- We have done a lot of research and interacted with those who involved in encounters, judges and human rights activists to present the film with a different perspective: Director
- Director Sabir Shaikh, through this film, aims to send a message to parents about the importance of keeping an eye on their children’s activities to ensure they stay on the right path
- The film explores the ethical dilemmas faced by police officers when tasked with carrying out encounters, questioning whether these actions are always just
GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
The much-awaited Gujarati thriller, Thar is set to release across India on November 15, captivating audiences with an intense storyline inspired by a real-life police encounter in Gujarat. Eventhough Indian cinemas have brush with crime thrillers based on encounters of all kinds, this film stands out for its gripping story-telling, direction and the social message.
In addition to its Gujarati release, the film will also be released in Hindi under the title A Real Encounter to cater to the pan-India audience. Star cast of the film Shahbaz Khan, Mushtaq Khan, Rakesh Pujara, Amrit Dujari & Director Editor Sabir Shaikh, Balkrishna Srivastav -Distributor visited Ahmedabad and interacted with the media about their film.
Directed by Sabir Shaikh and produced by Pradip Churiwal under the MacNeil Engineering Limited banner, the film promises a compelling mix of action, suspense, and a thought-provoking social message.
With Shahbaz Khan in the role of an encounter specialist, Thar features a strong ensemble cast, including Ehsan Khan, Mushtaq Khan, Raza Murad, Ali Khan, Himaayat Alam Ali, Akhilesh Verma, Bratuti Ganguly, Anil Nagrath, Rakesh Pujara, Sangeeta Singh, Rishikesh Tiwari, Amrit Dujari, and Kaleem Akhtar. Balakrishna Srivastav of A One Cine Creation manages the distribution, ensuring the film’s wide reach.
The film revolves around the story of a girl named Muskaan and her controversial encounter. Was Muskaan innocent? That’s something audiences will have to discover by watching the film.
The storyline, written after thorough research, follows Muskaan, an innocent girl unwittingly drawn into a world of crime, manipulation, and betrayal. Initially a college student with dreams of running a tuition center, she becomes entangled with a terrorist cell led by Waseem (Akhilesh Verma), only to be killed in an encounter planned to attack government officials. Her tragic fate raises questions about encounters, whether genuine or manipulated, and the impact on families caught in the crossfire of law enforcement and criminal networks.
Director Sabir Shaikh, whose cinematic journey began with working under his editor father and includes roles as assistant director on prominent projects like Jaan Tere Naam, Gaddar, and Army, brings his vast experience to this project. His last films, Double Cross and Karar – The Deal, showcased his skill in creating impactful narratives, and Thar promises to be no different. Sabir emphasizes that this film also serves as a cautionary tale for parents to stay aware of their children’s lives and relationships.
Produced by Pradip Churiwal, who is known for realistic cinema, Thar explores the ethical dilemmas faced by police officers when tasked with carrying out encounters, questioning whether these actions are always just. It delves into the pressures they face and the political complexities that sometimes cloud their judgment.
The screenplay has been written by Pradip Churiwal, and the film’s trailer has already captivated audiences with powerful dialogues, such as, “No one knows whose encounter will happen next” and Raza Murad’s intense line, “This encounter is fake,” also leaves a strong impression.
The film includes a courtroom drama element that highlights the moral dilemmas and pressures faced by police officers. The film also features an item song.
When asked about the social message in the film, Director Sabir Shaikh emphasized that parents should be aware of their children’s activities and who they associate with. It is crucial for them to ensure their children are not being led astray, he said.
When asked about the script, the writer-director said, “We have done a lot of research and interacted with those who involved in encounters, judges and human rights activists to present the film with a different perspective. The film was shot in Ahmedabad too.”
Mushtaq Khan, known for his role in Welcome, expressed his joy about the film’s release. He congratulated Sabir Sheikh, praising his smooth direction. Khan, who plays the emotional role of the heroine’s father in the movie, said that such roles are rare for him, as he is usually cast in comedy or authoritative roles like police officers. He added that the film delivers a strong message about the importance of parental supervision.
Anil Nagarth will be seen in the role of a politician, shedding light on the deeper aspects of political power.
Don’t miss Thar in theaters on November 15 and experience a thrilling ride filled with action, suspense, and social issues.
