BOMBAY TIMES (September 4, 2019)

Ahead of the release of his upcoming production, Chhichhore, Sajid Nadiadwala talks about the film, which has been directed by Nitesh Tiwari, and his future projects.

Chhichhore, set against the backdrop of IIT Bombay, is all about coming to terms with life. What were your thoughts when you decided to back a film like this, which focusses more on content than star power?
It was just a one-liner when Nitesh shared the idea. The thought itself was so intriguing that I was immediately inspired to make the film. There was no thought on who would be the star of the film, who would we cast, etc... since the story itself was so strong and appealing.

Is it a conscious move to back films that focus on content more than glamour, action and dialoguebaazi?
I’ve explored all kinds of cinema from a Highway to a Tamasha, then a Housefull, Baaghi and a Judwaa, too. It’s important for one to learn and unlearn, or else how will you survive in this industry for 34 years? There is an audience for all kinds of content — from glamour to action drama with films like Judwaa and Baaghi, to movies which are high on storyline like 2 States and Highway. And this year, it is Super 30, Chhichhore and Housefull 4. Filmmaking is my passion and I am open to all kinds of content.

You decided to collaborate with Nitesh Tiwari immediately after he made Dangal. Was that film a trigger for you to work with him?
I had met Nitesh when he was working on Dangal and before it released, I had already signed him. He had narrated three-four concepts to me before we locked Chhichhore. The first narration, I remember, was just a one liner and the concept itself blew my mind. I was inspired to make this film for my kids and I can safely say that it is the finest film in the 34 years I have spent in this industry. Chhichhore is a gift to my sons, Subhan and Sufyan.

At any given time, your company is involved with more than two projects. Does it get difficult to divide attention between projects, which may be very different from each other?
Filmmaking is my passion, I do not know anything apart from it, nor do I have any other side businesses. Initially, when I wasn’t married, I would spend four-five hours in office. Now, after marriage, I easily spend 12-16 hours in office (laughs!). So, naturally, I can give more attention to multiple projects. For example, for Housefull, I have to switch off my brain, and turn on my power to make people believe in the story, whereas a Baaghi is more of planning and scheduling since we have heavy action sequences in the film. I feel grateful to have a dedicated team, which helps me.

Over the next few months, you have a long line-up of films. Could you give us an update on the movies, including Kick 2, which is speculated to start by the end of this year and release on Eid 2020? Are you ready to don the director’s hat again?
Yes, I am ready to direct. I am still writing the film. I’ve written one draft and I will still take another three-four months to finish it. So, I will be ready by Eid next year with my final draft (smiles). After Chhichhore, I will be back on Diwali with my favourite franchise Housefull. This time around, it’s four times the madness with the reincarnation theme. Moving further, we have slated Baaghi 3 in March 2020, and it will go on floors in September this year. We finished the London schedule of '83, last Friday with Ranveer Singh. For Ahan Shetty’s (Suniel Shetty’s son) film, we will go to Mussoorie for the second schedule in September end and it will be ready to release by Summer 2020.

What are your thoughts on working with Nitesh Tiwari and Fox Star Studios?
There are some directors whom you learn from and Nitesh is one of them. It has been a great journey working with him. My collaboration with Fox Star Studios has a great track record with Judwaa and Baaghi, and we are sure about Chhichhore, too.