Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; March 22, 2014)

Manoj Bajpayee and Neeraj Pandey are taking their Special 26 association forward, with the two co-producing a thriller. The film, to be directed by Mukul Abhyankar, will also see Manoj team up with Tabu, 14 years after their last outing together in Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar and Ghaath.

 Says Manoj, “Initially, I had decided to only act in this film. One day, we were chatting over dinner and Neeraj asked me to be his co-producer. It’s amazing the way he pushes you to take up responsibilities.” The actor has named his banner Manoj Bajpayee Productions Pvt Ltd, following his wife Shabana’s suggestion.

 This is the third time Manoj and Neeraj are collaborating, after Special 26 and Saat Uchakkey, which is in its post-production stage. About working with Neeraj, Manoj says, “On the set of Special 26, which he wrote and directed, he was the boss. As a producer, he’s more chilled out, though he doesn’t hide criticism.”

 Manoj is also excited about working with Tabu. “She is a good friend; I’ve always respected her for her work. Everyone expects us to do something different, because that’s the way we’ve chosen films,” says the actor, who has four projects, including Traffic and Tevar, lined up in the months ahead.