By Subhash K Jha
Is Siddharth Anand's Tara Rum Pum Pum about the travails of a racing-car driver, inspired by Tom Cruise in Days Of Thunder?
Says Saif, "That's what people are wondering. But the similarities are skin deep. When Siddharth narrated the idea I asid, 'Wow, Days Of Thunder'. He assured me that was a rubbish movie. The only thing in common with Days Of Thunder in Tara Rum Pum is the car racing background."
Saif doesn't race cars in real life. "No I'd never race cars. It's one of the most popular sports in the US. But I don't think I'd even want to watch it. But my son Ebrahim loves it and would love the film. That's the beauty of Yashraj.
They know what the audience of every age wants. Tara Rum Pum raises the bar for this kind of cinema. Cinematographer Binod Pradhan is international quality. Welcome to world-class cinema. Otherwise, please quit."
Saif remembers some touching moments in New York. "They sent Ebrahim a little racing outfit from there. He was really kicked. But as a sport, car racing is too dangerous. But I did get into sports cars for Tara Rum Rum Pum. We drove at around 150 mph. For one shot done by a double we drove at 200 mph.
All the instruments were constantly crooked while your head hits the panel. It's so hot in there. No doors. It's like a metal coffin. You're walled in strapped in, you can hardly breathe. Those car racers really want to do it. They enjoy cruising at that speed."
Courtesy: Santabanta.com