Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 13, 2017)

Rohit Shetty is a relieved man. In an interview preceding his last directorial, the Diwali release Golmaal Again, the filmmaker had told Mirror (September 7), "Recent films haven't worked, so all the pressure is now on my film. I hope it works for the industry." A little over three weeks since its release, the ensemble comedy, headlined by Shetty's long-time hero and Golmaal regular Ajay Devgn, has crossed the Rs 200-crore mark at the box office, the first Hindi film to do so in a year dotted with big disappointments. Excerpts from an interview with the filmmaker:

How does it feel to break the jinx?
It is insane! When you make a film that is turning out well, you realise how much business it can do and if people will like it after a certain point. All that analysis happens with every commercial film because nobody can predict this kind of a business. Right now, Golmaal Again is among the top 10 films in Bollywood lists. The audience is returning to the theatres to watch it and I'm a happy man.

How do you plan to celebrate this success?
I've been in touch with all the team members. Ajay (Devgn) is shooting in Lucknow and Parineeti (Chopra) is in Delhi. We have been celebrating ever since the film released but once everyone is back, we will have a proper bash.

Does the success of films like Judwaa 2 and Golmaal Again bring relief to the industry?
Yes, I'm happy not just for myself but for the industry as well. Judwaa 2 has done well, now Padmavati is looking good and so is Tiger Zinda Hai. By the time we end the year, the industry should be in a better position.

What do you have to say about your hit pairing with Ajay Devgn? More films together on the cards?
Ajay and I never take our success for granted. There's never been a day when Ajay has said, "Koi farq nahi padta, dekhi jaayegi" and it's the same with me. I think that is what works for us.

Tell us about your next with Ranveer Singh?
It's a hardcore commercial action film that neither Ranveer nor I have done before. We are working on the final draft at the moment and it goes on the floors by mid next year. We have bought the rights of the South film Temper from which our film is inspired.

You will soon start shooting for the reality show, India's Next Superstar, with Karan Johar. How did that collaboration happen?
It's a new format for Karan and me. We have just shot the teaser and are yet to start shooting.

From what we know, Karan and you will be hunting for new talent on the show?
The concept is still being finalised.

Is a film with Karan on the cards as well?
We will definitely do something together. Everything is in the planning stage at the moment.

Do we see another Golmaal in the making?
We will definitely make another Golmaal. We just want the euphoria to settle down. You should not make decisions when you are extremely happy; you run the risk of going wrong. I don't know what the story will be and when it will release. I will start from scratch again, and decide after a month or so.