Gone are those days when the filmmakers would compromise with their subjects of interest just to please the
temperament of their audience.
The filmmaker Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan is an example of a director
who didn't bat an eyelid while choosing the elements of his forthcoming subject 'Lahore'. The multiple award-
winning 'Lahore' was screened at the 2009 Salento International Film Festival in Italy where it bowled over the
critics, yet again.
'Lahore' comes across as a serious film on India-Pakistan peace. However, interestingly, it is based on the game of
kickboxing played by the two neighbors. Wonder why the filmmaker chose such a sport when popular sports like
cricket and hockey would have fit the bill?
One of the director's actors in the film, the multifaceted Saurabh Shukla, has an explanation. Shukla proclaims,
"Chauhan could have chosen any sport.
However, since he has a special inclination towards kickboxing
and knows it inside out, he selected this particular sport. He didn't want to take up any sport with which he is not
well versed. If he had done that, justice wouldn't have been done to the film.''
Now, that is the definition of an ultra professional filmmaker. Now the moot point is whether he will be able to
impress the audience with his flick 'Lahore'. The theatrical release on March 19, 2010 will be its real litmus test.
Saturday, February 27, 2010 11:13 IST