Shyam Madiraju’s script really attracted me to his project, says Emraan Hashmi on Harami’s Busan selection

Harami, starring Emraan Hashmi, is the only Indian film to be selected in competition in the New Currents section at the upcoming 25th edition of the Busan International Film Festival being held from 21 to 30 October this year.

Shyam Madiraju’s Indo-American production tackles youth crime with broken destinies, love and redemption in the chaotic city of Mumbai. The film, which will have its world premiere in Busan, was shot over two years in the streets and slums of Mumbai.

The writer-director was delighted on the film’s selection in competition and said, “As a filmmaker, I’m truly elated that Harami has been invited to be a part of Busan festival’s main competition section. Korea is the epicentre of the filmmaking universe right now, so it’s an immense honour to be a part of their celebration of cinema this year.”

Madiraju spoke about his star, Hashmi, who plays the Dickensian character of Sagarbhai, a former English teacher-turned-ganglord. The role was unlike anything the actor had done before, and was a challenge for both of them.

“Having never worked in 'Bollywood' [commercial Hindi cinema] or with Emraan before, all my concerns disappeared when I saw how collaborative and detailed Emraan, a true director’s actor, was with his preparation for the role,” he said. “We discussed in great detail over numerous reading sessions and rehearsals the smallest elements of his character, like his gait, his diction, his style of speaking, the choice of English over Hindi, and his unique look that we created for him.”

“It was Shyam’s script that really attracted me to his project,” Hashmi said. “And his obsession with details was very contagious. Kudos to Shyam and his Harami team for making it into the prestigious main competition section of the festival. It was a true passion project for all involved and I am looking forward to the day when we will be able to share the film with the Indian audience.”

Harami features many first-time child artistes, including some from the sprawling slum Dharavi. The drama is produced by Pravesh Kumar Rajput and Brent Maddock, and executive produced by Hollywood filmmaker Paul Feig and Sunny Khanna.

Feig said, “Between the cast of amazing young newcomers and the deep talents of 'Bollywood' star Emraan Hashmi, the film is affectingly performed and a total crowd-pleaser. Its ultimately uplifting message is exactly what is needed in these troubled times and Shyam Madiraju’s masterful balance of heart, emotion and tension powers the film forward skilfully.”