'Blue' is similar to Hollywood film 'The Deep': director

Mumbai, Nov 25 (IANS) Debutant director Anthony D' Souza says his underwater action thriller 'Blue', said to be one of the most expensive Hindi films, has borrowed some elements from the 1970s Hollywood movie 'The Deep'.

'To a certain extent 'Blue' is inspired by 'The Deep',' said D'Souza.

'The Deep', which released in 1977, was an underwater movie about a ship that sank with drugs and cocaine. The film, directed by Peter Yates, was even nominated for several awards, including the Oscars.

'My film has nothing to do with drugs and cocaine. It is based on lost treasure which three friends try to find. It is related to the obstacles that they face in the process and the deceit and betrayal among themselves and others,' D'Souza told IANS.

'My film has certain special characters that will give it a different feel. Basically, 'Blue' is not only inspired by one film but has references from various underwater films and also creature films like 'Jaws',' he added.

Being made at a whopping Rs.1.29 billion budget, the film stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Zayed Khan, Lara Dutta and Katrina Kaif.

About the characters in the movie, D'Souza said that while Sanjay and Akshay play fishermen based in the Bahamas, Zayed is a flamboyant guy who joins them in a treasure hunt. Lara plays Sanjay's wife and Katrina's character has grey shades to it.

'Most of the characters in my film are in grey shades. The bad guy in the film is one among the three main lead characters and Katrina will surprise the audience with her role,' D' Souza said.

D'Souza said the fear factor of his movie are the 40 untrained real sharks that he has used to guard the treasure.

'The three heroes, who go on the mission, have to encounter the sharks before reaching the treasure,' he added.