Hyderabadis in The Ghazi Attack

The upcoming war film, ‘The Ghazi Attack’ with Rana Daggubati, Taapsee Pannu, Kay Kay Menon and Atul Kulkarni in the lead, by the first time director, writer Sankalp is one of the most awaited films of the week. What makes it even more special for Hyderabadis - in addition to the amazing looking Rana from Telugu film industry taking the lead and actor Priyadarshi (Pellichoopulu fame), who will be making his Hindi film debut with just his second film - is the host of city-based theatre actors, who will be seen in different roles in the film.

Theatre actors from Hyderabad, who will be seen in the film include Niteesh Pandey - Indian Steering Controller, Naren Yadav-Ramsagar, Thiruveer - Indian Depth Controller, Captain Ahmed - Indian Torpedo Officer, Ramanuj Dubey - Indian Cook, Jay Jha - Pakistan Navigation Officer, Abdul Razzaq - Pakistan Sonar Operator, Malyaban, Luckshmikanth, Krishna Kumbhar and Laxman Meesala. A few of them, shared their experience of working for the movie.

How was it, as a theatre actor, working for a movie of such scale and a war movie at that?
Niteesh: It increased the enthusiasm of the actor within me, and there were instances when I had goose bumps!
Thiruveer: I am a big fan of patriotic films like ‘LOC’, ‘Border’, ‘Zameen’. I always wanted to be part of that kind of film at least once, luckily it has happened through Ghazi.
Capt Ahmed: Experience was simply awesome. The patriotic feeling was pumping in each and every actor's heart. Be it the leading stars, for us supporting actors or the ensemble of junior artists.

How did you feel working with experienced actors like Atul Kulkarni & Kay Kay Menon, Rana etc?
Naren Yadav: It’s been a great learning experience. Their presence on the sets was enough to set the mood; they were always in character, which in turn was like helping you to give your best shot.
Thiruveer: I am a big fan of Atul & Kay Kay, and most of my scenes are with them. I am fortunate to see them acting live, to share screen space with them. In fact, it was more like going to an acting class than to shoot. Working with Rana was great; he was helping me at times when I was not aware of things on locations like camera look, expression & voice level.
Niteesh: I am a big fan of most of the senior actors in the movie and working with them was a great learning experience. All of them were quite helpful.
Captain Ahmed: Both Kay Kay Menon and Atul Kulkarni were like Institutions for us. Their involvement in each and every shot was immense and it was great to breathe in the same air with both on the sets. As for Rana, he came out as a true gentleman. His tough and rough image is only on screen. He is quite jovial otherwise.

Sankalp is a debut director; how was it working with him?
Naren Yadav: The movie is based on a novel written by Sankalp; he knows it in and out. Do I say more?
Niteesh: He is an amazing director with a clear vision. He is sensible with a humble head above his shoulders.
Thiruveer: He was very confident, cool, easy going; he was more like a friend, brother whom I knew from a long-time than a director. He knows each and everything about a submarine. His research about that incident, naval related things and submarines etc is awesome.
Captain Ahmed: Hats off to Sankalp Reddy. The war scenes what he described came alive as they were. I am looking forward to work with him again, if he has a role to offer.

What kind of response you are expecting from the audience for the film, and you as film actors?
Naren Yadav: This is India's first submarine-based movie, and people will witness something they haven't seen before and like I said the story is unknown to many; for them it's like recreating history right in front of their eyes.
Niteesh: The audience is going to love the movie for sure.
Thiruveer: It is a must-watch film for every Iñdian - to know the truth & watch the spectacular visuals as well. With great actors, technicians, it is overall a visual feast
Captain Ahmed: I am sure the movie will do wonderful. As for my role, Taan Singh will surely be noted amongst the galaxy of stars. Even a small appearance in trailer has given me lots of recognition. My Army crowd is already congratulating me. I am sure I should get some better offers. It has certainly added a lot of value to my acting career.

By Sirish