Showing posts with label Aarambhh Singh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aarambhh Singh. Show all posts
Sanjay Dutt out of Malang due to scheduling conflicts and decision by makers to get younger actors
7:46 AM
Natahsa Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 25, 2017)
Mirror had earlier reported that Sanjay Dutt who had then just wrapped up Bhoomi with Omung Kumar and Sandeep Singh, was to team up with the duo again for a story of a woman CBI officer and a man looking for love. Titled Malang, the film was to kick off in December and would mark the directorial debut of short filmmaker Aarambhh Singh, who had worked on Bhoomi as an associate director.
Now, it has emerged that Dutt is no longer a part of the project post the release of Bhoomi, which failed to set the cash registers ringing at the box office.
Co-producer Omung confirmed the news to Mirror, saying, “Malang will start next year. We are looking at young actors for the lead and are already in talks with a couple of them who have shown interest.”
Prod him about the announcement with Dutt as the lead and Omung says, “We met Sanjay Dutt and learnt that his schedule is hectic, with Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3 and Torbaaz. He has always supported us but since his dates were not aligning with ours, we mutually decided to let it go.”
He goes on to clarify that the film remains unaffected despite the change of guard. “The story and screenplay remains the same. We are just giving it a younger look and feel. The hero should be able to do both romance and action.”
We reached out to Sanjay but he remained unavailable for comment.
Other director would have presented Sanjay Dutt in his previous avatar, I focussed more on his acting-Omung Kumar
7:47 AM
Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; September 16, 2017)
Omung Kumar entered Bollywood with a bang. While his directorial debut, Mary Kom, bagged the National Award for
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, his second outing,
Sarbjit, was equally impressive. The film, which told the story of an
Indian farmer convicted of being a spy by Pakistan, received glowing
reviews. However, after two movies based on real characters, Omung has
turned to fiction for his third directorial, Bhoomi. What makes this
movie even more significant is the fact that it marks the comeback of
Sanjay Dutt after his release from prison. With the father-daughter
story, also starring Aditi Rao Hydari, nearing its date with cinemas,
we caught up with the filmmaker for a Q & A. Excerpts...
After biopics like Mary Kom and Sarbjit, what prompted you to make Bhoomi?
When I decided to direct a Bollywood film, I approached many actors with a script I had with me for long. Though most of them are friends, they became choosy when it came to giving their nod to that project. That's when I decided to pen a script for an actress. Being a first-timer, I had to prove myself and I told my writers to come up with a script that no actress could refuse. The result was Mary Kom. I had no plans to make a biopic for my second directorial venture. It was Sandeep Singh, my partner, who suggested a film on Sarabjit Singh. Though I told him that I would be labelled a biopic maker, at his insistence, when I read the script, I knew that the story had to be told. Talking about Bhoomi, my plan was only to produce the film. I had five scripts with me and when I narrated all of them to Sanjay Dutt, he chose Bhoomi saying that it was fantastic. Then he asked me why I wasn't directing it. So, in a way, this film chose me.
Years ago, in Pitaah, Sanjay Dutt had played a father who avenges his daughter's rape and murder when he doesn't get justice from the law...
Bhoomi is different, it's a mature story. I know that many films have been made on the subject. Also, there has been no change in our legal system, but as far as our movie goes, the story and execution are different. You will also see the daughter joining the fight along with the father.
How did you zero in on Aditi Rao Hydari to play the daughter?
Once Baba was on, it was basically about who fits the bill to play the title role. We needed a strong performer, who can deliver an intense performance. Aditi was our first choice, but her dates were not available. However, once she heard the script, she said that she would push everything else to do this film. She is like a tigress in the film and beautifully matches up to Sanjay.
Considering that Bhoomi is Sanjay's first venture after he completed his prison sentence, do you feel the pressure of giving him a successful comeback film?
That's where I think I come in. While some other director would have presented Sanjay Dutt in his previous avatar, I focussed on his acting, nuances, and the detailing... Since this is his comeback film, the pressure was there, but once I started shooting, the story took over. Only when the promotions began did we feel the pressure again.
Has Sanjay Dutt seen the film?
He loved it. In fact, he feels that he got more than what he was expecting. That is satisfying for us, too.
Since your movie highlights the issue of rape, which has become rampant in our country, what is your take on the laws that deal with such a heinous crime in India?
