'Raazi' is more than just an Indo-Pak war film, says actor

Set in 1971 and based on a true story, the film is an adaptation of Harinder S Sikka’s book titled 'Calling...

Set in 1971 and based on a true story, the Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt-starrer Raazi is an adaptation of Harinder S Sikka’s book titled Calling Sehmat.

However, Vicky states that it would be unfair to call Raazi just a war film, as the movie explores much deeper themes in its narrative, reported The Hindu.

Raazi is the story of Sehmat, played by Alia, who crossed the border in 1971 as an Indian spy after she gets married to a Pakistani military officer named Iqbal (played by Vicky) to extract classified information.

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“The film is not just about the Indo-Pak war, it is much deeper than that. It is about an individual relationship. It is also about an era when there was tension between the two countries and during that time a Kashmiri woman married a Pakistani major.”

He went on to share that the film is about how they make choices at the crossroads of duties and emotions, which will not only affect their lives but also the future of their respective countries,” he adds.

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The Masaan actor also stated that Raazi does not glorify or demean any of the countries. “It is not a hero-villain story. It is not about ‘my country is good and yours is evil’. Both countries are doing their jobs. The men in uniform know they belong to one country and are supposed to perform their duty — that is how they are trained."

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“I wasn’t worried that I am playing a Pakistani, so it should be shown in a certain light. I think the story does the work. People will realise it is not an India-Pakistan war film,” he said.

Vicky, who has been paired opposite Alia for the first time, says he has been a long-time admirer of the Student of the Year actor. “Alia is one of the most amazing actors we have today. She is a spontaneous, organic and a versatile performer. As an actor, I felt good and motivated working with her,” expressed the 29-year-old actor.

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Vicky further shared that the director, Meghna, just gave him the gist of the story and instructed him not to read the novel the film is based on. “Meghna said the script is a part of the book and not the entire book. Calling Sehmat is widespread and there are lot of other things that are going on. It's the same story, just not all of it."

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The actor also said that Meghna wanted him to consider the script as the Bible, stating that his source for all kinds of research was Meghna and the script.

Raazi is all set to release on May 11, 2018.