Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Hotel Salvation: new film tackles death, forgiveness and redemption

INDIAN actor Adil Hussain first became intrigued by death when he was graduating from drama school.

He questioned the concept of time, the mystery of what happens after one dies and the notion of reincarnation. It is this, he told Eastern Eye, that initially drew him to his latest cinema release, Hotel Salvation.


Set primarily in the Indian holy city of Varanasi, Hussain’s character Rajiv joins

his father as he attempts to seek salvation before he passes. The film explores the

themes of life, death and rebirth as the two protagonists rediscover contentment

and peace.

Indeed, working on the movie seems to have been something of a cathartic experience for Hussain. One of the most poignant moments in the film for the 53-year-old is one particularly moving, yet charmingly humorous, scene where his character asks for forgiveness from his on-screen father, played by Indian actor Lalit Behl.

“I couldn’t be there when my own father actually passed away as I was shooting for some TV series around 3,000km from my hometown. So when this scene happened, when I am saying goodbye to my [on screen] father thinking that he would actually pass away, it was very real for me.

“I couldn’t actually say bye to my dad when he passed away so here I was saying my goodbye to my dad, believing that he is my dad. It was one of my favourite moments in the film.”

The life-affirming drama is being released in the UK, after a very successful run in a variety of prestigious film festivals, having already received Best Film at the 2017 New York Indian Film Festival.

The film has a deep subject matter, so it is something of a surprise to discover that

the director of the film is as young as he is. At 25, director Shubhashish Bhutiani has already won critical acclaim for his work, including his short film Kush, which was a prize winner at the Venice Film Festival in 2013 and Hussain laughs as he explains what it was like to work with such an up-and-coming film maker.

“When I was told about this 23 year old boy who had written the script and was going to direct [it] at the age of 24, I thought ‘Wow, I was chasing girls when I was 24 and this boy has written a script on death.’

“When I met him, I thought he was extremely wise. You know, like an old wine in a new bottle. He’s very mature and wise and humble and intelligent at the same time.”

Keen to allow his actors to let moments happen and choose their own direction, Hussain explains that Bhutiani was careful in allowing some of his direction to be ambiguous.

“It was a collaborative process rather than a dictatorial process, so that is why I guess the film has become the way it has become.”

The film has been recognised in the independent film industry, but Hussain hopes that the appetite for these kinds of movies will continue to grow in India.

According to the actor, whose other film credits include Life of Pi and comedy drama English-Vinglish, Hotel Salvation should be considered as a mainstream piece due to its father-son premise and he hopes that this kind of cinema will become as famous as Bollywood films.

“You know, commercial Bollywood films would be released in 3,000 screens and this would release in 150 screens so it is a huge disparity. I hope it becomes better,” he says.

Hotel Salvation will be released on 25 August 2017 at select cinemas across the UK.

More For You

CSK vs RCB

CSK and RCB-tune in for this blockbuster clash between two IPL heavyweights

Getty Images

IPL 2025 - CSK vs RCB: Chennai and Bengaluru's clash of titans

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back with another highly anticipated encounter as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 8th match of the 2025 season. The match will take place at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 28th at 7:30 PM IST. Both teams are coming off strong wins in their previous matches and are eager to extend their winning streaks, making this clash one that fans won’t want to miss.

Team analysis: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK, one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, comes into this game with confidence after a thrilling victory over Mumbai Indians. Although the chase wasn’t entirely smooth, CSK managed to pull off a win with 4 wickets in hand. Their bowling unit, led by the young sensation Noor Ahmad, was instrumental in restricting Mumbai to a modest total of 155/9. Noor’s outstanding spell of 4 wickets for just 18 runs earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match title, while Khaleel Ahmed also chipped in with 3 wickets.

Keep ReadingShow less
Streeting: Health deal signals new era in UK-India ties

Foreign Office minister Catherine West, health secretary Wes Streeting and equalities minister Seema Malhotra during the Holi Reception in London.

Streeting: Health deal signals new era in UK-India ties

THE recent health and life sciences agreement between the UK and India will strengthen cooperation on healthcare innovation and security in both countries, health secretary Wes Streeting said.

Speaking at the Holi reception organised by the India All-Party Parliamentary Group and the 1928 Institute in London on Monday (24), he added that the contribution of British Indians has been pivotal in the growth of the NHS since its inception in 1948, and a robust partnership between the two nations will ensure we have a healthcare provider 'fit for the future'.

Keep ReadingShow less
Renée Zellweger Joins Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Cast

Renée Zellweger joins the cast of Only Murders in the Building Season 5, bringing more star power to the hit series

Getty Images

Renée Zellweger joins ‘Only Murders in the Building’ season 5 with an expanded star-studded cast

The Oscar-winning actress joins Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, and Martin Short in Hulu’s hit mystery-comedy for an exciting new season.

Renée Zellweger is the latest Hollywood star to join Hulu's hit mystery-comedy Only Murders in the Building for its fifth season. The two-time Academy Award winner will share the screen with series regulars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, adding to the show’s already impressive line-up of guest stars.

Keep ReadingShow less
british-steel-iStock

An aerial view of Steel Plant Industry in Scunthorpe. (Photo: iStock)

British Steel to shut blast furnaces, up to 2,700 jobs at risk

BRITISH STEEL, owned by Chinese group Jingye, confirmed on Thursday that it will shut down its blast furnaces and steelmaking operations in England, attributing the decision to market challenges, tariffs, and rising environmental costs.

The closures, first proposed in late 2023, could lead to the loss of up to 2,700 jobs at the company’s main UK site in Scunthorpe, northern England, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Keep ReadingShow less