Imtiaz Ali wraps up shoot of Highway ahead of schedule

Just a few days ago, we had reported that Imtiaz Ali was shooting the last schedule of his upcoming film Highway in Kashmir. We now report that the director wrapped up the shoot on 28 May (2013). Despite a really challenging shoot across six Indian states, the proceedings of Highway was wrapped up eight days in advance. Although the entire shoot was planned for 60 days, Imtiaz and his team finished the same in 52 days. Along the way they had to face extreme weather conditions and negotiate very difficult terrain. From the sub-zero temperatures of snow-clad upper Himachal to the near 50 degree centigrade highs in the last schedule in Gurgaon; from bus and train travel in Rajasthan to hotels with no electricity or water in Kaza (Himachal) and treacherous treks in heavy rains in Kashmir, there were roadblocks all along the highway. Yet the passion and commitment were such that the shoot was completed well within time. Exclaimed Imtiaz, "The shooting of Highway was fast and furious and the completion of shooting was an emotional event for the unit. We have shot this film at unusual places, we have had to support and help each other very often to get by because many places were too remote to have facilities. Highway united all of us. We have had a charmed journey. We hope the audience has the same." The film starring Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda, presented by Sajid Nadiadwala, will release on 13 December (2013).