‘Khufia’ is inspired by true events and is based on Amar Bhushan’s popular detective novel “Escape to Nowhere”.
‘Khufia’ is inspired by true events and is based on Amar Bhushan’s popular detective novel “Escape to Nowhere”.
Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj on Monday said he always looks for reasons to work with friend-often collaborator Tabu and his upcoming film “Khufia” is a testament to his “love”.
Netflix reunites the actor with the director, after successful and acclaimed films like “Maqbool” (2003) and “Haider” (2013).
“Khufia” is inspired by true events and is based on Amar Bhushan’s popular detective novel “Escape to Nowhere”. Produced and directed by Bharadwaj, the film also stars Ali Fazal, Wamika Gabbi and Ashish Vidyarthi.
During Netflix’s Films Day event, Bhardwaj said that he changed the gender of the protagonist, who was originally a male character in Bhushan’s 2012 book, because he didn’t find it “exciting” enough.
“The film is based on Amar Bhushan’s detective novel ‘Escape to Nowhere’, the character was male but it was not that exciting for me. When I thought of Tabu, the excitement was high and I changed the gender of the character. I found a reason to work with Tabu,” the director told reporters here.
Tabu said that whenever she reads the script written by Bharadwaj, she feels that it has been written only for her.
“Whatever script he writes, he will think about me. If any other actress does, that would be a different matter, but the story would be written for me,” he added.
When asked what is the secret behind the actor-filmmaker creating magic on screen, he said it was love.
“I have been in love with Tabu for many lifetimes,” he replied.
“It’s only love,” she said.
“Intelligence” tells the story of Krishna Mehra (Tabu), a RAW operative, tasked with finding a mole that sells India’s defense secrets while battling the dual identities of a spy and lover. The streamer also released the first-look teaser of the film today.
The director said that he wants to make a slow-burning espionage thriller which revolves around an intelligence officer who spends his life in secret.
“The films we’ve made with the detective genre … espionage, thriller and killer come to the fore and we have something like ‘Born Identity’ or ‘The Gray Man.’ The slow irritation of an intelligence officer, like his life Well, how to keep them in the shadows… It was very interesting to me,” he said.
Bhardwaj said that while many films are based on India’s external intelligence agency RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), Bhushan’s novel gives a detailed and dramatic look at its working.
“Our agency is highly secretive. We’ve seen many movies on his working patterns. When I read the novel, I thought it was unique. The description is so dramatic because it’s based on a real case that happened in 2004.” happened.
“So, the details were fascinating to me. It was interesting to me to bring a film and create or add drama, fantasy and reality to it,” he continued.
The director said that his filmmaking process is a combination of “basic homework” and “spontaneity”.
“When actors like Tabu, Naseeruddin Shah come on the sets, they bring magical moments to the screen. However, basic homework is important. We often changed things on the sets, and in this film too, we changed things. Spontaneity is only then. It can come when you are ready. Someone can easily take the wrong decision.”
Tabu said that she considers many factors before joining a project.
“For me the scripts that are relevant to do it, the characters have to be interesting, who is the director, whether I am understanding the character or not.
“With every film, the factors change. Sometimes, you want to work with a director or a co-actor. Or the role is so different, something you’ve never done before and I must do it because it Will help me grow in my craft,” she added.