer has already received the best trailer award. Several
Bollywood actors, filmmakers, critics, trade analysts, diplomats, and politicians
have also showered their praise.
Vikash Verma is also making another movie titled “The Good Maharaja”, which will be based on Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja, the Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanagar, Gujarat. In the pre-Independence era, the Maharaja provided shelter and education to around 1,000 Polish children evacuated from the USSR to escape German bombings during World War II. Verma during his extensive research came to discover that the Polish government had installed a statue of the Maharaja in their Parliament and a road had been named after him. However, this is not known to many people in India. One hopes that Verma’s upcoming film will go a long way in making the Maharaja’s contribution to the whole world. The titular role of the Maharaja will be essayed by Sanjay Dutt in the film.
Watch the trailer of “No Means No” here
A version of this article was first published in Transcontinental Times.
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