Ram Gopal Varma brings back his cult song from Company for his upcoming film; says Zareen Khan 'sexifies' the new rendition
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 5, 2016)


Fourteen years after Isha Koppikar sizzled in "Khallaas" in Ram Gopal Varma's gangster thriller, Company, the filmmaker is gearing up to recreate the special number for his Veerappan biopic. While the 2002 film featured Ajay Devgn, Vivek Oberoi and Manisha Koirala, the biopic has Sandeep Bharadwaj in the titular character, and Lisa Ray. Zareen Khan, who made waves with her bold turn in Hate Story 3, steps into Isha's shoes in the song.

"The lyrics, 'Bachke tu rehna re... Nahin duja mauka milega sambhalna,' literally hint at Darwin's 'survival of the fittest' theory. Now the lyrics have been reworked to "Khallas Veerappan", but its spirit remains the same, with a sexy Zareen dancing in the forest," RGV informs Mirror.

Following a three-day prep which wrapped up today, the actress will shoot the fire-andwater sequence with laser beams flashing in the backdrop. "It is a surreal setting that brings out the wildness of the jungle. Some feel that the film glorifies slain sandalwood smuggler Veerappan but once the song is out, they will only be talking about how Zareen 'sexifies' it," the filmmaker states, adding that the new "Khallas" comes at a time when everyone knows Veerappan is going to be killed. "It is pure evil!"

Zareen adds, "The manner in which the song has been picturised is something that has never been explored before. Though I had very little time to prepare for it, I'm really excited because I will be sporting a completely different look."

RGV is hoping to re-invent himself with this comeback of sorts. "I looked at the last few films I directed and realised that I did not want to be repetitive. A director is as good as the subject he chooses and with this criminal who murdered 97 men, I am back in Bollywood," he smiles.