The much-awaited Indo-Polish film ‘No Means No,’ directed by Vikash Verma, is finally set to release worldwide on December 20, 2024. As the first-ever Indo-Polish production, the film has generated significant buzz and anticipation. Notable industry figures, such as Steven Seagal and Sanjay Dutt, have lauded Verma’s ambitious global endeavor.
Taking inspiration from Raj Kapoor’s efforts to strengthen India-Russia ties through cinema, Vikash Verma aims to achieve a similar connection between India and Poland with ‘No Means No.’ In an exclusive conversation with The Sunday Guardian, Verma shares insights into the making of the film, highlighting its groundbreaking action sequences, breathtaking cinematography, soulful music, and stellar performances by an international ensemble cast.
Verma’s vision for ‘No Means No’ goes beyond entertainment. He believes that cinema has a unique power to bridge cultural divides and foster mutual understanding. “My film ‘No Means No’ is largely shot in the mostly unexplored, exotic locations of Poland. It’s the first Indo-Polish collaboration, and it will introduce Poland to Indian audiences, boosting tourism and strengthening cultural connections,” Verma explains.
The production of ‘No Means No’ was a formidable challenge, particularly due to the harsh winter conditions in Poland. “We shot the film in freezing conditions, with temperatures often dipping below minus 30 degrees. A major challenge was keeping our bodies warm and improvising in areas without access to generators. For instance, we shot a scene using the headlights of a car,” recalls Verma. Despite the difficulties, the support from the Polish people was unwavering, and their hospitality played a crucial role in the film’s completion.
The film’s narrative centers around a teenage love story between an Indian man and a Polish woman, set against the backdrop of a ski championship. The film stars Dhruv Verma, Gulshan Grover, Sylwia Czech, Natalia Bak, Sharad Kapoor, Deep Raj Rana, Kat Kristian, Nazia Hassan, Anna Guzik, Pawel Czech, Anna Ador, and Jersey Handzlik. “One of the film’s major themes is women empowerment, featuring strong female characters,” Verma emphasizes. The storyline not only brings a romantic tale to life but also showcases the strength and resilience of its female characters, making it a contemporary and relevant narrative.
The action sequences in ‘No Means No,’ particularly the intense skiing scenes, promise to be a visual treat for audiences. Set in the city of Bielsko-Biala near the world-famous ski slopes of the Beskid and Tatra Mountains, these scenes capture the thrill and excitement of the sport. “As a former national-level table tennis player, I have a special place for sports in my heart. Skiing is Poland’s favorite winter sport, and integrating it into the story was a no-brainer,” Verma explains. The inclusion of such dynamic sports sequences adds a unique flavor to the film, setting it apart from conventional romantic dramas.
Verma hopes that ‘No Means No’ will also boost the skiing culture in India. “Gulmarg offers some of the best slopes for skiing globally, but the sport has been underappreciated due to the region’s troubled history. With improving conditions, it’s time to put Gulmarg on the world map as a major skiing hub,” Verma asserts. This vision extends beyond the film itself, aiming to inspire a greater appreciation and participation in skiing within India. “Right now, what we lack is the infrastructure. Imagine we have a place like Gulmarg in the country, and yet Indian ski lovers have to go abroad to enjoy the sport. Also, locally, the sport hardly gets any exposure. ‘No Means No’ is just the starting point for creating the buzz about skiing in the country. I also have a detailed blueprint ready with me about how we can develop Gulmarg into a global skiing hub with state-of-the-art facilities,” adds Verma.
The film’s cinematography, which beautifully captures snow-clad mountains and picturesque vistas, provides a glimpse into life in Poland. “They call Bielsko-Biala ‘Little Vienna.’ It’s a stunning town in southern Poland that has largely remained unnoticed,” Verma reveals. Shot simultaneously in English, Hindi, and Polish, the film aims to strengthen the socio-cultural and bilateral ties between India and Poland. The visual portrayal of Poland’s landscapes is expected to captivate audiences, showcasing the country’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
The music of ‘No Means No’ is another highlight. “The legendary Hariharan is the film’s music director, with Akshay Hariharan providing the background score. The film also features tracks sung by Hariharan, Shreya Ghoshal, Javed Ali, Arvinder Singh, Rishabh Nag, and Karan Hariharan,” Verma shares. The resilience and dedication of the cast and crew are evident in the final product, reflecting their commitment to delivering a high-quality film.
The film’s release was postponed due to the ongoing war in Europe, but it is finally ready for its grand debut this Christmas. “Owing to the ongoing situation in Europe, the film couldn’t release as per schedule, but it’s finally releasing this Christmas,” Verma states. The film is highly anticipated in Europe, with Dhruv Verma’s much-talked-about fight sequences already making headlines in leading European magazines and newspapers. The anticipation and excitement surrounding the film underscore its potential impact and success.
The film features an impressive international cast, including Gulshan Grover, Sylwia Czech, Natalia Bak, Sharad Kapoor, Deep Raj Rana, Kat Kristian, Nazia Hassan, Anna Guzik, Pawel Czech, Anna Ador, and Jersey Handzlik. “The performances by the cast are phenomenal, and their dedication to the project is evident in every scene,” Verma rejoices. Each actor brings a unique energy and depth to their roles, contributing to the film’s rich narrative tapestry.
Vikash Verma’s ‘No Means No’ has the potential to strengthen the bond of friendship between India and Poland, acting as a cultural link between the two nations. The film, with its captivating narrative, exciting action scenes, stunning cinematography, and heartfelt music, is set to offer a cinematic journey that will appeal to viewers globally. The anticipation surrounding the film underscores its significance as a landmark in the history of Indo-Polish partnerships. As the film gears up for its release, it stands as a testament to the power of cinema to unite cultures and create lasting connections.