GAME OF SPIES
As Taapsee Pannu readies for a spinoff to spy thriller Baby (2015), we take a look at other Bollywood films inspired by spies and intelligence agencies
She left a solid impact as the no-nonsense spy Shabana Khan in the 2015 hit, Baby. Now, Taapsee Pannu is set to make a comeback with the same character in Bollywood’s “first-ever spin-off ”, Naam Shabana, where the focus will be on her character and how she goes on to become a spy.
GREAT DRAMA
Not just Naam Shabana, of late, spies and intelligence agencies seem to have become one of Bollywood’s favourite subjects. So, if Commando 2 is an espionage thriller revolving around eradication of black money, Salman Khan has already started work on his next, Tiger Zinda Hai, a “political espionage”.
“Intelligence agencies and agents have always been a source of mystery and adventure. So, when they are portrayed on big screen with a combination of intelligent drama and gripping storyline, it makes s for a great engaging cinema. The thrill element and uncommon bravery add to the entire set-up,” says filmmaker Neeraj Pandey, the producer of Naam Shabana.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE
Pandey should know, considering he has been the brain behind films such as Baby, A Wednesday (2008) and Special 26 (2013). Interestingly, film-maker Vipul Shah, whoh produced theh Commando series, feels the “biggest challenge in picking up such a subject is that not much information is available in the public domain as it’s supposed to be classified and under the wraps.” Shah adds that one “can’t make up everything in an unbelievable manner (with such movies)”. He explains, “So you have to be careful about the information that you get, as to how authentic it can be and how you plan to use it. Also such films can’t be your typical Bollywood song and dance routines so a maker has to be ready for that. You can’t forcefully turn it into a saleable ‘item’.”
SUCCESSFUL IDEA
Interestingly, going by the track record, spies have proved to be big hits at the box office too. Even experts feel that it’s a “great idea”. Says trade analyst Taran Adarsh, “Even when we read about spies in newspapers, there’s a lot of interest. And since we can identify with them a lot as a nation, why not (have more movies based around them)? But these films should be slick and stylish besides being handled very well.”
PAST PERFECT
Turn back the clock and you will find that film-makers have been experimenting with spy films for a long time. Way back in 1950, the late Ashok Kumar starred in the patriotic spy drama, Samadhi. Later, films such as Johny Mera Naam (starring Dev Anand; 1970), The Great Gambler (starring Amitabh Bachchan; 1979), Prem Pujari (starring Anand; 1970), Ankhen (starring Dharmendra; 1968) and Farz (starring Jeetendra; 1967) also hit the theatres.
HANDLE WITH CARE
Director Shivam Nair, who has directed Naam Shabana, says, “Such stories and characters attract audiences but they need to be handled and portrayed with a lot of care and responsibility.”
The last few years have seen spy thrillers such as The Hero: Love Story of a Spy (2003), Madras Cafe (2013), D-Day (2013), Agent Vinod (2012), Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Phantom (2015) and Force 2 (2016) among others.
“Since they are an intrinsic part of the country’s security apparatus, you have to show them in a proper manner, and not make a typical potboiler by taking unnecessary cinematic liberties. These subjects need to be handled with care,” says Nair.