Mehra re-shot parts of Delhi-6 for Venice film fest

Panaji, Aug 8 (IANS) Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's most recent film "Delhi 6" didn't fare too well within India, so he went and re-shot some parts of it before submitting it for the Venice Film Festival and says he can now "sleep easy".

Mehra's "Delhi 6" was selected for the prestigious Venice Film Festival after being partially re-shot. While refusing to elaborate on the changes, he said the alterations made to the Abhishek Bachchan starrer had now finally let him "sleep easy".

"The original version did not go down well in India, but was a hit overseas. I realized something was missing, so I went back to the drawing board and changed the script a bit. I re-shot some parts about a month ago before submitting the film for the Venice Film Festival," Mehra said, adding that the film would be re-released on television and DVD soon.

"I would love to re-release it in cinema halls, but before that we will see how it is received," he added.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference here on the sidelines of 'Spirit of Freedom Film Festival 2009' organised by the Goa government, the director of the blockbuster film "Rang De Basanti" said that patriotism today was no longer about the Kargil conflict or a war with China or Pakistan.

"The borders have blurred now. The new enemy is faceless, nameless and he is within the country. He is within us," the director said.

Mehra, whose "Rang De Basanti" opened the three-day film festival Friday, said that even struggles for basic amenities by citizens could be construed as acts of patriotism today.

"Something as basic as a struggle for good transport, education, law and order, civic amenities is equally patriotic today," the director said.

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