BOLLYWOOD

COMES TO THE ISLAND

The Isle of Man is to be the location for a major Bollywood feature film co-produced by and starring actor John Abraham (left). Shooting on the as-yet untitled road racing film is due to begin in July, with Duke Video acting as technical consultants and Abraham set to transform his passion for bikes to celluloid. The movie revolves around motorcycles and filming is set to take place at the Southern 100 Road Races. Abraham says that for him this is a true passion project. He said: “A story around motorcycles is very close to my heart. I am an ardent rider and my bikes are like my babies. I decided to develop a film on riders and the love of motorcycles in-house over two years ago.” Duke has been working with Abraham since an initial approach in 2015. International sales manager Dave Bignell has lent his expertise and passion for road racing to the ambitious project, helping to introduce Abraham to the Southern 100, as well as explaining some of the intricacies of the world of road racing. Abraham added: “I am especially pleased that we will film the action sequences in the Isle of Man, the world-renowned home of racing on real roads and the TT races. It’s where the Motogp started and where riders still hurtle around normal roads closed for racing at up to 200mph. I have always dreamed of filming there, it’s the perfect film stage for my new movie.” Technical consultant on the new movie is Peter Duke, head of the world’s leading motorsport video company and whose father Geoff was a six- time world motorcycle champion and a six- time TT winner. Peter said: “We’re delighted to be working with John and the team, they’ve shown themselves to be true enthusiasts and we’re sure their passion for motorcycle racing is going to translate into a thrilling action movie. “The Southern 100 Races will be one of the settings. With mass-starts, close racing and lots of overtaking, it’s a perfect fit for the world’s largest market for bikes and films: India! I can’t wait to see how the cinematographers portray the spectacle and thrill of this mind-blowing sport to Indian audiences. I think they will be impressed!” The production promises to deliver the biggest audience yet for the Isle of Man and will be supported by media professionals in the private and public sector. Laurence Skelly, Enterprise Minister of the Isle of Man Government added: “The Isle of Man is the home of road racing and, whilst the TT is what we are principally known for, we also have a rich series of annual races on our roads which draws crowds from around the world. We look forward to John Abraham’s film presenting the Isle of Man to the vast Indian cinema audience for the first time.” Southern 100 Club chairman George Peach said: “The club are delighted to have been asked to be involved with the film, not only because of the publicity the Southern 100 Road Races will receive, which will attract even more race fans to the Isle of Man, but also the high regard the ‘friendly races’ are held in that they are recommended to the film producers by Duke Video, who are the world’s leading motorsport video company.”