`Agent Vinod` is indigenous, contemporary: Saif

Mumbai: Actor Saif Ali Khan says the character of spy essayed by him in yet-to-be-released `Agent Vinod` reflects contemporary India unlike the James Bond movies where the protagonist was essentially the representative of "capitalist society".

Though `Agent Vinod` has all the essential ingredients--cars, guns and of course women, with lot of action--of a typical Bond movie, Saif says the spy is entrenched in Indian society. Saif, who is also producer of the spy thriller, says if `Agent Vinod` could garner even a fraction of popularity of any Bond movie, he would be more than happy. "...If then it is a big thing for us. James Bond is very iconic in this field. James Bond is a British hero against Russia...If we understand the significance of Bond thing then it is very political thing, Western society is capitalist where drinking and smoking is not bad thing...He is hero," Saif told reporters here. Drawing a line between typical Bond series and the spy thriller, the 41-year-old actor says the protagonist is contemporary and does not carry the baggage of past. "India it seems is no more influenced by Russia. Agent Vinod is not philosophical in the same place. India has also changed and I feel this is the right time to send the agent to London and can be proud of him, he does not look like a 70s hero," he said. `Agent Vinod`, written and directed by Sriram Raghavan, features Saif along with Kareena Kapoor in lead roles and is releasing on March 23. "I play the role of Indian RAW Agent. The film opens in the eastern Europe. Agent Vinod`s partner in the film has joined hands with LeT or Russian mafia and he passes them all information but he is caught and killed, but he leaves a clue behind before he dies," the actor said. However, like a typical Bond movie, the mission for the desi spy seems to prevent nuclear war from happening. "Agent Vinod is on a mission. Then a rollercoaster ride begins where he goes to Moscow and then to Pakistan to India to London to Capetown. And he saves nuclear war that was to happen in Delhi," he said. PTI