Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; June 14, 2017)

When Ranbir Kapoor dipped his toes into production with Jagga Jasoos, there was buzz about the actor planning to revive RK Studios established by his late grandfather and Bollywood’s original showman, Raj Kapoor. However, by the end of his first and much-delayed co-production, the 34-year-old seems to be done with filmmaking.

Speaking to mid-day, Ranbir confesses that he doesn’t wish to produce any more films: “I have realised it’s not my cup of tea. This [Jagga Jasoos] is my first and last film as a producer. I am happy being an actor. I am lazy and don’t think I am cut out to be a filmmaker. I am glad, though, that I have been credited as producer for Jagga Jasoos.”

Discussing the multiple hurdles and delay that the upcoming film encountered, the star says he cannot pinpoint one person or reason behind it. “None of us knew that the film would take so much time. I think it’s everyone’s mistake and we are all to be blamed for the delay,” he adds.

Jagga Jasoos is an attempt at an out-and-out family-oriented movie, he says. “When dada [director
director Anurag Basu] and I got into a discussion almost three years ago, we realised that we don’t have specific films in India for children. So, we wanted to make one that families would enjoy. It’s a visual treat with thrilling elements; it’s a cute father-son story.”

While Ranbir has always managed to earn praise for his performances, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) was his first hit in three years since Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013). Ask him if box office success is sine qua non for stardom, he says, “I act not to impress myself, so I need all my films to do well. When a film works at the box office, it reflects the fact that people are watching the film; to have that understanding as any actor is really important.”