Having already shot in Beirut in Lebanon and Gulmarg in Kashmir, Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif are now shooting in the small town of Malerkotla situated in Punjab for Sajid Nadiadwala’s Phantom. Kabir Khan, who is directing the action packed drama, has transformed this small town to resemble Pakistan.

Moti Bazar and Daana Mandi, the two old markets of Malerkotla have been spruced up and replaced with Urdu ones to give an authentic Pakistani market feel. To essay the roles of spies in the Film, Saif and Katrina easily slipped into traditional clothes. While Saif was spotted in a Pathani suit and salwar, Katrina Kaif looked splendid in a de-glam avatar wearing a ladies suit with a shawl. A huge crowd turned up to catch a glimpse of the stars dressed in simple traditional attire. According to reports, Punjab Police did their best to provide security to the duo.

Since the film is based on global terrorism, director Kabir Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala have not spilled the beans about the exact plot but the script demanded Pakistan to be shown as a backdrop. It is learnt that the story might have a connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that shook the nation.

“We had no option but to do this," a source said. The line producer of the movie, Darshan Aulakh, said, "Everything is being done keeping in mind the script of the movie." According to sources, the scenes being shot in Punjab highlight the plight of the secret agents, who rush to the rural belt of Pakistan to avoid getting caught by the Pak police. "Saif and Katrina have taken lessons in Arabic and Persian for the movie," a source said.

These tactics have been used by filmmakers a lot times before to avoid shooting in Pakistan. Mira Nair transformed Delhi into Lahore in her film 'The Reluctant Fundamentalist'. About two years back, American filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow used Chandigarh and other places in Punjab to recreate Pakistan for her film Zero Dark Thirty.

This Sajid Nadiadwala film is slated to hit theatres on October 2.

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