Showing posts with label Ajay Devgn Ffilms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ajay Devgn Ffilms. Show all posts
Every day, Ajay Devgn surprises me with something new and better-Danish Devgn
8:35 AM
As he makes his directorial debut with Hanju, Ajay Devgn’s nephew Danish credits actor for “everything I’ve learnt”
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; September 18, 2023)
After spending years in the capacity of an assistant director and creative producer in films, Ajay Devgn’s nephew Danish makes his directorial debut with the Priyank Sharma and Ishita Raj-starrer music video, Hanju (tears). In this interview, he discusses picking direction as his profession, and the invaluable lessons he has learnt from Ajay. Edited excerpts of the interview.
What led you to direction, and why did you decide to debut with a music video?
I was the first kid in my family, and my entire family was in this business. I was put on the sets when I was a year old. Since then, watching the chaos, the spot boys, DOPs, directors, actors, and the entire magic on set got to me. I fell in love with that energy. When I was in the third grade, I had a camera with which I would shoot random things. By the time I was in sixth grade, I [began editing]. [I worked on Ajay-starrer] U Me Aur Hum, and that is where the learning process began.
I was always mesmerized by the whole process that goes on behind the camera, and that’s what made me decide to take up direction. I’ve also been assisting [as a director] on sets for nine years, and [have worked with] directors like Pradeep Sarkar. I’ve learned a lot from them in the process. One learns from every little aspect on set. Also, Ajay ji taught me everything I know today. My grandfather [Veeru Devgan] was also technically sound. I kept grasping whatever I could.
I wasn’t planning to make my debut with a music video. I’ve been working on another film that’s releasing next year on which I am the creative producer. This track came my way. Kumar Mangat made me hear it, and the minute I heard the vocals and the piano arrangements, I was drawn to it. The song is filled with pain, and I was keen to shoot it aesthetically.
How did you arrive at this cast?
I wanted to give this song a contemporary and youthful touch. Priyank is a favorite among the women, and Ishita is [admired by] men too. People have always seen her break hearts in her past films, so I wanted to change things a bit. They are really good performers, and seasoned actors. Aesthetically, they fit the storyline. That’s why I wanted them to helm it.
The process of working on this video showed me how to compile emotions and pull off [a narrative] within a defined time-frame. In the movies, we have two hours of time to play with. Here, I had to fit it all in four minutes. Things can either go right, or wrong, because, extracting emotions in four minutes is a complex task. A director needs at least six to seven minutes to establish a film’s emotional [arc]. Luckily, I was supported by good actors.
What were your conversations with Ajay on this number?
When it comes to understanding the technicalities of direction, like CGI, sound, and camera work, he is superior to anyone I’ve assisted. Conversations with him are always educational. Every day, he surprises me with something new and better. If I’m confused, I talk to him, and he enlightens me with things that I couldn’t think about.
He has been in the game for so long. I was nervous to show it to him. He is not easily impressed. [I recall, while working on] Bhola, he would never be impressed with suggestions. But, when I showed this to him, he was impressed.
Can you share your plans as an artiste in this industry?
I am the creative producer at our production house, Ajay Devgn Ffilms. I am currently slating projects for us. I’m also looking to direct more songs, ads, web shows, and eventually, a film. I am still in the [process of] scripting it. It will be two to three years before [I work on it].
Priyank Sharma and Ishita Raj in the music video
Abhishek Bachchan recovers from Coronavirus; all set to resume work for The Big Bull
8:19 AM
With Abhishek Bachchan set to resume work after COVID recovery, The Big Bull creative unit may decide to shoot some parts remotely
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 20, 2020)
The makers of The Big Bull released a new poster featuring Ileana D'Cruz on Tuesday, sparking buzz that the team is ready to resume work on the financial crime drama. The unit has been waiting for leading man Abhishek Bachchan to be fighting fit after he was discharged from Nanavati Hospital earlier this month.Given that the actor returns to the set after recovering from Coronavirus, Daanish Gandhi, DA (director's assistant)-creative at Ajay Devgn Ffilms, states that the team will be vigilant. "I'm glad that Abhishek and his family have recovered. Our first priority is to set up a safe and sanitised facility for him and the rest of the cast where we can film the remaining portions. We've chosen a minimal crew of trusted individuals who will follow all the necessary steps to ensure everyone's safety."
Gandhi says that the shoot permissions are being procured, and the project — inspired by the life of stockbroker Harshad Mehta who orchestrated the 1992 securities scandal — is likely to roll in the coming weeks. A discussion has also ensued with producer Ajay Devgn about the possibility of completing the patchwork through a remote shoot. "If we don't adopt the remote shooting method, we will put up the crew in a hotel next to our set where they can practise self-quarantine post the shoot. For now, we are weighing both options." He adds that Devgn is taking a personal interest in the planning and implementation of safety norms.
Ajay Devgn-Kajol to team up for romcom, have registered three titles?
7:46 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 13, 2019)Close on the heels of sharing screen space in the forthcoming period drama, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, Ajay Devgn and Kajol are contemplating reuniting for the camera. Word is that a light-hearted romantic comedy has caught the attention of the duo, so much so that Devgn's production house has apparently registered three titles, keeping the story in mind.
A trade source says, "This development happened during Kajol's birthday last week when she flew to Bhuj to meet Ajay. Since things are in the early stages of development, they are being hush-hush about it. The story revolves around a mature couple and their take on romance. Ajay Devgn Ffilms has registered three titles — Romance Aur Kya, Dhoka Around The Corner, and Dhoka. While the duo is keen to play the leads, it is undecided if Ajay will wield the directorial baton. The script is currently being a polished, post which the couple will sit down for a final narration. If everything works out as planned, the film will roll mid-2020 and will mark their tenth movie together." mid-day reached out to Devgn, who remained unavailable for comment.
I am happy to be under Ajay Devgn's shadow-Kajol
8:00 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 5, 2017)
Earlier this year, Kajol had announced that she was excited that her “home production is finally starting”, even revealing that she was looking at a September launch for her new venture. However, when mid-day caught up with the actor, she revealed that the plan never materialised.
“I am not cut out for it,” Kajol said, even confessing to finding comfort in being lackadaisical. “Why should I push myself into doing something that doesn’t come naturally to me,” she questioned, choosing instead to invest her time in making her actor-producer-husband Ajay Devgn’s production house more “rock solid”. “I don’t find the need to break away from Ajay Devgn Ffilms (ADF). He understands production better than I do, and in this respect, I am happy to be under his shadow.”
The actor acknowledges that she only offers inputs for Devgn’s productions when the latter approaches her. “Ajay is managing it well enough,” The failure of ADF’s last outing, Shivaay (2016), which was being created under Kajol’s watch, to score well at the box-office, hasn’t deterred the actor from taking up further projects. “Ajay did a good job as director and actor, and Abigail [Eames, co-actor] made me howl,” she says on her love for the film, but acknowledges that the debacle affected Devgn. “But he is hard to break, and has me by his side, always.”
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