Mahesh Bhatt on Veer Pahariya and Varun Sharma's 'Naam - To Live is War': 'They have the thirst'
Mumbai, June 15
Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has shared his thoughts on the upcoming action thriller "Naam - To Live is War," featuring Veer Pahariya and Varun Sharma in lead roles.
Backed by Sidhaant Sachdev and produced by Riddhi Chawda and Utsav Upadhyay, the film's name draws inspiration from Mahesh Bhatt's blockbuster 'Naam' (1986). The filmmaker has come on board as the presenter of the film. Speaking about Veer Pahariya and Varun Sharma coming together for the project, Mahesh Bhatt told IANS, "They are far more cinematically literate than we were. They have the thirst and urgency to create a place for themselves under the sun. If their collective drive can be used and funnelled down then they will have a unique film in their hands."
Talking about the producers, Riddhi Chawda and Utsav Upadhyay, Mahesh said, "This is a business that demands resilience. This field is about attitude more than aptitude. What will make their narrative different is their courage to be themselves. They should have audacity and follow their heart."
He also spoke about Sidhaant, saying, "I want him to make the film within the budget because the demand of every producer is that you not only make a good film but also make it within the budget that's been sanctioned. He must stay fiercely committed to his vision. He can take insights from all of us. But he must understand that in this business there is democracy till a point and then there is dictatorship."
The upcoming film is based on an original script written by Sidhaanth Sachdev, Suhrita Das, and Shweta Bothra. The project is produced by Utsav Entertainment and Productions, with Alphaneon Studioz attached as the studio partner. While the plot remains under wraps, "Naam - To Live is War" will feature Veer Pahariya in the lead as an angry young man with grey shades, while Varun Sharma is set to portray a fierce antagonist. The project marks Veer and Varun's first collaboration.
— IANS
Reader Comments
"Democracy till a point and then dictatorship" – Bhatt sahab's words are pure gold. That's exactly how filmmaking works. Varun Sharma as a fierce antagonist? He's mostly done comedy roles; big risk! But sometimes risks pay off big time. 🤞
Another 'angry young man' film in 2024? Didn't we have enough of that in the 80s and 90s? I'm tired of these recycled ideas. The industry needs fresh scripts, not just remakes and inspirations from old blockbusters. Hope the execution is different.
Bhatt is right about one thing – attitude matters more than aptitude in Bollywood. Look at how many outsiders struggle while nepotism thrives. But let's be honest, Veer Pahariya is getting this role because of his family connections, not his 'thirst'. At least acknowledge that!
Love the title homage to 'Naam'! That film was iconic. But I'm curious how they'll balance Veer's grey shades and Varun's negative role. The plot sounds intriguing though. Fingers crossed! 🎬
Bhatt's advice to Sidhaant about budgeting is practical – so many indie filmmakers go overboard with spending and then struggle. But I really hope this film isn't just another template action thriller with no substance. We need layered stories, not just fights and dialogues.
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