
Mouni Roy gets candid about her upcoming spy thriller project ‘Salakaar'
Directed by Faruk Kabir and Produced by Sphereorigins and Mahir Films, Salakaar is a gripping espionage thriller, which is slated to release on Aug.8. She added: 'The camaraderie on set and the shared vision of the team made this journey unforgettable. I'm excited for the audience to see a side of me they haven't seen before and to be a part of a story that is as thrilling as it is meaningful.'
The makers on Monday unveiled the teaser, which is set across two timelines — 1978 and 2025. 'Salakaar' follows the story of an Indian spy and sets the stage for an intense drama, where old enemies resurface, and the past threatens to destroy the present. The series is a blend of history and suspense, making intelligence its biggest arsenal. It also stars Naveen Kasturia, Mouni Roy, Mukesh Rishi and Surya Sharma.
Inspired by real events, Salakaar is a story of a decorated spymaster who, driven by sheer mettle and crucial intelligence, successfully disarms enemy forces to safeguard national security. Faruk Kabir, director and co-writer, said: 'Salakaar is an intense spy thriller with a deeply emotional core - it is the legend of an extraordinary Indian spy. It's not about action for the sake of spectacle; it's about intelligence as strategy and silence as sacrifice.'
'It was an incredible experience working with Naveen, Mukesh ji and Mouni — they did absolute justice to their characters and added so much to each character. This series is my tribute to the unsung minds who fought not only with bullets, but with brilliance,' Kabir added. Naveen Kasturia said that Salakaar was an immense challenge, pushing me in unprecedented ways.
'Character-wise, portraying an individual of such astuteness and constant alertness, while living with the imminent danger of being an undercover operative in a foreign land, was a unique experience. One misstep could mean capture or worse.' 'Physically, it was my first foray into action, making it incredibly demanding. It was Faruk Kabir's passionate vision that truly guided me through this transformative role.' Mukesh Rishi added that Salakaar is a spy thriller unlike any he has come across.
'It's a project that values intellect as much as intensity where the real power lies in strategy, silence, and sacrifice. When I first read the script, I was struck by the authenticity of its world and the depth of its characters.'
Indo-Asian News Service

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


What's On
6 hours ago
- What's On
4 of the best restaurants in Dubai this weekend: August 1 to 3
If your weekend plans are all about good food and trying something a little different, we've got you. Maybe a vibrant Indian kitchen or an Italian summer lunch, whatever your vibe, these restaurants in Dubai are worth checking out this weekend, especially if you're on the lookout for the best restaurants in Dubai doing something new. Mott 32 Mott 32 has launched a new early evening set menu that feels more refined than your typical pre-dinner deal. Available daily from 6pm to 8pm, A Taste of Mott is a curated three-course offering. The atmosphere? Intimate, slow-paced, and perfect for easing into the night without committing to a full tasting menu. Expect signatures like the 42-day Peking duck salad with crispy taro and citrus truffle, delicate king prawn har gow, wok-fried Angus beef, and sweet & sour chicken with a twist thats served with dragon fruit and aged black vinegar. It ends on a strong note: a refined Oolong tea almond and chocolate xiao long bao. Drinks aren't included, but that just means you get to choose your own rhythm. Location: Address Beach Resort, JBR Times: Daily from 6pm to 8pm Cost: Dhs250 per person for a three-course menu (min. 2 guests) Contact: (0)4 278 4832. @mott32dubai Bussola Bussola at Jumeirah Golf Estates has launched a new two-course Summer Business Lunch menu, perfect for a midday reset. Choose from light starters like insalata caprese or tartar di tonno, followed by mains including gnocchi sorrentino, tagliata di manzo, or tagliolini ai gamberi. Dessert upgrades include tiramisu, profiterole, and fruit sorbets. Location: Bussola, Jumeirah Golf Estates Times: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 2pm Cost: Dhs125 for a two-course lunch including bottled water Contact: (0)4 586 7760. @ Bar des Prés The sky-high Dubai outpost of chef Cyril Lignac, Bar des Prés sits 51 floors above DIFC and brings with it the Paris-meets-Tokyo energy it's known for. With modern interiors, moody lighting, and views that stretch across the city, it's the perfect lunch spot. They currently offer a weekly-changing three-course business lunch and highlights include tuna crunchy galette, grilled chicken satay, miso caramelised salmon, and coconut tapioca with mango. Location: Bar des Prés, ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC Times: Monday to Sunday, Lunch: 12pm to 3pm Cost: Dhs155 for a weekly-changing three-course business lunch. Contact: (0)4 498 1616. @ Armani/Amal This is a new take on Southern India's coastal classics, right in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Set inside the Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa, Armani/Amal is offering a three-course menu that honours authentic South Indian flavours with modern finesse and its perfect for an intimate