It was a cakewalk for Jimmy Shergill to work in his latest film Shortcut Safaari as its theme was jungle and wildlife. “Even as a kid I have been close to nature and could relate to the issues this film has raised. Amitabha Singh (director) has always been a good friend and he narrated me the concept and the message it carries about environment, global warming and the way it is affecting us, and most importantly how it would create difficulties for our children, who are the future,” says Jimmy while explaining the reason for signing the film.
In the Capital to speak about the film, Jimmy, playing a role model in the movie, spoke about various aspects the film which seeks to make the audience reconnect with what we have left behind and forgotten. And the urgency behind telling the story about value of ecosystem.
Describing the film as a blend of knowledge, entertainment and adventure, the actor says: “The idea was to make a film through adventure, masti and mazza and make everyone from cities, who have not seen the jungle or real wildlife before, realise that they are experiencing it as their own journey. The purpose was to make them relate to the subject. After watching the film, apart from entertainment, people will think how they can contribute to society.”
The story is about seven urban kids who get lost in a jungle. But they end up exploring and learning things through mystery and the narrative incorporates valuable lessons while doing so.
Explaining the reason for making children becoming the centrepiece of the story, Jimmy says the need was felt in order to inculcate noteworthy lessons on environment on the coming generation. “As they are the ones to save whatever has already been spoiled by us,” says the actor, who thoroughly enjoyed working with children.
Shedding light on the film, Amitabha, who as a cinematographer won the National award for Chillar Party and The Good Road, says: “Shortcut Safaari has been crafted as an experiential film so that the audience can experience and relate to the issues it has come up with.
All the skills that have gone into it in terms of cinematography, sound, production design, all are intended to provide an immersive experience so that audience feel they are in the midst of nature. The idea is to make the urban audience get a feel of being in the midst of nature and wildlife.”
In a society where we have entirely ignored the nature, the actor-director duo feel if we all start initiates then the planet can be saved. And it surely is something to ponder upon.
Amitabha was surprised with the amount of dedication shown by child actors whether it was mental, physical or emotional. “Making a movie is a highly laborious task, especially when one has to work outside the comfort zone of urban areas, and our kids have been extremely supportive and talented.”
