Summer 2007

Summer 2007 looks at the two faces of India – affluent and impoverished – through the eyes of the urban youth.

Youth-based nationalist tales are catching on in Bollywood ever since Aamir Khan's Rang De Basanti struck a chord with generation next. The latest such flick, Summer 2007, deals with a gang of five medical students who decide to get into the rural medical service only to realise that the lifestyle and politics of India's villages are entirely different from yuppie urban life.

From small screen to big screen

Summer 2007 is directed by debutant Suhail Tatari who is a well-known name on the small screen circuit. He directed features for Surabhi and Reporter on Doordarshan (India's national TV channel) and has worked for many television soaps. He received critical acclaim for his strong socio-political TV serial Kashmir (on Star Plus) that starred Gul Panag.

Tatari once again takes up a social issue through the eyes of youngsters in his debut film. "Summer 2007 is about today's youth. It takes a look at the economic boom in India and the fast-paced progressive lifestyles in the metros. It also delves into lifestyles beyond the metros, where people are still caught in the rut of regressive society. It looks at the two faces of India through the eyes of the youth," Tatari said at the film's launch.

The girls

The glamorous Panag is carving a niche for herself by doing small, meaningful roles in films such as Dhoop, Dor and Manorama Six Feet Under. She once again has a substantial role in Summer 2007. "I play Vishaka, who is the most sensible amongst the bunch of friends. Despite coming from a wealthy background her feet are grounded. She is a very ethical person who has a sense of responsibility towards society," Panag says. Acting with Tatari was a homecoming for Panag who started her acting career under Tatari's wings in Kashmir. She adds, "I have to give a lot of credit to Suhail for guiding me during the TV serial Kashmir. It helped me develop my acting skills. Though Summer 2007 is Sohail's directorial debut, I felt as if I was working with an established director." Newcomer Uvika Chaudhary will also be hoping to make a big impact with her first full-fledged role. Chaudhary made her debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om, where she played a typical upcoming Bollywood actress, Dolly.

The guys

Sikander Kher recently got positive reviews with his debut flick Woodstock Villa and is raring to go with his second film. With his long locks and fast-paced lifestyle, Kher was an ideal choice for a film which highlights the younger generation's love for fast cars and video gaming. So what are Kher's hobbies? "I love bikes and racing gives me an adrenaline rush. Just like other youngsters I too have a fascination for speed. I also used to play a lot on Xbox Live," admits Kher.

Along with Kher, Arjan Bajwa will be seen in an important role. He was last seen as an arrogant, young industrialist who locks horns with Abhishek Bachchan's character in Guru. Alekh Sehgal will make his presence felt with light moments in the film, which is ably supported by highly talented actors such as Ashutosh Rana, Vikram Gokale, Prashant Narayan and Sachin Khedekar.