Prepare to be engulfed by ‘Force’ when the action, passion and drama come alive in cinemas across UK and worldwide on 30th September. Released through Twentieth Century Fox, the film features two of the hottest stars of Indian cinema, John Abraham (‘Dostana’, ‘New York’, the Oscar-nominated ‘Water’) and Genelia D’Souza (‘Life Partner’, Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na’).
Force is a stylised thriller among the new wave of Indian films paying homage to the seminal Indian action genre. It combines state-of-the-art fight sequences and thrills with an original romantic narrative. The film will deliver an abundance of on-screen energy and vigor, which will have audiences gripped from the opening sequence to the end credits.
Directed by the critically acclaimed, Filmfare and National Award winning Nishikant Kamat, Force is a contemporary action romance and a Hindi reinterpretation of the Tamil blockbuster, ‘Kaakha Kaakha’, which achieved widespread popularity among audiences and critics alike. Force is produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah who previously brought cinemagoers screen gems such as ‘Aakhen’, ‘Singh is Kinng’ and ‘Namastey London’.
At the heart of the action-love story is a renegade cop, played by John Abraham, in relentless pursuit of a ruthless, underworld gangster. He believes that the only way to eradicate crime is to give criminals the bullet – not hand cuffs.
The seat-grabbing suspense is perfectly balanced with passionate romance and a melodious soundtrack, masterfully composed by one of the leading Indian music composers, Harris Jayaraj.
The hype is already astir around the pin-up star’s infamous eight-pack physique to be unveiled in the film. Sharing screen space with John is one of the most vivacious and exuberant talents to join the ranks of Indian screen beauties, as Genelia D’Souza plays John’s love interest.
Asian World caught up with the sultry stars to discuss their roles…
GENELIA D’SOUZA
Tell us more about ‘Force’ and the character you play.
‘Force’ is a very stylish and contemporary action-romantic thriller, layered with many twists and a compelling, central narrative. It is essentially a cop film with a love story at the heart of it. It’s a very gripping film with a strong suspense streak along with well executed action scenes that will certainly have audiences glued to the screen. I play the character of Maya who is an extremely strong and empowered character in her own right. Within her cute, energetic and affable persona, she is a strong willed and someone who believes in doing things a certain way to make a difference to the world
Would you class ‘Force’ among a contemporary genre of Indian films?
‘Force’ falls clearly under the classic action romance genre, but leverages state-of-the-art screen technology to modernize the presentation. It is also a very classic narrative and plot line, with a strong romantic undertone set in today’s times. I hope audiences across all ages enjoy and appreciate this movie. Above all, Force will appeal to a wide variety of cinemagoers as it has something for everyone from action to drama and romance.
What was it like to work with John Abraham?
It was a great to work with John. He is such a wonderful co-star. He is extremely disciplined and focused on set. He has a very positive aura around him and enjoys the work he does. I have known and worked with him before so we had a rapport that went even beyond the film. He is a lot of fun to be around and working with him was, as always, a very enjoyable.
How is Nishikant Kamath as a director?
He is amazing – a director with his own unique vision and perspective. I had heard of his so much about his highly acclaimed Marathi film “Dombivali Fast” and ofcourse his Hindi film Mumbai Meri Jaan. I was very excited to be working with Nishikant. He is so passionate and clear with his vision and how he wants it to be executed that he makes all of us perform better that what we thought. His energy is totally infectious and he knows how to get the best out of his team. It was such a pleasure to work with him.
Another recent trend which is proving extremely popular at the Hindi Box Office is the remaking of Tamil classics in Hindi. What do you make of this?
Having worked across Hindi and South Indian cinema, I believe that it’s great that our industries are using and adapting work from each other and telling a story in their own ways. Cinema in India has so much to offer and have such beautiful stories that need to be told to a wider audience base. Tamil cinema too boasts of some great films which when rehashed for say a Hindi audience needs to adapted with the framework of a the Hindi sensibilities and socio-cultural codes that are relatable to a Hindi understanding audience.
And ‘Force’ is also a remake of a Tamil Box Office success – ‘Kaakha Kaakha’. How would you compare the two?
Although ‘Force’ has been inspired by ‘Kaakha Khaaka’, it is an adaptation and not a replica. While the plot line is similar, it has been revised for a wider audience, not only Hindi speaking but also international. Like I mentioned earlier, your own reinterpretation and reworking of the story to create something that is unique in its own way. So although there are obvious similarities between ‘Force’ and ‘Kaakha Khaaka’, they are quite different in approach, perspective and execution. Force is Nishikant’s vision, which we have tried our best to follow and thereby create a great cinematic experience for our audience.
