Time for Action-Bombay Times

ON THE SETS Time Bomb

TIME FOR ACTION

It's special effects mixed with a lot of action, as Time Bomb actors shoot for the chase sequence for their final episodes. BT joins the thrill

RESHMA S KULKARNI

Thriller
It's pitch dark as one enters Goregaon Filmcity to go on the sets of Time Bomb, an action thriller that has received quite some acclaim for its innovative daredevil stunts and for being one amongst the first TV programmes to shoot simultaneously in places like Canada and Israel. The set has been erected near the gate, from where one can see bright flood lights shining from a long distance away. Today's the shoot for the climax sequence to be picturised on Rajeev Khandelwal, Akashdeep Saigal and Amrita Saluja.
Lighting for the chase
As we go on the location, an almost half a kilometre stretch of road is being cabled to provide lighting for the chase sequence, which is the highlight of the 24-episode story. The sequence has Akashdeep Saigal, who plays the villain Usman, being chased by Rajeev Khandelwal who plays Varun Awasthi. The lighting for this scene is being done since two in the afternoon — now, it's almost 8.30 pm and the lighting is still in process. When asked the reason for so much time taken, we are told that since this is a climax sequence with most of the story revolving around the chase, a lot of effort is being put into the lighting. One can see floodlights planted amidst the thickets and hung on the trees to give a lit-yet-dark effect which is necessary as the chase is happening at night. Just as the lighting is about to be done, a short circuit occurs, thus stalling the shoot for some more time. The impromptu break is used to have dinner.
Chatting with Akashdeep
Meanwhile, Akashdeep who's already come on the set a long time back is lounging around in his vanity van. He's mighty kicked about this action sequence and remarks that it's a joy to work for such a programme wherein there's action and thrill in abundance. "I love playing a baddie, though I must admit I was quite sceptical to play one when Ansh Gujral's character was offered to me. But now, I just love it and I really enjoy these daredevil stunts that I get to do here, despite the fact that I get hurt so many times," he says. If one may recall, it was on this set that Akashdeep had met with an accident and just a day before this shoot he again got hit on his chin by Rajeev's elbow. Akashdeep also discusses a lot about his forthcoming films, one of which will be his directo rial venture.
Different strokes
The USP of this programme that sets it apart from the other thrillers, is the shooting technique used. Time Bomb is known for shooting its action sequences as they are done in films. This can be validated by the Rostrums erected for enhancing the light effects; the Jimmy Jib brought in to haul the vehicles; the Low Loader being used for hauling the vehicles in the air when they'll be blown up and so on. A car has also been brought in today, which'll be completely blown up at the end of the sequence — something that is rarely done on TV. The camera effects lent are also counted as their USP. As the cameraman Madhusudan explains, "We use the DGBeta technique for our shoot, which multiplies its quality to a large extent — it enables our action sequences to look more realistic."
Waiting for the others
It's way past the shoot call time and yet there is no sign of either Rajeev or Amrita. The lighting has finally been done and everything else too is ready — the crew is waiting for the actors to arrive, so that they can begin shooting at the earnest… The moment they both arrive, they get ready for some action. as they both prepare, Rajeev talks about his experience, as he is shooting for the final episodes. He says, "It was an absolutely great experience to work with Ketan Mehta. I really hope my fans liked my work in Time Bomb and I'm really looking forward to doing different kinds of characters like i did in this show." As for Amrita Saluja, this was her break in serials, as she corroborates, "I've always been working in ads and a break in Time Bomb was a wonderful exposure. Everyone has been very supportive & encouraging since day one. This has brought an enormous change and added greatly to my talent." As one leaves the sets, it is quite apparent that the evening hold a lot of action and thrill that will be unfolded on the screen soon!