Tryst with truth

“I conceived this story with you in my mind sir. Only you of all heroes could do justice to the script. ” There was an emphasis on HEROES. The director was narrating a script to the “_______ Star” (the industry had dried up all the adjectives even before Yuvaraj could make a foray into films).

“Hmm, and who do you suggest do the female lead?” That was the first time Yuvaraj opened his mouth during the 1 hour story discussion. There wasn't much of a scope for the leading ladies in all his movies except to shake a leg here and wipe a tear there. But he got to choose the gorgeous ladies and he couldn’t think of a heroine who he hasn’t paired with.

“Divya”. The last time you did a movie together, you scorched the screen. I have booked her call sheet for the next 2 months.

Yuvaraj couldn’t suppress his smile. He had enjoyed a good relationship with her on and off the sets.

He affirmed to do this movie. This was the first time after attaining a star status he had signed a movie without a prior knowledge of the full script. He was read only his part and those necessary for him to complete his part. His star power was waning and his last couple of movies bombed bringing down the movie producers to their knee. This was a sort of comeback vehicle. But what made him fall for this director was he was about to break his image and sport a new guise. Now the press would have to stop smirking at him which he hadn’t experienced since his formative years as an upcoming hero.

1 week later, the muhurat of the movie was attended by who’s who of the filmdom. Anybody who got a chance at the stage predicted this to be a blockbuster of the year and wished the team success. When it was time for director, he made his speech crisp and to the point.

“The story and the concept is entirely new, you would see a new treatment meted out. You are going to appreciate this. I guarantee you would never have seen this kind of a movie either in Bollywood or in the Hollywood. I hope the plot doesn’t get leaked.”

After the function, Yuvaraj was nowhere to be seen in the public. He shunned invitations to all the functions citing his guise had to be kept under wraps. The director didn’t give a hint of the storyline when queried and was playing his cards close to his chest. These little things led to a big expectation among the masses and this movie became the most talked about in the industry.

Once the post-production was completed, the director and Yuvaraj invited the press and arranged for a preview show. The audience’s face registered surprise when the hero skidded into a not unusual introduction. From then, till the title cards rolled, silence reigned and lights had to be switched on to bring the audience out of trance. They were thoroughly mesmerized. They just had one question for Yuvaraj.

“Was that really you?”

“Yes” quipped Yuvaraj. He was on cloud nine.

They appreciated his subtlety in makeover. He was clean shaven throughout the movie as against stubble that he wore every time. As if that wasn’t enough, he had parted his hair from right instead from left. You don’t call that cunning. Will you?

The next day, review on Page 3:

THE DIRECTOR KEEPS HIS PROMISE

This movie is yet another all star ensemble to bring back the crowd

to the theatres. This director is a man of his words for he has been so

secretive about the story that we are kept guessing about that even

after the end of the movie...............................