Shoorveer: Taking the spirit of patriotism up a notch

Power-packed military dramas have always been a treat to watch. However, this time, Disney+ Hotstar has taken things a notch higher by giving an interesting twist to a gripping tale of patriotism. The Kanishk Varma directorial 'Shoorveer' is set against the backdrop of national security and shows the coming together of three defence forces to create an undefeatable, unbreakable force, 'Hawks'. The eight-episode series was released on July 15 and has a stellar cast that includes the likes of Armaan Ralhan, Aadil Khan, Manish Chaudhari, Regina Cassandra, and Makarand Deshpande, in pivotal roles.

Millennium Post sat with Aadil and Armaan, ahead of the show's release to discuss their experience shooting in picturesque locations, their equation with other actors on the set and much more. Excerpts:

How did you two come on board?

Aadil: When the script came to me, the first thing that caught my attention was the story idea. It was about the best of three forces coming together and forming the very capable team 'Hawk'. As read the script, I realised that there was so much more to it than just the idea, the visual appeal, the fighter jets and action. It had very well-written characters with a 360-degree approach. Also, the script emphasised each character's human values and relationships. My discussions with the team about how they were planning to translate it on screen further convinced me to take up the project. The whole idea of shooting with real pilots, jets was just way too exciting. 

Armaan: When signing on to a project, I try to look at the larger picture before getting into the details. So, the overall narration and the way the whole team had visualised it caught my attention. Then, of course, I fell in love with my character, Viraj Sehgal, an airforce pilot who joins the 'Hawks'. Although he is an incredibly talented and skilled pilot, his emotional baggage holds him back from realising his full potential. He is full of angst, and I love such characters.

So, coming on board was a no-brainer for me as I loved my part and the overall story. 

Working in an ensemble demands you to build an equation with your co-actors off the screen because that really shows in the scenes. How were your relationships with each other and with other actors?

Armaan: I remember having a conversation with Aadil when we first met in the office. I said to myself that this guy is so likeable that it's going to be tough to play his rival in the show. That's why I decided to keep my distance and not become too pally.

Whether it was required or not is up for debate, but it's something that I felt was needed so the emotions could be translated well on screen. You will realise it when you watch the show. However, towards the end, we all gelled well as a family. 

Aadil: Other than Manish (Chaudhari) sir, most of the actors I shot with had a very youthful energy, so the environment on the set was always lit up. Except for the characters I had a tussle with (like Armaan's), I think all of us got along really well and enjoyed our time. Our director is one of the coolest people I've ever met. 

But with a great cast comes the fear of being overshadowed in the project. What do you have to say about that?

Aadil: I only focus on doing good work because I believe that if I do good work, I will attract good work. I started as a radio jockey and then joined the film industry. I have had my own journey, my own struggles, which has given me a little bit of self-confidence. I am aware of the fact that I am a hard working guy. I have a lot of faith in myself. Neither in my profession nor outside of it do I experience any negative emotions. I have been fortunate to have worked with some very talented actors and directors at the beginning of my career, and they have only taught me to be better at my work. 

What about screen time? Does that bother you?

Armaan: It is important! I look forward to playing characters that are central, which fortunately I am getting to do in 'Shoorveer'. Having said that, I am not willing to hold myself back from signing on to a good project just because the length of my role is short. There is only so much that you can do in full-length in a year. 

I read somewhere that 'there are no small parts, there are small actors'. We have examples of artistes like Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who started with one scene in 'Munna Bhai...' and 'Sarfarosh', and look where they have reached today. It's all about good work, and I focus on that. I feel, as an actor, you need to understand that you are serving the story. Even if you have one scene in the film, your job is to give your best and take the story forward. It is very important to be a team player since filmmaking is all about the collaboration. It's about the energy of the entire group, not just one individual. 

Do you have any favourite memories of the show?

Armaan: The standout memory has to be getting to sit in the actual jets. That was something I hadn't thought of in my wildest dreams. Of course, like every other child, I planned to become a pilot. After growing up, it became a distant dream. I remember there was a time when I was sitting in the jet all alone. It was one of those moments that I wanted to take in and remember for the rest of my life. This is sure to be one of those stories that I will tell my grandchildren one day (laughs). I think that's the perk of being an actor. Even for a short period of time, you get to live different lives. 

Did you two have any insipiration for your characters in 'Shoorveer'?

Aadil: I had! It was my father. Actually, I come from a family of patriots and my father, grandfather, uncles have all been in the police. They were also awarded by the government of India for their service to the nation and bravey. In fact, my father wanted me to join the forces but life took me somehwre else and I became an actor.

I have grown up hearing stories of bravey and sacrifies from them and that's the reason I could really feel each and every character of the show.

A lot of Salim Kamali, my character in 'Shoorveer', was derived from my father. He is a go-getter and a very responsible family man. He has always loved his children and has that winner attitude. I shaped Kamali keeping my father's personality in mind.

Why should people watch the show?

Aadil: There are several reasons, but the most important of them all is the hard work of all the actors, director, producers, DOP, technicians, and everyone involved in the project. We all believed in the story and ended up putting our heart and soul into it. I believe when you put your heart and soul into anything, it turns out to be beautiful. It has been made with the purest of intentions, and that makes it special.  

Armaan: I think the idea of bringing together three forces is very fresh, and Kanishk has done a fabulous job of executing all his plans. The entire show is visually stunning, and people will definitely empathise with the journey of every character that the series has.