dinner or a special gathering. Starters include crisp baby corn bezule, pan-seared chemmeen pollichathu prawns, chargrilled meen karivepillai sea bream, and spiced chicken 65 with malabar paratha. For mains, dive into regional favourites like kori gassi chicken curry, lamb pepper fry paired with dosa, tangy andhra fish curry, and vegetable sides like broccolini & asparagus poriyal and classic sambhar lentil stew. The menu wraps up with adapradam, a traditional rice pudding sweetened with jaggery and finished with coconut and cashews – a simple, comforting finish. Location: Armani/Amal, Third Floor, Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa Times: 6:30pm – 11pm daily Cost: Three-course set menu priced at Dhs400 per person Contact: (0)4 888 3666 . @armanihoteldubai > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in


Al Etihad
17 hours ago
- Al Etihad
‘War 2' showcases Abu Dhabi in trailer ahead of release
31 July 2025 23:54 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)The temperatures just soared in Abu Dhabi, UAE and all over India with the release of the trailer for 'War 2,' the most anticipated blockbuster this year from latest offering from the Yash Raj Films (YRF) spy universe has given fans a thrilling preview of the action-packed sequel – and prominently features Abu Dhabi as a backdrop for its high-octane UAE capital is showcased in sweeping shots of Yas Island and the Corniche, with turquoise waters and sleek urban landscapes adding cinematic in the city spanned more than 11 days, with many of the trailer's standout action sequences shot across these scenic with stylised stunt work, dramatic chases, and a pulsating score, 'War 2' aims to be the most ambitious title yet in YRF's interconnected spy saga. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film brings together Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan, reprising his role as Agent Kabir, and Telugu cinema heavyweight NTR Jr as Agent Vikram – both marking their 25th year in the film Dhabi's Creative Media Authority (CMA) and Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) supported the production, making this the third collaboration with Yash Raj Films following 'Tiger Zinda Hai' and 'Bunty Aur Babli 2.' 'War 2' is also the 14th Indian production to film in the emirate, reflecting its growing popularity as a location for large-scale South Asian Roshan and NTR Jr, the film also stars Kiara Advani and is set to release globally on August 14 in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages. It is one of 180 major productions supported under the rebate initiative of on the production, Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of the CMA, said, 'India's film industry remains at the forefront of partnerships we are establishing ... brings incredible talent into our nation to see all that Abu Dhabi has to offer in terms of variety of location, established industry talent, experienced and supportive film commission and financial assistance.' While informing that a local crew along with three interns benefitted from the project, Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of ADFC, added, 'The countdown to what promises to be an electrifying follow-up to War has begun. We look forward to seeing Abu Dhabi on the big screens across the world and also feel immense pride at our wide-ranging efforts, which have established Abu Dhabi as a home for Indian cinema.'


Khaleej Times
20 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Meet the new wave of sneaker artists, turning shoes into wearable masterpieces
Three artists, one passion… sneaker art. Vibrant colours and creative designs on shoes have raised the bar for sneaker fashion, thanks to niche artists who use handwork, creativity, and various art forms for customisation. Global brands collaborating with artists on sneaker art projects are creating unique, culturally rich designs that blend traditional art with modern sneaker culture. The craze is real — and luxurious — so we delved deeper to understand the dynamics of hand-painted sneaker customisation. How it works Global brands are doing it, home-grown labels have joined in and now sneaker artists are happily turning this into a full-time profession. Sugandha Tyagi, a sneaker artist and owner of Shoes Your Daddy says, 'The concept of wearable art is my passion. The sneakers I paint are a unique way to express individuality through something you can wear. My inspiration comes from all around me — Indian textiles, traditional art forms, art history, pop culture, truck art on highways, signboards, vintage album covers — anything visually striking that sparks my creativity.' They are known as 'multi-disciplinary artists' and when it comes to artwork, artists are very particular about the brand of sneaker they choose for the base. 