EXCLUSIVE: Yami Gautam on URI making it to the 100 crore club: It's way too overwhelming and surreal

How's the JOSH? High SIR... 

This is what the audiences said while leaving the theatres after watching Vicky Kaushal and Yami Gautam's URI: The Surgical Strike. The film has been appreciated for both the content and the performances by the cast. The film is inspired by the events of the historical surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army on Pakistan in 2016. URI has crossed the 100-crore mark at the box office. The team had recently celebrated the success of the movie. 

We got in touch with Yami Gautam who played the role of an Intelligence Officer in URI: The Surgical Strike to know her reaction on the overwhelming response of the film has received.

Here are the excerpts from the interview: 

People are hooting and clapping in the theatres after watching the film. Were you expecting such a response for the film?

We knew that we are a part of a film that's being made with a very honest intention. Of course, we read the script and we are a part of it, we knew it's a good script and people would connect to it. It hasn't come as a surprise in that aspect. But the way people are expressing how they connected to the film is phenomenal and beyond imagination. People are going with the Indian Flag in the theatres, hooting and clapping at the end - with this intensity, the response is coming and it's way too overwhelming and surreal. 

Clearly, with URI, 2019 has started with a bang and the film has crossed the 100-crore mark at the box office. What's your reaction to it?

There's a lot of gratitude and we are very happy as a team. We are extremely happy that a good film has done so well. It's a film that I am proud to be a part of, which will be in my filmography. To instill patriotism in people is a huge thing and I am privileged to be a part of such a film. When the content of your film is loved by the people, then it's a deal breaker. 

There was a certain section of people who were calling it a propaganda film, but things have changed post the release. Are you now relieved?

Honestly, I wasn't thinking about this aspect at all. The only thing that bothered me was that you don't need any propaganda to make a film on the Indian Army and that resonates patriotism in people. I was not worried about it as we all knew what film we are a part of. And when I met Aditya Dhar for the first time, he had told me that 'I want to make a film that not only the audience but also the Indian Army is proud of'. We knew the heart of the film and intention was pure. One thing that truly disappointed me was how can one question the Indian Army and question those men who are standing as a shield for you. They are protecting and safeguarding you, regardless of who you are. Thanks to URI, we got to meet many Army Senior Officials and dignitaries. We all know in which conditions they live in and we can never repay that. Yes, we made a film on a subject that has happened, but the core of it is the Indian Army. Why can't they look at the positive aspect of it? 

Yami, you have played a strong role and you excelled in giving phenomenal expressions. What's the best compliment that you got for your performance in URI?

There's this one compliment that I would like to pinpoint. So after watching the film, an army official walked up to me and said that 'I would like to tell that you were extremely natural in the way you portrayed the role of an Intelligence office as that's how they work'. When an army official compliments you, that's a huge validation. 

Vicky Kaushal became a bonafide star in 2018 and he has started 2019 on an amazing note. How was it working with him?

It was a brilliant experience to work with Vicky. To work in a healthy environment is when you work with co-actors who have your back and you are supporting each other. He is someone who sees the scene in totality and not just his part. His spirit is very sporty and it's incredible to work with. 

The film was physically very challenging. Was it emotionally draining as well?

It was and I think if you give your heart to certain things, then it is definitely very emotionally challenging. You are not only connected to the subject you are working on, but also emotionally attached to everyone associated with the film. It's a sensitive subject and everyone has to share the responsibility with the director. Every scene has been meticulously detailed. But when you are not connected to it emotionally, you can't give it your best. I am glad how people have embraced it. 

On an ending note, every artist learns from the project that he or she invests in, what are you taking back from URI?

Uri has given me a lot. For me, the huge takeaway from the film is the feeling of understanding the concept of the selfless teamwork. 

ALSO READ: Vicky Kaushal on Uri crossing 100 crores: Uri crossed the benchmark every film is vying for