We need stricter laws and a quicker justice system. While researching for the film, we learnt that in every 20 minutes, one rape happens in India. When there's public outrage, the system is shaken up, but not every rapist gets the strictest punishment. When you watch the film, you will agree that this is what all rapists deserve.
Reportedly, you were upset about the 13 cuts asked for by the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification)...
That's not true. At the end of the day, the Censor Board is also doing its job. Yes, there are cuts and they were expected. All I can say is, the cuts haven't hampered the narrative..
What's the easiest and the most difficult aspect of directing Sanjay Dutt?
The easiest part of directing Sanjay is that if you give him a five-ten page dialogue, he will do it in one go. The most difficult thing was, well, he would some times ask, 'Itna bolna zaroori hai kya?' We would then work to reduce the dialogues. So, he would say one line and convey the rest through his eyes and facial expressions. Of course, you will get all the reaction you wanted and his performance will still give you the goosebumps.
Apparently, you've formed such a great bond with Sanjay that you'll be working with him again in your next production...
Yes, my assistant Aarambhh Singh is directing Malang. It's a very good subject - intense and commercial at the same time. However, since Sanjay wanted Bhoomi to be his comeback, we made it first.
After biopics like Mary Kom and Sarbjit, what prompted you to make Bhoomi?
When I decided to direct a Bollywood film, I approached many actors with a script I had with me for long. Though most of them are friends, they became choosy when it came to giving their nod to that project. That's when I decided to pen a script for an actress. Being a first-timer, I had to prove myself and I told my writers to come up with a script that no actress could refuse. The result was Mary Kom. I had no plans to make a biopic for my second directorial venture. It was Sandeep Singh, my partner, who suggested a film on Sarabjit Singh. Though I told him that I would be labelled a biopic maker, at his insistence, when I read the script, I knew that the story had to be told. Talking about Bhoomi, my plan was only to produce the film. I had five scripts with me and when I narrated all of them to Sanjay Dutt, he chose Bhoomi saying that it was fantastic. Then he asked me why I wasn't directing it. So, in a way, this film chose me.
Years ago, in Pitaah, Sanjay Dutt had played a father who avenges his daughter's rape and murder when he doesn't get justice from the law...
Bhoomi is different, it's a mature story. I know that many films have been made on the subject. Also, there has been no change in our legal system, but as far as our movie goes, the story and execution are different. You will also see the daughter joining the fight along with the father.
How did you zero in on Aditi Rao Hydari to play the daughter?
Once Baba was on, it was basically about who fits the bill to play the title role. We needed a strong performer, who can deliver an intense performance. Aditi was our first choice, but her dates were not available. However, once she heard the script, she said that she would push everything else to do this film. She is like a tigress in the film and beautifully matches up to Sanjay.
Considering that Bhoomi is Sanjay's first venture after he completed his prison sentence, do you feel the pressure of giving him a successful comeback film?
That's where I think I come in. While some other director would have presented Sanjay Dutt in his previous avatar, I focussed on his acting, nuances, and the detailing... Since this is his comeback film, the pressure was there, but once I started shooting, the story took over. Only when the promotions began did we feel the pressure again.
Has Sanjay Dutt seen the film?
He loved it. In fact, he feels that he got more than what he was expecting. That is satisfying for us, too.
Since your movie highlights the issue of rape, which has become rampant in our country, what is your take on the laws that deal with such a heinous crime in India?
We need stricter laws and a quicker justice system. While researching for the film, we learnt that in every 20 minutes, one rape happens in India. When there's public outrage, the system is shaken up, but not every rapist gets the strictest punishment. When you watch the film, you will agree that this is what all rapists deserve.
Reportedly, you were upset about the 13 cuts asked for by the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification)...
That's not true. At the end of the day, the Censor Board is also doing its job. Yes, there are cuts and they were expected. All I can say is, the cuts haven't hampered the narrative..
What's the easiest and the most difficult aspect of directing Sanjay Dutt?
The easiest part of directing Sanjay is that if you give him a five-ten page dialogue, he will do it in one go. The most difficult thing was, well, he would some times ask, 'Itna bolna zaroori hai kya?' We would then work to reduce the dialogues. So, he would say one line and convey the rest through his eyes and facial expressions. Of course, you will get all the reaction you wanted and his performance will still give you the goosebumps.
