Dev: Blackia reopens history chapters

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 29

Unlike many of his contemporaries who go for a romcom for a debut, actor Dev Kharoud was introduced to Punjabi movie audience with a serious, social drama — Rupinder Gandhi. Dev Kharoud also came with the actor-only tag when most of the leading men were already known faces thanks to their singing talent. But he considers it as an advantage. “I prefer to do intense roles, stories that have meaning to them,” he said while interacting with media to promote his upcoming film — Blackia. The film is set in a time when borders between India and Pakistan were open and illegal trafficking and trade were a norm.

Produced by Vivek Ohri, the man behind films like Shareek, Jindua, Mel Karade Rabba, Jihne Mera Dil Luteya, the film has been directed by Sukhminder Dhanjal. The story, screenplay and dialogues have been written by Inderpal Singh. The film stars Ihana Dhillon in the lead, who also accompanied her co-star for promotions.

Dev supports the film’s serious undertones. “It’s a lifetime role for me as the story of the film is based on a very unique subject related to Indian history and something that most of our youth today may have not been even be aware of. It’s amazing to work in such a film. Of course, as film it is a complete package, but it’s more of a serious drama.”

Producer Vivek Ohri said, “It was a challenge in itself to make a movie on a subject like the one we have, in Blackia. It’s based on the times when there was open border between India and Pakistan and lots of illegal trading happened across the border.”

Ihana Dhillon said, “I feel blessed to work in a film that offers plenty of opportunity to learn and express your talent. The entire team was supportive to me and working with such talented team helped me grow as an actor too.”

The film will release worldwide on May 3.