New Zealand PM meets Abhishek Bachchan

Lights, camera and a knuckle-whitening action sequence packed with Bollywood's signature dramatic thrills, unfolded at Filmcity for Abbas-Mustan's "Players" this morning, as part of New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon. John Key's visit to the sets of the film.

Performed by lead star Abhishek Bachchan, the stunt was a sneak peek into the film?s many riveting street chases that were filmed over a month-long busy schedule in New Zealand earlier this year.

Indian movie-goers have succumbed to the power of New Zealand?s scenic seduction several times in the past and it is no wonder that director, duo Abbas-Mustan and Viacom18 Motion Pictures chose the contrasting urban terrain of New Zealand?s Wellington and Auckland for the legendary car chases in the Official remake of the Hollywood Classic, ?The Italian Job? for their film Players.

On his first visit to a live Bollywood film set, excitement was abuzz as New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon. John Key met with Vikram Malhotra, COO, Viacom18 Motion Pictures; Abbas-Mustan, Directors and the star cast including Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu.

Kevin Bowler, Chief Executive, Tourism New Zealand says, ?It?s wonderful for tourism to be associated with a medium that has such a far reaching impact. Showcasing New Zealand?s tourism appeal on the big screen has played a strategic role in attracting Indian visitors to our country. I?d like to extend a big kiwi thank you to all producers that choose to incorporate New Zealand?s beautiful scenery in their films and of course to Vikram Malhotra, COO, Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Abbas-Mustan bhai for choosing New Zealand as the backdrop of Players.

"From the little I?ve seen of Players at the time of filming in New Zealand, the movie looks fantastic, I?m very excited to see it and I am sure more Indian visitors will come to New Zealand as a result.?

On their experience of filming in New Zealand, Abbas-Mustan shared, ?It has been a fantastic experience to shoot in New Zealand. The film's Cast and Crew had a great time and the scenic beauty of the land is mesmerizing. We are grateful for the support that the New Zealand Government has extended to us to shoot in the country and are honoured with this visit to our sets in India".

Vikram Malhotra, COO Viacom 18 Motion Pictures said, " 'Players' is Viacom18's biggest film of the year and is also one of the most-awaited films for the industry, thanks to the track record of the wonderful director duo, Abbas-Mustan and the thrilling concept. The film found the perfect location in the beautiful and hospitable country of New Zealand and I am grateful to the people and Government of New Zealand for their kind support throughout the filming schedule.

"We hope to showcase New Zealand to millions of Indians through 'Players' and look forward to more such cooperation between Viacom18 and New Zealand. I am also especially honoured that His Excellency, Prime Minister John Key, took the time out during his busy schedule in India to visit the Mumbai schedule of our film".

--IBNS

Source:http://www.newkerala.com/news/2011/worldnews-17790.html