Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Mirzya, a twin take on the popular Punjabi folklore about Mirza and Sahiban, is set in two eras, separated by centuries. The team is already on a high with the teaser, songs and the trailer being appreciated. The chemistry of the lead pair - newcomers Harshvardhan Kapoor and Saiyami Kher - has also become the talk of the town. Here's what went into crafting this timeless love story:

WORLD OF MIRZYA

- Mirzya has Mehra returning to direction after more than three years. His last directo rial was Bhaag Milkha Bhaag in 2013.
- This is the first time Mehra is launching newcomers under his direction.
- He has used an array of colours to depict emotions. While the folklore has been shot in a blue-grey palate, the contemporary story is a mix of fiery colours.

WHAT MAKES MIRZYA SPECIAL

THE MAGICAL GULZAR
Mirzya has Gulzar saab, one of the most formidable writers in Bollywood, returning as a screenplay writer after 17 years. He has pieced together the Mirza-Sahiban love story beautifully.

UNTAPPED LOCATIONS
Mirzya has been shot at two locations that are poles apart in terms of topography. The folklore was shot in Ladakh, which Mehra has revisited after Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. And Rajasthani cities, Jodhpur and Udaipur, along with a few hamlets, form the backdrop for the contemporary love story. Mehra was keen to shoot at virgin locations like Nubra valley, Pahalgam lake, Shiv Niwas Palace, Fatehgarh Palace, Thulia and Ranau.

EARTHY MUSIC
Mirzya is India's first musical in years, and its score has gradually grown on the listeners. Gulzar, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, and a mix of earthy voices make Mirzya's album a work of art.

HORSES
Apart from the protagonists, the folklore and the contemporary story have horses in common. In fact, they are central to the plot. Harshvardhan even lived on a ranch in the US with 30 horses to prepare for his part. Saiyami and he also took lessons in horse riding. Mehra transported Rajasthani horses to Ladakh for the shoot.

HARSHVARDHAN-SAIYAMI'S CHEMISTRY
Harshvardhan and Saiyami, who had become extremely comfortable with each other, shot an intense love-making scene. It was okayed in a single take and was probably the only sequence which found instant approval.

DIRECTOR'S TAKE
On Mirzya: I was in college when I first saw the play Mirza-Sahiban, in 1981. It moved me immensely - in fact, the story has stayed with me for the past 35 years. Every time I thought about the screenplay of Mirzya, I couldn't visualise any familiar actor playing the role.
On Harshvardhan: Right at the beginning, I told Harsh, 'You are not a rocket and I am not a launch pad. You are a human being and I will do whatever I need to, as a director, to make this film happen. In the process, I'll learn a little bit of direction and you'll learn a little bit of acting and we will unlearn a bit of things we have preconceived notions about'.
On Saiyami: Saiyami surprised us all; I could see her improving by the hour.


FOUR DEBUTANTS

SAIYAMI KHER
Saiyami is a model and sportsperson, who also boasts of a showbiz lineage. She's yesteryear actress Usha Kiran's grandchild, and Shabana and Tanvi Azmi's niece. HEROINE SPEAKS...
On Harshvardhan: He is easy to get along with. We played on the set and even now, we play cricket and hang out together. With every passing phase of the film, we got closer.
On Rakeysh: I gave a total of 10 screen tests. Rakeysh sir sent me and another girl, who had made it to the final round of the auditions, to Delhi for an acting workshop, because he wanted to be sure about his leading lady. After I returned, there were a few more screen tests, and I was finally signed on in April 2014.

Anuj Choudhry and Anita Patil, who play pivotal roles, are also making their foray into cinema with Mirzya.


HARSHVARDHAN KAPOOR
Mirzya launches Anil Kapoor's son Harshvardhan, who is diametrically different from the rest of his family as far as his choice of films and roles are concerned. and roles are concerned. HERO SPEAKS...
On Saiyami: I keep telling Saiyami that in the next two years, she will not recognise herself. To be honest, I am a little worried about it, as I'm very protective by nature. I hope that I get to work with her again. Our relationship will last forever; it's not something that happens to everyone, it happens to very few people.
On Rakeysh: I am very familiar with Mehra's style of working. I also think creatively, and we are both very laid-back. In a way, I feel I've been ruined.


DOP PAWEL DYLLUS
Mehra roped in Polish cinematographer Powell Michael Dyllus to bring his story alive on screen. He has filmed Rajasthan like never before, and has stuck to the brief, which was to explore the modern touristic aspects of the state. The ghagras and the sound of the sarangi are intrinsic elements of the narrative.

HIGH-OCTANE ACTION
- The contemporary love story has plenty of thrilling action sequences. After researching for about six months, Mehra roped in Australian action director Danny Baldwin for the project.
- The night safari sequence deserves a special mention. It was shot in Ladakh, with 30 horses and trained polish riders. Saiyami and Harshvardhan worked doubly hard to make the sequence look and feel real. The actors even refused to use body doubles.
- Mirzya features one of the greatest horse chases in Hindi cinema's history -i t has shattered Sholay's record. Harshvardhan also met with an accident while shooting for one of the action sequences.

Mirzya, produced by Cinestaan Film Company & ROMP Pictures, releases today.P