Jackky Bhagnani: 'Carbon' is first official Hindi sci-fi film

Jackky Bhagnani

Actor Jackky Bhagnani says his next film 'Carbon' is the first official Hindi science-fiction film. He, along with actress Prachi Desai, launched the trailer of their upcoming short film 'Carbon' at the Twitter office here on Thursday.

Speaking to media, he said: "'Carbon' is the first official Hindi sci-fi film. I don't know if you will like the film or not, but you won't be able to say that this movie is an imitation of a Hollywood film. This is our own version."

"Just like there is the trading of gold, drugs and petrol, here in the film, we have shown trading of oxygen," he added.

Prachi, who is also playing a pivotal role in the film, was asked how she got attached to the film.

She said: "The first time when the director and writer met me I didn't even take a second to think about it. I was actually blown away by the idea. Just as much as everyone else is going to be when they watch the trailer. In some way or the other, it really does leave you with something to think about."

"When I heard it, I was pleasantly surprised as someone had come up with this. We have been talking about climate change, but nobody really thought about doing anything about it in the entertainment business," she added.

She said they aren't going to show the audience "a cool world about fictional characters or super heroes".

"It isn't anything of that sort. 'Carbon' is about you and me in the real world and what we could face in 2067. In that sense, it is really interesting," she said.

Jackky spoke about the challenges faced while shooting.

"We have shown that oxygen will be supplied to homes like water and electricity, but as soon as you step out you need a mask. According to your status, you have better oxygen supply through subscription.

"My role was such that I had to wear the mask 24X7. When I was shooting while wearing the mask it was so suffocating for me that after every cut, I would immediately remove the mask. It was not easy shooting for the film," he said.

The actor-producer, who has been involved in the film since its early stages, spoke about taking "Carbon" to international festivals.

He said: "Our agenda wasn't to make the film for festivals. We haven't made this film for any reward or award. As filmmakers, if we can take it to festivals and we get some kind of credit for trying something new, it will feel good."

Asked if the makers are eyeing a National award, Jackky said: "We haven't made this film with any agenda as such. We just wanted to make a film for the public... which everyone would understand."

"Now, if we are awarded for our efforts, it will be great. I would be very honoured and humbled. And even if we don't, it doesn't matter because the film wasn't made for it."

"Carbon", set in the year 2067, shows Jackky playing the role of a man with an artificial heart.

The short film is aimed at creating awareness about environmental issues. The star cast also has Nawazuddin Siddiqui as a man from Mars, and Yashpal Sharma.

"Carbon", which is written and directed by Maitrey Bajpai and Ramiz Ilham Khan, will soon release on Large Short Film's YouTube channel.