On the money

IN WHAT PRODUCER and former director Mukesh Bhatt calls a young film, catering to a younger audience with aspirations of chasing their dreams, the cast and crew of his latest production Blood Money made their way to the Ramee Royal Hotel in Dubai yesterday on a whistle-stop promotional tour.

Mukesh along with lead actors Kunal Khemu, Amrita Puri, Mia Uyeda and director Vishal Mahadkar fielded questions about the picture and revealed more about the plot.

“I play a middle class, educated guy who gets the chance to take up his dream job with his new wife (Puri) in South Africa” said Kunal. “He is you,” the actor added when referring to the realism in the movie. “He is like a lot of guys in the same situation out there, all looking for a better life.”

As the movie progresses however, the idyllic situation begins to turn sour as Kunal’s character, also named Kunal, becomes tangled in a web of shady dealings and illegal activities when he discovers his employers are in the blood diamond trade.

“There is a huge conflict between this normal guy, the temptations he faces as he has ‘made it big’ and finally making a stand against this industry. His relationship with his wife goes into turmoil.”

A fine balance between thriller and a bit of action with some familiar Bollywood elements is how director Vishal surmised his treatment of the plot.

He went on to say, “It’s a Hindi movie, but it’s also very Western in some parts. It’s not over the top and there is a real story with stand out performances. I didn’t want established star names in the movie specifically because I want people to focus on the story. I believe these actors have given the best performances that anyone could have and I enjoyed working with them incredibly.”

“This film gets the moral compass back on track,” Mukesh concluded. “Many people ask me why I don’t make ‘wholesome’ movies anymore. I believe I do and this is one of them. There is a strong emotional quotient and, whilst it deals with some very dark subjects and the characters are not perfect, the film will leave you with the sense that there is still some good in this world.”

AMRITA PURI, STAR of Sonam Kapoor’s Aisha for which she received many accolades as the funny girl-next-door, has chosen the part of Arzoo in Blood Money as her first lead role. Here she tells us more about her decision.

How does it feel to be stepping out as a principal character?

I’m excited because it’s a big jump from a supporting part to a lead role. This film was a great opportunity and a thriller is a good launch pad for someone starting out their career to showcase their acting range. Post Aisha, I wanted something that gave me the scope to perform and Blood Money did that. I didn’t want to get stuck in the same genre.

What journey does Arzoo go through?

The whole film is very dramatic and tense. My character’s emotional graph is just as dramatic. I go from a bubbly, newly wed girl who’s so excited to be moving abroad to someone a lot harder as the dream bursts and her relationship with her husband suffers.

How do you think the audience will react to you portraying a completely different character?

I’m a little nervous actually. Everyone liked my character in Aisha so much. This is the complete opposite. I hope people will enjoy her as much.

What was it like working with Kunal?

He really helped me out. If I had any trouble he’s got so much experience he was able to point me in the right direction. It was an excellent experience.

You are well known for your theatre work. Will you solely be concentrating on movies from now on?

Whatever understanding of acting I have comes from theatre. It helps me in whatever film work I do. I’d never stop doing theatre. I enjoy it too much. The same month I have been promoting Blood Money I have also been doing a play. I can’t give it up.

How do you relax?

I like to keep myself busy, but when I do get time off I just like doing the normal things. I go see friends and go out. It’s nice to get back to real life when you are constantly working.

What have you got coming up?

I do have a film coming up, but I have to wait for a formal announcement to let anyone know about it.