And tell us more about Harris Jayaraj’s soundtrack for the film. Any favourite tracks?
It’s a great soundtrack combining classic and contemporary. I think the music complements the film’s love element and energetic pace. We’ve just released the track – Khwabon Khwabon and have been receiving such great feedback for it. I’m really happy with how audiences have appreciated the song and hope to get a similar response for the album too.
You are fondly recognized as the ‘Bubbly Girl’ of Indian cinema, due to several wonderful portrayals of the exuberant, energetic young lady. How does your role in ‘Force’ depart from that screen avatar?
I think a lot of my previous roles have been quite young, energetic and modern right from Aditi in Jaane Tu. ‘Force’ is certainly a more mature extension of that. Maya is not merely a passive love interest but is a character with an extremely strong identity. Maya is a very gutsy and fearless young girl, with her own strengths and her own opinions. She was a real joy to portray and I feel she is a character who will make a mark and stay with the audiences.
Describe your family background. I understand you come from a very closely-knit and grounded upbringing.
We are a small and very close family. I think as a family we have been taught to believe in being true to ourselves. My parents and my brother play a big role in making me who I am today. My mother infact is someone I owe a lot to for always being by my side and helping me achieving my dreams. With my work, I travel quite a bit and hence family time is something I crave. For me, being in Bombay at home with my family and my dogs is a vacation.
In addition to ‘Force’, which other projects are you currently involved in?
Among my other Hindi projects I am reading a few scripts which when finalized I can formally announce and talk about. I am currently shooting for Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya’ – a Mandeep Kumar/Tips film opposite Riteish Deshmukh.
And finally, do you have a special message for your fans?
Thank y’all so, so much for supporting me, encouraging me and wishing me well. Your love, affection and belief in me, is a big reason for where I am today, and continuing to take my career to the next level. Please go watch ‘Force’ and I am sure you will all enjoy it.
JOHN ABRAHAM
You’ve come a long way since your first movie in Jism (2003) to Force today (2011). Please describe your journey?
However clichéd this may sound, each day is really a new day with a range of experiences, ups and downs, high and lows – it’s life. But you just got to keep going and with the grace of God I’m still here and revving to go even further. I have given my level best to my profession and will keep doing so. My family and fans are my biggest inspiration and I will continue to aspire to meet their expectations. At the end of the day, I have grown as an actor, which is a big achievement for me.
Your jaw dropping eight pack physique is the talk of the town. What tips can you offer (mainly our male readers) on how to achieve the perfect abs?
Well, a lot of hard work went into preparing for this role as my character required a very rough and tough look, I went through eight strenuous months of rigorous training to build the eight packs and look sturdy. But more than anything else I had to feel stronger and be prepared for some serious action. I am quite particular about my fitness regime which is quite simple – eat Healthy and exercise well.
How does it feel to be approached by Hollywood’s ace stunt director JJ Perry, who trained Sylvester Stallone, to offer to train you?
It’s been an absolute honour to get such encouraging comments from a Global Stunt Icon himself! Mr Perry’s compliments have motivated me all the more.
When shooting action movies there are always accidents or incidents on set. Were there any for you whilst filming for Force?
Force is a very high action packed film, hence required a lot of stunts. Although we took great precautions, some accidents did happen. I recall there was the stunt that required me to jump from one moving goods train locomotive to another. Instead of landing on my feet I lost my balance and fell on my back over a heap of stones. I remember I had 40 injury marks on my back! And then there are a few others – this has been a film where I’ve endured the most injuries but it was certainly worth it.
You’ve been paired opposite Genelia D’Souza for the first time we believe. When you are working with an actor for the first time (especially if she is playing your love interest), how do you break the ice? What was your first interaction with Genelia like?
Genelia is so full of life – she brings so much energy on the sets, it’s amazing to work with someone like her. At the same time she is a thorough professional. I had the most wonderful time working with her and look forward to the opportunity again. I think we make a great on screen couple.
Would you class ‘Force’ among a contemporary genre of Indian films?
‘Force’ belongs to the classic action romance genre, but with some unique – state of the art action sequences, topped with some extremely exciting music the presentation has been modernized. It is also a very engaging narrative and plot line, with a strong romantic undertone set in today’s times. I am positive that audiences across the globe would enjoy and appreciate this movie as it has something for everyone – from hardcore action to high tension drama and a beautiful romance.
And finally, do you have a special message for your fans?
Thank you all so, so much for supporting me, encouraging me and wishing me well. Your love, affection and belief in me, is a big reason for where I am today, and continuing to take my career to the next level. Please go watch ‘Force’ – I am sure you will all enjoy it.
