Jason Isaacs Hotel Mumbai interview: '174 people died but there is still hope in horror'

The world watched for four days in November 2008 as the streets of Mumbai became a war zone. Ten members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, an Islamic terrorist organisation based in Pakistan, carried out 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks. At least 174 people died when cinemas, hospitals, cafes and hotels were sprayed with bullets and explosions. 58 died at the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus train station. During the most prolonged attack and seige at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, hostages were taken and 31 died while the world’s media gathered outside. Extraordinarily, inside the hotel, both attackers and the surviving hiding victims were in touch with the outside world via mobile phones and watching the live news. Over 250 people escaped, many thanks to the heroism of the hotel staff.

Isaacs plays Russian operative Vasili, alongside Armie Hammer, Anupam Kher as real-life head chef Hemant Oberoi and Dev Patel as a courageous waiter.

The film focusses on the events inside the Tajal and does not shy away from the brutality and terror of the events.

Isaacs says: “There is no point just brutalising people. It is unflinching in its portrayal of violence but ultimately it’s a very optimistic film. It should plant a seed of hope in you that human beings are capable of greatness and humble courage.

“This is a world we live in with all kind of toxic hatred, tribalism, racism rearing its head in places where it used to be in the shadows and now it’s coming from the biggest pulpits in the land. Here’s a real-life story that shows when the bullets started flying… all those divisions evaporated. People, terrified, in their worst state, were selfless, helped each other and were generous and brave.”

“The responsibility in a real-life story is to get your own ego out the way and let the message get out there.”

“The staff members that night, the kitchen staff were putting baking trays down their vests as improvised bullet vests.

“They had families, they were of humble means, they lived in the slums and they would shepherd guests out of the hotel and then go back in and get more. Multiple times.

“They would hide in lift shafts. they were on the phone to their families who were watching on TV because it played out over three days, who were telling them how to avoid bits that were burning and blowing up.”

“They didn’t do that because they were paid or they thought they would lose their job, they did that because they thought it was the right thing to do. Not because they were indoctrinated but because they were remarkable human beings.

“The film is a testament to our humanity.”

HOTEL MUMBAI IS OUT NOW IN UK CINEMAS