Singh Along

A Hindi-English venture,the film began life as Nishchay Kar Apni Jeet Karoon. “We found the title too long and a tad difficult for the audience. So,we changed it,” says Issr. Produced by Chandigarh-based businessman,Sardar Peshaura Singh Thind on a budget of more than Rs 50 crore,it is also one of the most expensive ventures from the region. “We’ve shot 90 per cent in the US. And that is one of the major reason for the delay. The US is very strict about visas and permits,so we had to apply and shoot in three separate schedules,” says Issr,who has written the script based on true cases.

“The storyline revolves around mistaken identity and shows how communities became suspicious of each other after the collapse of the World Trade Centre,” says Gulzar Inder Chahal,who plays a Sikh man who helps his family wage a legal battle and win the war against hate crimes.

He adds that “shooting at Ground Zero in New York was extremely difficult. People would be curious,angry and suspicious of us”.

“The turban is not just a headgear or something exclusive to the Sikhs. It’s a symbol of respect,honour and dignity across India and we want to bring in this point of view,” chips in Issr,who plays a Sikh police officer who is suspended from his job for wearing a turban,“It was a true case,and this officer was a victim of crime. There are many such cases in the film.” He clarifies that the film is not a My Name is Khan.

“I am not concerned whether it’s topical or a hit. I have blinkers on when I’m working on a film. As far as profits go,our main market is overseas. With the rights and TV premier,we are sure to recover the investment,” says the director,adding that 20 per cent of the film remains to be shot in New York.