'High-quality branded sneakers as my canvas because my artwork is permanent and detailed,' says Sugandha. The sneaker market is growing exponentially, and sneaker customisation is at its core. From Nike to Adidas, major brands are experimenting with designs that offer a fresh artistic spin. Take, for example, the Nike Air Force 1 x Van Gogh custom sneakers — a unique fusion of art and street culture, featuring hand-painted designs inspired by Van Gogh's iconic 'Starry Night' masterpiece. The brand partnered with Indian label 'Nor Black Nor White' to create a unique fusion of traditional and modern styles. They incorporated the ancient Indian art of bandhani, a tie-dye technique, into sporty silhouettes designed for women's active lifestyles. The collection combines cultural heritage with contemporary functionality, perfect for various activities like workouts, daily commutes, or relaxation. The sole aim of sneaker customisation is to make wearable work of art and a statement piece for sneaker enthusiasts and art lovers and inspiration is key here. Wearable art, one step at a time Inspiration is what breathes life into art, and artists who tap into it can create something truly remarkable. We spoke to India-based Chaitanya Dixit, popularly known as CHE, who's a multi-disciplinary artist and has designed for many celebrities, brands and sneakerheads. 'A lot of my inspiration comes from my personal journey and the stories around me, things I've lived, felt, or seen. But I also love drawing from pop culture, music, and subcultures that resonate with my generation. Sometimes, a single lyric, a random object, or even a conversation can spark an idea. It's about capturing what feels real and turning it into something people can wear,' he tells us. The process of making a sneaker into a work of art takes days before it finally takes shape. Detailing involved multiple rounds of designing, checks and processes ought to be in place after which approvals are taken from the client and finally the artists begins work on making the end product. Ridhii Makkar, a multidisciplinary sneaker artist shares her design process. 'I focus on extreme detailing like Indian artworks like bandhini, mandala, folk culture inspo. First, we select the base for art work. My preference is the Airforce 1 Nike. Then I take the brief and as per brand or client choice, we zero down on a design theme. I do the designing digitally and then post approvals, I start hand painting them,' she reveals. Ridhii began her journey at a sneaker fest. She moved from Delhi to Mumbai solely to pursue her passion for sneaker customisation. Three years later, there's been no looking back — what started as a hobby is now her full-time profession. 'People don't understand that sneaker customisation can be a full-time profession. It's only been three years or so and this industry has a lot of potential especially in Indian arts,' says Riddhi. Sneaker artists typically use specialised paints to create unique and durable designs on sneakers. These paints are specifically designed for use on leather shoes and accessories. They're adaptable, easy to apply, and non-toxic. To this, CHE adds: 'I use high-grade Angelus acrylic leather paints, sealers, and finishes specifically made for sneakers. For areas with more wear, I add protective coatings or sometimes layer soft epoxy for durability and a unique gloss. And it always ends with testing: flexing, scratching, wearing, making sure it actually lasts.' Sneaker customisation is evolving gradually and with events like sneaker festivals, exhibitions and art pop-ups, the artists are getting bigger platforms to showcase their talent where they are also making the most of Indian aesthetics and the various art forms like gond art, mandala, bandini, leheriya, ikkat, kalamkari and so many more. However, this work of art comes with its own set of challenges. 'Sneaker art has progressed into a powerful form of self-expression within the fashion industry. Over the past 4–5 years, there's been a noticeable shift — driven by a growing young population, the rise of streetwear culture, and a desire for individuality. People are now more open to investing in one-of-a-kind, hand-painted sneakers because they understand the artistic value they bring. It's exciting to see the market expanding and so many talented sneaker artists emerging in India, each contributing to the growth and evolution of this art form,' says Sugandha. Cost and challenges The cost of customising sneakers can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of customisation, materials used, and expertise of the artist. 'The cost of hand-painted sneaker artwork largely depends on the level of coverage and detailing the client is looking for. Customisation can range from something as simple as changing laces or adding initials to creating an elaborate, full-coverage design across the entire shoe. Typically, prices start at around Dh400 for simple artworks and can go up to Dh1,000 or more for greater details and intricate designs,' shares Sugandha. CHE believes sneaker customisation is like blending storytelling into wearable art. Ranveer Singh, Sonam Kapoor, Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, Shawn Mendes and many more celebrities have rocked some seriously stylish and bold sneakers over the years, from funky statement pieces to everyday favorites. However, for a sneaker artist this line of work has its own set of challenges. 'Every pair I create isn't just about aesthetics. It's about capturing moments, ideas, and emotions that feel personal,' and this, he feels, makes it a challenging job. 'Time is the biggest challenge especially when balancing detail-heavy work with deadlines. Sometimes clients want something very complex on a tight budget or timeline, which forces me to simplify the idea without losing the essence. But honestly, those constraints often lead to some of the best ideas,' he concludes.