by Subhash K Jha

Though Mani Shankar's espionage thriller Mukbir, being shot in Hyderabad, will have no songs, its makers have hit on a novel idea for promoting what its producer Sudhish Rambhotla of ColorChips describes as " a thriller with balls".

The film's leading man, Sammir Dattani, who plays a trained government spy in search of his own identity, will be featuring in a promotional music video. What's more Sammir will also sing in his own voice for the music video.

Says Sammir, "It would be a full circle for me. I started my career at 17, with a music video called Valentine's Day. And now I'll feature in another music video where I'll get to sing."

Sammir has been taking singing lessons for quite some time. "In fact, I've been doing my riyaaz as regularly as possible. I'm told I have a singing voice. And I believe I can carry off a tune quite well. In fact, my ex-girlfriend used to say I sing the Titanic theme really well. But, she was biased."

The Mukhbir music video would basically be a gambit to support the thriller.

"Songs are the only way to grab TV spots for a film. Even Prakash Jha had to put an item song into Apaharan for the TV promotions. Our Mukhbir music video will be more conceptual. We'll take the camera to all those spots in Hyderabad, where my character Kailash lives out his intriguing adventure."

The unusual thriller featuring Sammir in the title role; also has Om Puri, Sushant Singh and Sunil Shetty in the cast.

Says Sammir, "Apart from making me connect with emotions, which I never knew existed within me the role in Mukhbir requires plenty of physical action from me. I love that. That's why I'm enjoying shooting for Nisha Chainani's Maratthon as well.

On Sunday, I participated in the Mumbai Marathon in support of our film. I enjoyed the experience of being out there in the city with so many different sections of the people. I think I'll participate in the Marathon every year."