Bollywood is scaling new heights – literally – with ‘Sila’, the trailblazing film that marks the industry’s first foray into shooting within the world’s biggest cave, Son Doong in Vietnam. Lead actress Sadia Khateeb, paired with Harshvardhan Rane, just concluded a shoot packed with adrenaline and innovation that’s set to redefine action thrillers.
The cave sequences, filmed over four intense days, left an indelible mark on Sadia. Devoid of modern amenities like cell service, lights, or mattresses, the team embraced primitive camping. ‘Climbing mountains inside the cave and walking 25 km each day was unforgettable,’ she reveals, marveling at Son Doong’s thriving internal world.
Helmed by acclaimed director Omung Kumar, ‘Sila’ offered Sadia unprecedented opportunities. ‘He pushed me into uncharted acting territory with action, suspense, and adventure,’ she says. The production also featured a picturesque song in Gulmarg, transforming her into a Bollywood icon – a refreshing change from her down-to-earth characters in past projects like ‘Shikara’.
Karanvir Mehra’s key role adds depth to this ensemble. While the official release is yet to be unveiled, ‘Sila’s pioneering cave expedition underscores Bollywood’s evolution, delivering a film that’s as much about human triumph as it is about storytelling.