Story of 'Talvar' grabbed me emotionally: Irrfan Khan

Pic Courtesy: Movie Still

Mumbai: "Piku" star Irrfan Khan says a powerful and emotional story-telling compelled him to be a part of his upcoming film "Talvar".

The Meghna Gulzar-directed mystery thriller is inspired by the sensational murder of 14-year-old Aarushi Talwar and 45-year-old Hemraj Banjade, a domestic help in Noida, India on the night of 15-16 May 2008.

Writer-director Vishal Bhardwaj has penned the story of the film. "What happens with us is that we only read headline... We listen to news or somebody's version and we tend to believe that. When I read the story, it grabbed me emotionally. Everybody has the responsibility to go beyond the headline and do their homework and come to their own conclusion. We should not let headlines form our opinion," Irrfan said.

"With this (case) there were so many versions to the story but there was such a powerful emotion coming out of the story and that compelled me to do the film. I would congratulate Meghna Gulzar for this film."

The 48-year-old actor, who plays the role of an investigative officer, insists the film remains neutral and offers three different versions of the case from separate point of views.

"The film presents multiple version of the same story. It is a real life incident. It is an important film. When you perform, you have to be sensitive as you put in various versions of human beings, who are alive and suffering today," he said. 

"We are not giving stance... We kept it neutral and left it for the audience to judge. Please dwell into it (film)... It is a mystery. You can't get easy answers to it," the "The Lunchbox" actor added. When asked what made him do this controversial movie, Irrfan said "Talvar" should not be seen as controversial film.

"Why using this word controversial. As human beings, it is our responsibility to come to truth otherwise we are worse than dead. I chose the story because it is compelling as well as the emotion in it," Irrfan said. Considering everyone is aware about the incident, Irrfan said people will be hooked to the film primarily with the way the story is told.

"It is how you tell the story... The substance stays with you and how you engage the audience. I think that is interesting. The film doesn't compel you towards what we are trying to say through the film... It is the emotions that will touch," he added. The actor has reunited with Konkana Sen Sharma after their 2007 drama "Life in a Metro" and Irrfan is happy to be share screen with her.

"We became part of the film because we felt to be. It is not like it is giving us scope to perform or show our talent. We are engaging you as it is a compelling drama," he said.
The film, also starring Tabu and Sohum Shah in the lead roles, is slated to release on October 2.