Cesar Montano hopes for ‘Hitman’ to make it to international film festivals (Photo by JOJO PANALIGAN)

MANILA, Philippines — Award-winning actor Cesar Montano’s upcoming flick, “Hitman,” updates on the long dormant action genre by making his work fast-paced and story-driven versus just highlighting fight scenes.

In an interview with Bulletin Entertainment, Cesar disclosed that he used the Hollywood films “Collateral” and “Unknown” as pegs, pointing out that though both were not flooded with action sequences, they still gave the audience an adrenaline rush.

“It’s all about the pacing of the story telling and the editing. Since 48 hours lang nangyari ang story ng ‘Hitman,’ I made sure that walang laylay meaning lahat lang ng kelangan ang nandun kaya pag kumurap ka o mag-C.R. at any point sa pelikula, you will miss a lot,” said Cesar who also directed, produced, and wrote “Hitman.”

According to a release, “Hitman” is about a man out to avenge the death of his family in the hands of those who used to hire him to kill people even as new love figures in the compendium. The cast includes Phillip Salvador, Ricky Davao, Joko Diaz, Rommel Montano, Jeffrey Tam, Sunshine Garcia, Onchie dela Cruz,  Alexis Navarro and Sam Pinto as Cesar’s leading lady.

Cesar did not deny his dream for “Hitman” to be fielded in international movie festivals. He believes that with “Hitman” on the way and coming on the heels of the critical and commercial success of the recent Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story,” another action film, there’s a gathering momentum—perhaps even a clamor---for the revival of the genre that’s close to Cesar’s heart.

As expected, Cesar did not escape getting queried about working with Sam, particularly about their love scenes.

“Alam n'yo, sa totoo lang, pagkatapos ng eksena naming yun, namamangha ako…parang earthquake, may aftershock.Hindi mo siya nakakalimutan…mahirap kalimutan,” he said.

But before people can misconstrue his pronouncements, Cesar emphasized that he carefully thought about the length and extent of the scene. In his words, the love scene was “tinodo” as “needed.”

“Ako na ang director, ako pa ang writer, it's difficult for me para gawin yung eksena. Paano ba 'to na hindi siya [Sam] mao-offend, or hindi siya mag-iisip na parang sobra na?

“Pero ayoko naman na kulang ang shot. Ayoko kasing mamroblema sa editing na, 'Bakit walang ganito?' Na hahanapan ka ng editor mo eh wala na, tapos na ang shooting.”

Asked how difficult it was to wear all the hats he did in “Hitman,” Cesar gave an honest answer.

“It’s a very tedious task kasi napakarami mong dapat isipin. Lahat nakikita mo, yung totality kasi palagi kang nakatingin sa ginagawa mo, wala kang pinapabayaan.”

Still, he is thankful that he had Phillip Salvador with him who helped motivate and guide the other actors in many of the scenes.

“Phillip made life easier for me, nakakatulong siya sa pagsuporta ng ibang artista. May ilang bagay na hindi ko naiisip gawin, nadaragdagan niya.

“So, napapalaki, napapaganda, nai-embellish ang eksena,” Cesar said.

“Hitman” is produced by Cesar’s CM Productions and it will be distributed by Viva Films. The film opens in theaters nationwide on Feb. 22, 2012.