Fast Trek

Those were the early days of Indian television. And the Sunday morning show Star Trek showcased the adventures of the ultimate spaceship, the USS Enterprise, and its journey into space for the clan of emerging couch potatoes. But much to the dismay of the geeky as well as adventure-loving audience of this show, Star Trek vanished from the small screen years ago.

But the cult TV series that has appealed to multiple generations ever since its origin over four decades ago, is back — in its eleventh big screen version. Though the sci-fi film — directed by JJ Abrams and written by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman — released in the US in May it hits Indian theatres on June 5.

Zachary Quinto, who plays Spock, has an explanation for the enduring appeal of Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry. “What Roddenberry set out to create when he made the original series was almost subversive. He dealt with themes that people had issues about openly discussing in the late ‘60s — like racial, social and political issues. It was ahead of its time and it sparked an intellectual interest that cultivated the fan base. It is also at its core an optimistic piece.”

With the newest Star Trek film, the story goes back to the maiden voyage of the USS Enterprise — set in the year 2387. The film follows James T Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock, before they unite aboard the USS Enterprise to combat Nero (Eric Bana), a Romulan from the future who threatens the United Federation of Planets. The time-travel story establishes an alternate reality, freeing the film and the franchise from continuity constraints.

The film’s release has aroused interest among its fanatics as well as those thirsting for new releases with the multiplex-filmmaker standoff showing no sign of coming to an end. Siddharth Pradhan, a software engineer, says, “I recall watching the series as a child. Even though I couldn’t understand much of what was happening, I was enamoured by the characters and the spaceship. Now, I’m eagerly waiting for the film.”

The development of the film began in 2005 when Paramount Pictures contacted Abrams, Orci and Kurtzman for ideas to revive the franchise. And as expected, pop culture classic’s newest big screen version generated an incredible amount of curiosity. As a result, the filming took place from November 2007 to March 2008 under intense secrecy. Quinto recalls how on his first day at the shoot he was made to wear a barber coat to the set and he travelled by golf carts to avoid the prying eyes. However, the cosmic journey — with all the actions and perils — is now ready to unveil on Friday as new recruits take control of the USS Enterprise.

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/fast-trek/470887/