BOMBAY TIMES (October 9, 2019)

The trailer of director Tushar Hiranandani’s Saand Ki Aankh, starring Bhumi Pednekar and Taapsee Pannu, has already piqued the viewers’ interest. Recently, a special screening of the film was held for the Vice President of India, Venkaiah Naidu, and his family — wife, daughter and granddaughter — at their house in Delhi.

Later, the Vice President tweeted his appreciation along with some pictures. He posted, “Watched movie, Saand Ki Aankh with actors Ms. Taapsee Pannu, Ms. Bhumi Pednekar, Director Tushar Hiranandani & crew at Upa Rashtrapati Bhawan today. The inspirational movie is based on real-life story of sharpshooters Chandro Tomar & Prakashi Tomar (sic).” Praising the film, he added, “Conveyed my best wishes to the entire team of Saand Ki Aankh. The movie realistically depicted the manner in which the two sharp-shooters overcame all odds and became symbols of women empowerment (sic).”

About the experience of meeting with the Vice President and his family, Taapsee says, “The Vice President’s wife, Usha ji, had a heartwarming conversation with Bhumi and me. She was very encouraging and said that we should continue doing such films.”

Bhumi adds, “It was a great honour for us to be present there. They had only good things to say about the film, and it boosted our morale.”

Saand Ki Aankh is based on Prakashi Tomar and her sister-in-law Chandro Tomar, considered to be two of the oldest sharpshooters in the world.

Present at the screening were director Tushar Hiranandani, producer Shibasish Sarkar, Bhumi and Taapsee, Chandro and Prakashi (popularly known as the Revolver Dadis), Shefali Tomar (Chandro’s granddaughter) and Seema Tomar (Prakashi’s daughter). Seema is also the first Indian sharpshooter to win at the International Shooting Sport Federation World Cup.

Tushar says, “The Vice President appreciated the film, and it was a big encouragement for all of us.”

Shibasish Sarkar, Group CEO, Reliance Entertainment, shares, “It was a great experience showing the film to the Vice President. His response means a great deal to us.”

Saand Ki Aankh, presented by Reliance Entertainment and Anurag Kashyap in association with Chalk And Cheese Films, is produced by Reliance Entertainment, Anurag Kashyap and Nidhi Parmar. It releases this Diwali.