Are 'Chamku' and 'Mukhbiir' thematically similar?

Aug 30, 2008 Subhash K Jha

Mumbai, Aug 30 (IANS) Those who have seen the newly released films "Chamku" and "Mukhbiir" say they are thematically similar, but Bobby Deol and Sammir Dattani, who play the respective lead roles in the films, don't agree.

"Is 'Mukhbiir' really similar to 'Chamku'? I don't know. In my film, I go from a boy in Bihar to a migrant in Mumbai. I don't know what the story of 'Mukhbiir' is," Bobby told IANS.

Both the films explore the genesis and psychology of terrorism and how closely it is linked to the establishment's official network.

Asked about the similarities between "Mukhbiir" and "Chamku", Sammir said: "There might be some resemblance in theme. And in both I think the protagonist is part of government-sponsored and illegal organisations.

"But finally every director has his own vision. I think the way Kabeer Kaushik will tell Bobby's story will be very different from the way Mani Shankar has told my character's story."

He added: "For that matter, both 'Mumbai Meri Jaan' and 'A Wednesday', which are being released within two weeks, have the July 11 Mumbai train blasts as their backdrop. But they're very different films."

Interestingly, Bobby and Sammir share more than just similar films releasing on the same Friday. They also share the same birth date.

"Bobby and I were born on Jan 27. I've met him. He seems to be as laid back, hassle-free and positive in attitude as me. We've another factor in common. Director Vikram Bhatt, who is very close to Bobby and whom I grew close to while doing 'Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee'. Coincidentally, Vikram too shares our birth date," said Sammir.

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