Apparently, you've formed such a great bond with Sanjay that you'll be working with him again in your next production...
Yes, my assistant Aarambhh Singh is directing Malang. It's a very good subject - intense and commercial at the same time. However, since Sanjay wanted Bhoomi to be his comeback, we made it first.
Sanjay Dutt recommends Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for role of leading lady in Malang
7:46 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 16, 2017)
Mirror had earlier reported (May 31) that Sanjay Dutt is set to feature
in Aarambhh Singh’s directorial debut Malang, produced by Omung Kumar
and Sandeep Singh. Now, we hear the film’s team is approaching
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for the female lead on the recommendation of
Sanjay, who worked with her in the 2005 thriller-drama, Shabd. They’d
also shared screen space in the 2002 Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahi.“Yes, Sanjay sir is keen on Aishwarya, we want to replicate their Shabd chemistry in our romantic-thriller. He plays an investigative officer and will require an actress who is physically fit as she is involved in the action too,” said Aarambhh, adding that the film will roll in December and they are currently in the process of completing the screenplay. “The idea is not only to keep the audience on the edge of their seats but also give them a new definition of love as Sanjay sir will be seen in a love story after a while.”
It will be completed in two long schedules, shot entirely in Varanasi and Shimla. Dutt had earlier told Mirror, “I was completely bowled over by the script, it is an incredible love story set by the Ganga with the right touch of suspense and drama.”
Meanwhile, he is set to join wife Maanayata and kids, Shahraan and Iqra, who are holidaying in Europe, before he kick starts the shoot of Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns.
Sanjay Dutt to reunite with Omung Kumar for a love story
9:36 AM
Actor
to reunite with Omung Kumar for another film that is scheduled to kick
off in December; will be shot entirely in Varanasi and Shimla
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 31, 2017)
Sanjay Dutt, who has just wrapped up Bhoomi with Omung Kumar and
Sandeep Singh, is teaming up with the duo again for a story of a woman
CBI officer and a man looking for love. Titled Malang, the film kicks
off in December and will mark the directorial debut of short filmmaker
Aarambhh Singh, who had worked on Bhoomi as an associate director.
Malang will be shot entirely in Varanasi and Shimla, with Omung and
Sandeep as producers of the film. The makers are now looking for a
leading lady opposite Dutt and hoping to have her on board by next
month.
Dutt confirmed the news, saying, “I was completely bowled over by the script. It is an incredible love story set by the Ganga with the right touch of suspense and drama. Sandeep and Omung are a great combination of creativity and hard work. It is the perfect film to reunite with them.”
Sanjay Dutt, who has just wrapped up Bhoomi with Omung Kumar and
Sandeep Singh, is teaming up with the duo again for a story of a woman
CBI officer and a man looking for love. Titled Malang, the film kicks
off in December and will mark the directorial debut of short filmmaker
Aarambhh Singh, who had worked on Bhoomi as an associate director.
Malang will be shot entirely in Varanasi and Shimla, with Omung and
Sandeep as producers of the film. The makers are now looking for a
leading lady opposite Dutt and hoping to have her on board by next
month.Dutt confirmed the news, saying, “I was completely bowled over by the script. It is an incredible love story set by the Ganga with the right touch of suspense and drama. Sandeep and Omung are a great combination of creativity and hard work. It is the perfect film to reunite with them.”
Sandeep, who has also written the script,
narrated it with Aarambhh to Dutt while they were shooting for Bhoomi.
“Malang will have two long schedules and will feature six songs.
Aarambhh was born and brought up in Varanasi and would often speak of
the Aghoris (sadhus). Baba (Sanjay) was impressed and suggested that
Aarambhh direct the film as he has made short films in the past. That’s
how the idea came about and we developed the script. Last week, Baba
confirmed that he will do the film. His character will have two shades
that will be revealed in the course of the film,” says Sandeep.
Dutt is also scheduled to feature in Girish Mallik’s action-thriller Torbaaz for which he is also singing a special number, and Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Sahib, Biwi Aur Gangster 3.
Dutt is also scheduled to feature in Girish Mallik’s action-thriller Torbaaz for which he is also singing a special number, and Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Sahib, Biwi Aur Gangster 3.
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