Television actor, Mohit Raina, popularly known as ‘Mahadev’ is all set to make his Bollywood debut with RSVP’s Uri: The Surgical Strike. The film is based on the 2016 Indian Army’s surgical strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan in retaliation for the terror attack on an army camp in Uri in Jammu & Kashmir. Bringing to screen one of the biggest events in the history of Indian army, Aditya Dhar’s directorial Uri depicts the reality behind the surgical strike by the Indian Army on Pakistan. Mohit plays the key role of captain Karan Kashyap — a husband, father and Vicky Kaushal’s brother-in-law. The actor’s portrayal of the character — Captain’s fight against terrorist attacks by Pakistan in Uri will evoke emotions and strike a chord with the audience. Hailing from Jammu, Mohit feels strongly for the country and how our armed forces deal with the issue of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The actor was emotionally moved when he heard the script and the realities of 2016 surgical strikes, and decided to take up this role as there couldn’t have been a better launch pad in movies than Uri. Mohit also underwent intense training where he had to shed a few kilos to look apt for his character. During the course of training with the army, Mohit even interacted with them asking about their lives and how they go about their duties. The director took six months to do extensive research and flesh out the script even before he decided he wanted to direct this film. The script detailed out the events minutely, which was approved immediately by ADG PI (Additional Directorate General of Public Information). For the first time in the history of Indian army, our nation took an initiative to attack an enemy, making the strike more special. The response to the trailer has been overwhelming and they are looking forward to the movie. Uri is one of the most anticipated films and it is the first film of Bollywood to release in 2019. The film stars Vicky Kaushal in the lead role with an ensemble cast including Paresh Rawal, Yami Gautam, and Kirti Kulhari among others.<doc-sep>With his Bollywood debut, 'URI: The Surgical Strike', set to hit the screens later this week, Mohit Raina aka Mahadev of television is quite excited. Interestingly, the actor tells us that he aspired for a commercial film as his launch vehicle, but finally opted for a content-driven film — based on a real incident — set in his home state, Jammu & Kashmir . In a chat with BT, Mohit also talks about the ‘Mahadev’ image and how he is focussed on a career in films, among other things. Excerpts...I could not have asked for a better Bollywood debut. Since 2015, when people started noticing my work, I was getting numerous offers for films, but I didn’t really connect with any of them. This was a different film and it was set in Kashmir, my home state. I also have a fascination for the uniform and many things connected at one go. I am happy that the film has created a good buzz.I actually had a strategy in place as to what kind of film I wanted to choose for my debut. I was hoping I would get to do a typical, commercial potboiler, but I realised that times have changed now and content is ruling at the box office. I feel that I need to create my own path and space now. This film is a baby step towards that space. In case of a TV show, the audience has the option to change the channel, but in a film, people have no such option, but to sit through it. So, the product needs to be really good.Yes, it is very important to make your own space right now. Look at how Vicky Kaushal has chartered his own path. He started with Masaan and today his work in Raazi and Sanju is getting him so much appreciation. He is a wonderful co-star to work with.Aditya Dhar is a debutant director, but when you work with him, you realise that he is a thorough perfectionist. In Serbia, we had to shoot a scene that was divided into three parts. One part had to be shot at sunrise and every day, we would wake up at 3 or 4 am and would rehearse till 6 in the morning. It was hectic, but also satisfying. I got an opportunity to do things that I had never done.Four generations of people loved and adored the character of Mahadev (from the show, 'Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev'). College students loved the physique and could not stop gushing over Shiva’s character. The office-going crowd felt connected because they got to know more about our Puranas. The older generation is the only generation that is stuck with the character and it could be difficult for me to change their perception. But, the youth knows that I am just doing my job and they would enjoy watching me play a soldier or ride a bike. Also, I don’t feel I am trapped in that image, because I’ve played many characters after that and people have liked me in those as well.I will still continue to focus on my work. But, now that I am doing films, I may try to market myself, keeping my core values intact.I remember when this attack happened in the wee hours. We lost many soldiers, who were just resting or taking a short break. I felt really depressed reading about and watching the situation in Kashmir. It was very sad. Then the surgical strike took place and no one really knows the real time of the strike, too. India is a peace-loving country and during such situations, I always tell people to watch Anil Kapoor ’s 'Nayak' (2001). He had a dialogue in the film, ‘Dekho, main accha aadmi hoon, mujhe itna majboor mat karo ki mujhe hathyar uthana padey’. I feel the surgical strike is important and justified, people around the world should be aware that India too can take action.Right now, films and OTT platforms are tempting me a lot. TV has its own loyal audience and people will continue enjoying it. With movies, it’s interesting to work on a project that lasts for 40-50 days and gives you an opportunity to experiment and showcase your creativity.<doc-sep>
Popular face of television industry Mohit Raina recently marked his Bollywood debut. He made his debut with the film ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ besides Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal and Yami Gautam. In an interview with TOI, Mohit spoke about his experience working in the film and the reason behind choosing the movie, among other things. What is your character in the film and what are the difficulties you faced while playing the role? I am playing the character of a commando captain Karan Kashyap. He is a sniper and a very fun loving and charming person. He is the kind of person who lives his life. He loves his family, friends, people and all. It was very difficult for me to get those emotions out of me but I managed it. Did you undergo any training for the character? We had proper professional training and during that we learned a lot of things. There was a three month training period which I had to go through. What made you choose this project? If I have to submit in one line then I knew that I had to do this movie as it's a film like this won't ever be made again. How was your experience working with Vicky Kaushal and Paresh Rawal? I used to be so stressed about standing in front of these guys. I am a normal person who works in TV and I am standing in front of legends, don’t know how they catch the tone of their character. I think I feel blessed that my name comes in the list of such a star cast and I played a role alongside them. If you weren’t an actor what else would you be? If I weren’t an actor I would have been an army man. I always wanted to be in the army but because of some technical reason, I couldn’t really go through. What is your New Year resolution? I just want to spend a little more time with my family.