Make Laugh,Not War

First-time filmmaker Faraz Haider’s upcoming film War Chhod Na Yaar — being promoted as “India’s first war comedy” — has many such scenes. It’s a slapstick comedy based on India-Pakistan relations and the casual banter between the armies during peace time.

In the city to promote the film,actor Sharman Joshi,who plays the role of a young Army Captain,says that he was excited about donning the revered uniform. “My character Raj,is like a regular Army guy. He’s young,good-looking and wears his heart on his sleeve,” says Joshi. The film,also starring Soha Ali Khan,Jaaved Jaffrey,Dalip Tahil and Mukul Dev,releases on October 11.

On the film being called a “war comedy”,the Mumbai-based actor says,“Even though the subject of war is grave,Faraz — who is also the writer of the film — has done it in a very sensitive manner,making sure that no sentiments are hurt. As a result,the film is an out-and-out comedy,and people will have fun watching it.”

Joshi adds,“The cultural similarities between Indian and Pakistan have been looked at in a tongue-in-cheek manner. The film celebrates this bond,tucking in some socially relevant messages as well.”

Despite being known for his comic roles in films such as Style,Golmaal and Dhol,Joshi says comedy does not come naturally to him. “I figured that during my stint with theatre when I was part of the Gujarati version of Marathi play,All The Best. I realised that I needed to work on my comic skills. The best part about theatre is that the audience and their reactions teach you a lot,” he says,adding,“Drama and emotion come naturally to me.”

The 34-year-old,who has had several multi-starrer hits such as Rang De Basanti and 3 Idiots,says the decision to venture into films that cast him as the lead was not a conscious one. “I have done solo films such as Sorry Bhai and Toh Baat Pakki,but they didn’t do well at the box office. There were plenty of offers even then. The point is that I wanted to do films that excite me,and was willing to wait for them,” he says.

Talking about his upcoming projects,Joshi says that Super Nani,Gang of Ghosts and a sequel to Vikram Bhatt’s 1920 are keeping him busy these days.