Cinema plays an important role in showing nationalism: Akshay Kumar
What's the story
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar believes the unsung heroes of the country deserve praise for their service, which he says is the highlight of his upcoming release Bell Bottom. In the 1980s-set spy thriller based on true events, the 53-year-old actor plays an intelligence agent with the codename "Bell Bottom" who spearheads the mission to rescue 210 hostages from a hijacked Indian plane.
Opportunity
Glad to be a part of 'Bell Bottom': Kumar
Asked if unsung heroes are the new face of nationalism via movies, Kumar said, "Cinema does play an important role in showing nationalism." "It's essential that we tell everyone about these people who do so much for the country, the risk they take. I am glad I got the opportunity to be part of Bell Bottom which is about an unsung hero," Kumar said.
Expectation
People should know about these selfless agents: Kumar
With this film, I would like the audience to see and understand the life of an agent, who are unsung heroes, and how they work selflessly for the country without expecting anything in return. And how he goes unnoticed. "It is a great life and people should know about them," he added.
Quote
I show my belief about nationalism onscreen: Kumar
Asked about his views on nationalism, Kumar said, "What I believe about nationalism I show it onscreen through films and that is what I want to say about nationalism." As the contribution of many heroes goes unnoticed, it's imperative they're celebrated through films, he added.
Character
Tried to make the character glossy in 'Bell Bottom': Kumar
For Bell Bottom, the actor said, he has tried to make the character a bit glossy to make it entertaining for the audience. The film is about this mission and how these men saved the lives of several people. These undercover agents are very normal people. They are not like James Bond, they do things in a very raw and real manner.
Other details
Kumar is grateful to producers for shooting during COVID-19
Bell Bottom happens to be the first film to be shot amid the pandemic last year and Kumar is grateful to the producers for shooting the film during COVID-19 in the UK. It is also the first Hindi movie to release on August 19 in 3D and 2D after the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.