Kareena’s part in ‘Agent Vinod’ fleshed out

Now that Kareena Kapoor is finally going to be part
of Saif Ali Khan’s production plans, no stone is being left unturned to ensure
her presence is justified in the Khan-produced venture. Apparently, in the
beginning, the leading lady’s role in Agent Vinod was relatively less
substantial than Saif’s. Says a source, “In fact Kareena wasn’t sure she wanted
to do Agent Vinod because the title clearly indicated whom the film belonged to.
But Saif convinced Kareena that her role would be on a par with his. Then he
convinced Sriram with whom Saif has a deep rapport since they did Ek Hasina Thi
together, to make sure Kareena’s presence in the film is justified.” Quiz
Kareena about this, and she laughs, “Do you think I’d agree to be part of the
film if my role was not as exciting as Saif’s? I mean, can you imagine what
would happen? Saif and I will be smoldering-hot in Agent Vinod.

Even the posters will be designed to highlight us as
the coolest hot pair.”Clearly, after Rensil D’Silva’s terrorist drama in which
Saif and Kareena look and act very real, the pair is in no mood to get into the
authentic space once again. But here’s where the problem sets in. While Kareena
and Saif are looking to do a high-gloss big-budget espionage thriller, director
Sriram Raghavan is looking at making a gritty life-like spy drama.Says Raghavan,
“I grew up watching those really filmy spy films like Farz, Aankhen, Yakeen and
of course the Rajshris’ Agent Vinod. I’ve been fascinated by the genre. However,
times have changed and so have definitions of espionage.

My film will occupy a more real space.” He admits
his spy drama will be more in the mood of Mani Shankar’s recent Mukhbir than the
old Agent Vinod.At the same time Raghavan admits the high budget of the new-age
Agent Vinod forbids any over experimentation, “I’ve never worked on this kind of
a budget before. And I can’t afford to be experimental. The market has to be
kept in mind. So there will be music and songs. But no lip sync songs.” With
Saif wanting to be Tom Cruise and Kareena looking as hot as Nicole Kidman in his
arms, Sriram Raghavan could be heading for more excitement than he bargained for
when he starts shooting in July.