The Covid virus couldn’t have chosen a worse time to strike director Rumi Jaffrey. His new ambitious directorial Chehre, a suspense thriller featuring Amitabh Bachchan is up for release this Friday.
Jaffrey a writer and director of inescapable renown says he was caught on the wrong foot. “I was in quarantine in Hyderabad after my daughter’s wedding. I’ve just returned to Mumbai. I couldn’t do any press or media interaction because of the virus. But I think Chehre is the kind of film that audiences will appreciate without recommendation. They’ve seen the trailer and made up their minds to see the film. Besides our producer Anand Pandit has done a great job of enhancing audiences’ interest in our film,” Rumi says confidently, having landed in Mumbai on the evening of 24 August from his quarantine in Hyderabad.
Chehre has been waiting for a theatre release for more than a year now. Says Rumi, “Life has changed so much since we began and completed Chehre. Rhea Chakraborty has gone from being demonized to the most desirable face of the year. Social distancing and at-home cinema are the new normal. We want audiences to return to theatres. Log apne chehre ko mask ke peeche chupa ke rakhte hain. The film is also about the masks we wear to hide our true identity.”
Rumi’s biggest takeaway from the film is Amitabh Bachchan. “Like every director I waited my turn to work with him. He was everything that I expected and more. Much more. His commitment and passion for his work is inspiring. "
Also Read: Rumi Jaffery on Chehre – “Amitabh Bachchan will bring the audience back”
