With inputs from IndiaFM & India Times
Mumbai, July 22: 32-year-old Mangalorean Rohit Shetty Son of the legendary Fight Composer/actor Late (Fighter) Shetty. Started his career at the age of 15 as an assistant director with Kuku Kohli on the film Phool Aur Kaante starring Ajay Devgan and directed his first feature film Zameen as an independent Director with Devgan in 2003 at the age of 29.
this time he has attempted a comedy - Golmaal
“My father was a renowned action master of his time. Dad also acted as a villain in a couple of films, prominent among them was the Amitabh starrer ‘Don’. Remember the bald villain with whom Amitabh fights in a van? That was my dad,” says Rohit and adds, “I was interested in films since I was a kid, but unlike his childhood friend Ajay, his fascination was more towards direction.
“I conceived my first film loosely based on the infamous Khandhar hijacking of an Air India plane. It was an action thriller and though the film was not a huge success in terms of box-office records, it was surely appreciated by the audience. After that I decided to make a light hearted comedy film and that’s how ‘Golmaal’ was born. When I narrated the story to Ajay he was in splits and immediately agreed to do it. In fact, he himself suggested Arshad and the rest of the star cast,” states Rohit. How does it feel to be in the league of successful comic directors like David Dhawan and Priyadarshan? “Oh, it’s intimidating.
Rohit Shetty speaks to India FM about Golmaal and his forthcoming projects.
After your first movie Zameen, why did you take a long gap to strike back?
Actually, I had planned something else. I worked on some other script but then I got this script from Neeraj Vora and I thought lets make this film first. Then we developed the idea. It took us around 7-8 months. We then narrated this to the actors. I wanted to do the film in two schedules and finish it fast. I had to wait for the actor's dates.
What is Golmaal about?
This is about these four mischievous guys, who are childhood friends. Out of these four, Sharman is a nice guy, who is studious while others have not gone to college from last ten years. But they stay in hostel as they don't have any other place. When they are moved out of hostel, they enter in an old blind couple's house by posing their grandson.
So it's all about boys having fun. There is no love angle in Golmaal?
Rimi plays this old couple's neighbor and these four guys are behind her. But there is no love. There is no romantic angle in the film. I once thought to rope in Abhishek Bachchan for a guest appearance at the end but later dropped the idea. So it's a total comedy film.
How different is it to direct a comedy film, since most of your experience as a director or assistant has been of an action movie?
I was planning a thriller and Neeraj narrated me this exciting script. I wanted to make a comedy film. I liked Neeraj Vora's script and I went with the script by giving a new look to everyone. It was like a challenge for me and you will realize it while watching this movie. It's a situational comedy.
How did you zero in on the huge cast?
I went with the characters and I am really glad that my producer too supported me. If you see the film you will realize that all of them suit their characters. From the beginning itself, everything was quite clear including characters and actors. So there was no fuss regarding casting.
Any casting hassle happened during initial stage of the film?
No nothing of that sort. We thought of Aftab Shivdasani for Arshad's character but there were some date problems. Blame it to us, as we got delayed by two months. We were supposed to start in November.
Tell us something about its music?
Music is by Vishal Shekhar and all the songs are good. My favorite song is its title track featuring all these four guys together. We thought of making a remix of the old Golmaal song but Hera Pheri had the same track. That's the reason I couldn't touch it.
What is your message to the audience through Golmaal?
I am not giving any message rather I want people to enjoy the movie and forget every tension that they have in their life.
What is that one thing that comes to your mind when I say Golmaal?
Golmaal reminds of sweet memories. We all had a great time together.
What is the USP of this film?
I don't believe on that. But I want my film to do well.
What are you looking forward to?
I am doing a film for Ashtavinayak and for Shemaroo video. Both are action comedies. then there is one action film for Balaji. There are four actors in the movie but nothing has been finalized yet. Then there is one fun film with Ramesh Sippy too. Wait for details.
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