by Subhash K Jha

Hyderabad is the city of the new and the old. Mani Shankar who's known for his hi-tech thrillers has chosen old Hyderabad for the initial spurt of his new thriller tentatively entitled The Informer. We are at a history-laden relic called the Tombs.

"It's the story of a 19-year old boy, played by Sammir Dattani, who's recruited by the government intelligence to infiltrate the underworld. Today we're doing some rather grueling scenes related to his initiation into the world of crime," informs the full-prepared director.

Suneil Shetty arrived on the 6th morning. He has just two days to give Mani Shankar before he flies back to Mumbai. Mani shoots the combination scenes between Suneil and Sammir.

The first sequence is quite a shocker. Sammir playing an aimless jobless Hindu called Kailash is being converted into Shahbaz Khan for his intelligence work. Suneil Shetty plays Rahman, Kailash's mentor, given the job of changing the young hero's religious and cultural nationality.

In the sequence being shot 19-year old Kailash has undergone a circumcision. He limps put of the doctor's chamber and asks Rahman. "Was this really necessary?"

Rahman answers, "Of course. When you will get into their (the gangsters') territory they'll examine you from head to toe. ...And besides if 'that' is the symbol of manhood how long do you want to hide the sword in the shield?"

Adds Mani, "I don't think any hero in any film has ever been circumcised for the sake of his work. I guess it's a shocking idea. We're leaving through stressful times. Nothing seems to make sense any longer. My film reflects that mood."

Suneil Shetty grins at the phallic dialogue about the sword and the shield.

"It's a classic line...It will have audiences roaring in delight. ...Sammir has a fantastic chance to perform. I've worked with Mani earlier in Rudraksh and Tango Charlie. Though Rudraksh was too intellectual for the masses Tango Charlie suffered only because the mood wasn't right for a war film. I think this time around Mani has got the formula right. This film is very well researched but also has a deadly gripping plot that the masses would find novel and interesting."

He leaves on Thursday for the last stint of Satish Kaushik's comedy Shaadi Se Pehle and then joins J.P.Dutta in Jaipur for Umrao Jaan.

"Like Mani Shankar , JP Saab is another director I can never say no to. With Abhishek being unable to reach Rajasthan in time JP wanted me to re-adjust my dates. But I just didn't have the time. I'll join him as soon as possible."

Suneil and Sammir now go through some heavily emotional mentor-pupil scenes. Suneil helps his junior co-star to get the paces right. "I think it's very important to encourage new talent. And Sammir is definitely talented. This film will do wonders for him."

Adds Sammir, "Tomorrow we'll be shooting in and around a rather gory meat market. It's part of my initiation into the other life. The best part of shooting with Mani Shankar in this city (Hyderabad) is I feel my growth as an actor with every shift. It's an amazing experience."