The Tamil-Hindi bi-lingual Mumbai Xpress has been completed in express time and is ready for release.
Kamal Haasan once again teams up with Singeetham Srinivas Rao after a gap of 10 years in Mumbai Xpress. Apoorva Sahodararkal, Pesum Padam and Magalir Mattum were the successful movies where Kamal and Singeetham Srinivas Rao came together. He has Manisha Koirala for company. They had earlier paired in Shankar’s Indian which was a mega hit. Kamal who plays the character of Avinashi alias ‘Mumbai Express’ is a daredevil deaf motorbike rider who does stunts in deep wells and other difficult spots. It’s a full length comedy taken in the backdrop of Mumbai. Asked about the irony in the name Kamal says, “Yes, I play a death-well rider in a mela and the film is a comedy of errors. I’m called Mumbai Express for my style and speed.”
And as was typical for all Kamal movies of late, this one too has had its share of ‘naming’ controversies. Kamal had asserted that he is not going to change the name Mumbai Xpress. He had applied for a date in Censor Board to censor the film. Moreover, even on the dresses of the actors who are acting in the film, the name Mumbai Xpress is printed. Changing the name of the film at this juncture would create a lot of confusion and trouble in the commercial front for the film.
While shooting Kamal Haasan injured his wrist very badly. Kamal, insisted on performing all the stunts himself and was hurt in a motorbike scene. “It is a professional hazard, and you can’t help it. It’s quite challenging to be extra precise when you set out to do stunts. It isn’t something new to me. I like to do innovative things, and if that contributes to making a better film, why not!” the actor explains.
Ramesh Arvind plays an important role. This slap-stick comedy riot will also feature Nassar, Pasupathi, Kovai Sarala, Vayyapuri and Deena. In the Hindi version there is Om Puri, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sourab Shukla, Vijay Raj and Sharat Saxena. Music is by Ilayaraja. Rakhee Sawant provides oomph in an item-number. Kamal has written the story, screen play and dialogues for this film. For the first time a full length film is done on a digital format.
Produced by Rajkamal Films International, Mumbai Xpress will be a Tamil New Year’s (April 14th) special for Kamal’s fans.