Shivam’s Nair reminisces about the making of the remarkable Naam Shabana (2017), written and produced by producer Neeraj Pandey that featured a brilliant performance by Taapsee Pannu.
In Naam Shabana, a lot of the gripping narrative unfolds on crowded streets. Director Shivam Nair cuts the scenes in motions of anguished urgency where we at once sense the protagonist’s need to avenge the wrongs done to her in the past and in the immediate here and now. Taapsee plays this introvert with a compelling combination of reticence and transparency.
It is a remarkable performance. But then, this is a remarkable film. The two halves of the narrative are almost like two different films, both equally irresistible. But constructed under differing circumstances.
The first half is devoted to building a relationship for the loner heroine with a boy (Taher Mithaiwala) who won’t take no for an answer and then dismantling her hope for love. The second half constructs a brisk, bracing spy thriller with Malayalam star Prithviraj pitching in a gritty, menacing turn as a nasty international villain. It is here that the action explodes on the screen with optimum impact.
Recalling the experience, director Shivam Nair says, “It was a great experience working with writer-producer Neeraj Pandey on Naam Shabana. I admire him as one of the best writers in our industry. When he offered me Naam Shabana, I jumped into it. Working with Tapsee Pannu was a pleasant experience. She is a committed actress, very hard-working and focused. She trained for action scenes from action director Cyril for Baby as well as Naam Shabana. There is a possibility of a third film in the Franchise. I’ve asked Neeraj a few times regarding the sequel or spin-off.”
