New Delhi: 'Surkhaab' may have found huge success at the international film festival circuit, but the film had to battle its share of struggles to get a theatrical release in India. However, with the support of PVR Director's Rare, the film will get a limited release in India, and that is no mean feat! "So what if it has got a limited release? At least the film will draw audience. And that's why we are so glad," says actress Barkha Madan, who plays the protagonist in 'Surkhaab'.
Barkha is not ignorant of what sells in Bollywood, but she knows that there is a possibility to convert independent films into a flourishing business model. "Our film may have done well globally, but here it is all about how Bollywood works. By that I mean it is all about star succession. It is like each time a film featuring Amitabh Bachchan is released, it has to be watched. Thankfully, things have changed for independent filmmakers. Movie buffs now prefer good scripts over films with an ensemble cast or just big stars. Even if exhibitors offer a couple of screens, independent films can do well. That's precisely why we are hoping for 'Surkhaab' to do well even though it gets a limited release in India," she says.
Directed by documentary filmmaker Sanjay Talreja, 'Surkhaab' revolves around the life of Jeet (Barkha) and the difficulties she has to face when she illegally migrates to Canada to be with her brother." The movie also delves deeper into the concepts of globalization and women empowerment. "'Surkhaab' reached us first as a documentary, which makes it clear that the film had to be based on a true story. I had a friend who experienced something similar. So yes it is based on a real life incident, but we have added new elements to the film to make it more relatable. Since cross immigration is a complex issue facing Indians, the problems they have to grapple with remain the same, irrespective of the country they are in
Besides attending workshops, Barkha also travelled across Canada all by herself to craft her character. "I met a lot of people to understand their thought process, something that could help me do justice to my role. I decided to commute only by public transport, all to ensure I looked real."
Former Femina Miss India Barkha made her bollywood debut with Ram Gopal Verma's 'Bhoot', before she worked with Akshay Kumar in poular TV show 'Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi'. And as she says, it is easy to misunderstand controversy's favourite child - Verma.
"My experience with RGV was pretty good. He is one of those filmmakers who are absolutely sure of what they want. To me, he was as a straightforward person. Even though 'Bhoot' was his project, he often asked me for my inputs, which were also incorporated in the film. You just have to be open minded while working with RGV."
'Surkhaab' also features Sumit Suri, Vinita Malik and Naresh Gosain in supporting roles. ####
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