Veteran legend Ashok Saraf will next be seen in the Marathi film Lifeline. The movie is a social drama with the theme of superstition vs science. Directed by the first timer Saahil Shirwaikar, it will see a tussle between a surgeon, played by Saraf, and a Hindu priest specializing on last rites, essayed by another veteran Madhav Abhyankar.

During the trailer launch of Lifeline last evening, Saraf expressed his happiness at being offered a role in a film with such a subject. He said, “Firstly, I would like to congratulate Saahil Shirwaikar and his father Rajesh Shirwaikar (writer) for choosing such a subject. Till now, nobody even thought about this message that is in the interest of the society. People will understand that importance of doctors (from this film) and their point of view on doctors will change.”

Adding more about the subject, Saraf added, “Blind faith and science are poles apart. They can’t come together. But that conflict has been handled in such a beautiful way in this film that it will stay in the hearts of the audience.”

Saraf also revealed that his screen-time in the film isn’t large but that’s not a concern for him. “My role is very important,” he said. “Its length is less (but) the role has a lot of weightage. So, apart from my role, what else happened in the shoot, I am not aware. But I knew the story. When he (Saahil) narrated it to me, I instantly said yes. The length of the role is not a problem for me. The strength of the role is more important. What I will show through my role and how much it will impact the audience is important for me.”

During the course of the discussion, Saraf was asked the reason for trusting a newcomer like Saahil Shirwaikar and instantly agreeing to do his film. He said, “I felt the one who takes up such a theme with so much confidence, he must have done a lot of study on it. My only criteria were whether I will get to do something different, which I am always searching. I found that in this role. Once I get such a role, I don’t think about its length.”

Lifeline also stars Jaywant Wadkar, Bharat Dabholkar, Hemangi Kavi, Sharmila Shinde, among others. Produced by Crescendo Entertainment, the movie is all set to release in theatres on August 2.

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