Sonu Sood, known for his multifaceted roles in the film industry, has taken on the challenge of actor, director, producer, and writer in his upcoming project, “Fateh.” The thriller delves into the pervasive issue of cybercrime in the country, aiming to raise awareness about this menace. Sood, currently in the post-production phase, reflects on the genesis of the idea, which emerged during the pandemic when numerous cybercrime victims sought his assistance.
Recalling the distressing encounters with people in need, Sood shares, “Many individuals reached out to me for various needs, such as medical or educational assistance. Unfortunately, some fell victim to fraudsters who claimed that clicking on a link would connect them to me. Consequently, their hard-earned money was siphoned off. Instances like these, especially from financially challenged backgrounds, motivated me to take action.” Sood narrates a specific incident where a desperate son in Lucknow, attempting to secure an ambulance for his ailing mother, lost Rs. 6,000 after clicking on a fraudulent link. Connecting with Sood, he managed to arrange the much-needed ambulance.
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Inspired by such real-life cases, Sood embarked on a rigorous research journey, spanning one-and-a-half years, to shape the narrative of “Fateh.” The actor collaborated with the film’s team, engaging with cybercrime officials and ethical hackers dedicated to preventing such incidents. Sood, who continues to receive daily reports of cybercrime, emphasizes the urgency of addressing this prevalent issue. “Cybercrime today is a significant problem, and I felt compelled to make a film on it,” he states.
In “Fateh,” alongside Jacqueline Fernandez, Sood assumes the role of a tech-savvy agent aiding cybercrime victims. Expressing his desire to connect with the country’s youth through the film, Sood acknowledges the higher susceptibility of younger individuals to cybercrime due to their familiarity and comfort with technology. He points out, “The percentage of youth affected by cybercrime is higher as they are more phone-friendly and technology-savvy. Older people are more apprehensive about technology, resulting in fewer cases of them falling prey to scams.”