This hit new pair is set to dish out an edgy thriller

Kabir’s credibility comes from his last few movies. There couldn’t have been anyone better than him to do this film

Sajid Nadiadwala, filmmaker

Filmmaker Sajid

Nadiadwala made a successful directorial debut with an Eid release last year (Kick; the film made a whopping ` 234 crore). On the other hand, this year on Eid, director Kabir Khan laughed all the way to the box office with Bajrangi Bhaijaan (the film has apparently crossed the ` 250 crore mark). Now, the two have joined hands for the upcoming edgy action thriller, Phantom. It is an adaptation of author S Hussain Zaidi’s, Mumbai Avengers.

“Kabir’s credibility doesn’t come only from his latest film, but his last three-four movies. When we came across the book (Mumbai Avengers), we thought it was very interesting. It could translate into a different kind of cinema. And there couldn’t have been anyone better than Kabir to do it,” says Sajid, adding, “I am looking forward to watching Saif (Ali Khan) and Katrina (Kaif) in the film. I am sure Saif will shock the audience with his performance.”

Kabir, too, is elated about the response to Phantom’s trailer, which was launched on July 25. “It will capture the audiences’ — especially the youngsters’ — imagination in a big way,” says Kabir, adding that it has been great to work with Sajid, as he understands the industry, trade as well as the creative side. “Plus, he gives you full freedom to do what you want, and completely backs your vision,” Kabir adds.

Are they sceptical about the political undertones of the film’s content? “When Mumbai Avengers was launched in India, it became a bestseller, and there was no problem. So, I don’t foresee anything (going wrong) either,” says Sajid, who “feels great” that Kick has recently completed a year.

PHOTO: HTCS / SHAKTI YADAV