Showing posts with label Chhalaang. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chhalaang. Show all posts
Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub on Shah Rukh Khan changing his mind about quitting industry: "That thought never came back"
8:23 AM
(L-R) Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Manav Kaul in ‘Real Kashmir Football Club’
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; December 9, 2025)
Put Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in any role and he owns it — yet he doesn’t map out wins or losses, he tells mid-day. It’s been a packed year: he opened with the Abhishek Bachchan-starrer Kaalidhar Laapata, followed by Chandan Arora’s Kanneda, and Criminal Justice: A Family Matter with Pankaj Tripathi. Now, as the year closes, he returns as a coach in SonyLIV’s Real Kashmir Football Club. Still close with the cast and crew a year on, Ayyub recalls meeting Shamim Meraj — the man who inspired his role, explains why sports stories matter, and how the series weaves Kashmir’s socio-political reality into its theme. Excerpts from the interview.
What drew you to your first sports drama?
After Chhalaang [2020], this is my first sports series and it’s about a football club. It’s based on a real life story, one I got to know only after meeting the director and producer. The fact that I didn’t know anything about it actually excited me to be part of the project. It is a story of hope and inspiration.
Do you think sports-based shows can encourage people to be resilient?
I think sports is a very important part of any culture because it develops the temperament of people, especially football. I watch and love the sport a lot. In most sports, if you have one excellent player, then he/she is compensating for others. But in football, everyone has to be on their toes and play as a team. If you have even two or three weak links, your team [suffers]. Sports definitely inspires people, it also connects, and brings them closer.
Does the story resonate universally, or is it region-specific?
I think it will resonate with everyone, and it needs to. That is the beauty of this story. You can see the real people in Kashmir, their resilience, and the way sports connects them because the youth in Kashmir also face the same problems that anyone around the world faces. They are trying to do something with their lives; trying to achieve something, and earn bread for the family. They have passion and energy. The club channelizes that energy and [gives the youth] a target and ambition; [it brings] respect to all of them. It is not just a story about Kashmir.
Did you meet Shamim Meraj, on whom your character is based, and did it affect your performance?
That was something unexpected. I met him at a party, but I didn’t know it was him until deep into our conversation. He informed me that I was playing him in the show. When I met him, I saw a confident gentleman who knew what he was doing. But the thing is we were portraying the character very differently, which I believe was the right way to go. He is vulnerable. He is also trying to find himself through the group. He has one vision — to bring hope to Kashmir. If he fails, he gets up and tries again. It shows a common man standing up to something and becoming a hero. But the real person is confident because he has [already] achieved everything now. He was intrigued when I told him we were making him more vulnerable in the show.
How does the show represent Kashmir’s socio-political conflicts?
The basic decision to base it in Kashmir brings everything automatically. When you are trying to make a club, you need youngsters to join it, and [reflect] the problems they face in joining, or after. Everything is there because of their social, political, and economic background. The disparity we show is very risky. The writers had many characters and explored them well. You will see a different Kashmir — with real people who have struggled like us.
There was a time when Shah Rukh Khan changed your mind about quitting the industry. Emotionally, where do you stand today?
Now it’s absolutely fine. That thought never came back. I matured while working with him. Films will always be like this — some good, some bad. Some projects you expect from and they don’t work; some you don’t expect and they surprise you. Uncertainty is our life. If you can have one very good project every two years, that is great. I am emotionally stable and exploring myself more.
You’ve been vocal about the industry. Has it cost you?
I’m sure it must have. But I’m fine with that. I say what I believe because I love this industry. If I see scope for improvement, I’ll say it. If someone asks me something, I won’t shy away. I won’t make reels criticizing the industry, but if asked, I will say what I believe. That is how I am.
Whatever we are today is because of theatres and our films-Rajkummar Rao
8:12 AM
Rajkummar Rao, who has had an eventful 2020, says the OTT came as a saviour in these times and although nothing can replace theatres, the web has become a parallel industry churning out great content
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 19, 2020)
Actor Rajkummar Rao has had a good 2020. He might have not had any theatrical release due to the Coronavirus shutdown of theatres, but both of his direct-to-OTT releases — Ludo and Chhalaang — performed quite well.
One wonders if Rao had any apprehensions about both these films not waiting for theatres to reopen. The actor quips, “We make films so that people should watch it. We want as many people as possible, and now the circumstances are such, it will take some time for normalcy to return. OTT platforms have such great reach.”
Not just this, he has also done a web show, Bose, so he clearly realises the potential the platforms hold. He calls it an industry and not a medium.
“It’s definitely a powerful industry, there are some great series coming out. It’s generating so much employment, there are so many actors who’re talented but for some reasons aren’t getting work. There are now so many opportunities. It’s a very good thing, they are churning out great content,” he says.
Apart from films releasing digitally, the web space has also attracted a lot of big names to make their debuts, just like Rao. There’s also talk about how the star system will go for a toss, with all kinds of content and stars being on the same level on the web.
Rao weighs in on this and says, “I think if you do good work and if people like your work, they’ll make you a star. For me, I know people are really badly waiting for Pataal Lok season 2, Mirzapur, Sacred Games — these are originals.”
But also Rao also adds that the cinema going experience cannot be replaced. “Theatres are very important. Whatever we are today is because of theatres and our films. The OTT industry will always be there, as a very strong parallel industry, but nothing can replace the community viewing experience,” concludes Rao who has Badhaai Do and RoohiAfzana lined up.
I think work is important, and thanks to Akshay Kumar sir, starting with Bellbottom-Rajkummar Rao
8:16 AM
Rajkummar Rao stresses on the need for the film industry to get back on its feet, talks about his experience of resuming shoots with safety protocols
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 27, 2020)
Actor Rajkummar Rao is back in action, and currently in Chandigarh shooting for his next with Kriti Sanon. However, considering the Coronavirus scare, there must have been a lot of thinking he had to do. The actor agrees, and says, “Of course, I was a little apprehensive. But the kind of preparation we have here, we lived in a bubble for the first seven days. Everybody is getting tested regularly, and there are a lot of safety precautions that the team is taking, which is amazing. The credit goes to them, they all are being very alert.”
Film industries across the world were impacted massively when the shutdown took place to curb the pandemic. Lately, many actors have been working, with standard operating procedures put in place by the government. The actor agrees that it’s important for the industry to get back on it’s feet again.
“I think work is important, and thanks to Akshay (Kumar) sir, starting with Bellbottom. He managed to finish a whole film, which is amazing! After a while things will go back to normal, people would want to go out and watch films, so we have to start making them. Of course, keeping safety in mind,” Rao adds.
The 36-year-old, apart from his shoot, also had two of his films, Chhalaang and Ludo, release back to back on different digital platforms, and he managed to garner good reviews for both. Rao says that he didn’t plan it this way. “Of course I didn’t want it this way. That’s how makers thought, it’s festive season, and we are a country of 1.3 billion people. They would have wanted to see films and great content. I am sure they wouldn’t have done this in theatres, because on OTT, you can watch as per your convenience,” he says.
Several times in the past, there’s been a buzz about how issues can crop up between actors when they are working together in a multi-starrer, and screen time is one of them. While Chhalaang was a solo lead, Ludo boasts of several actors with equally substantial parts.
Ask him whether he ever had to go through the same, and whether he prefers one type of project over the other, and Rao says, “I am an actor, I am comfortable with either. I have always done multi-starrers. I don’t mind it. If it’s a good story, you should be a part of it. Of course you keep doing your films where you are the lead, but then if there’s an exciting story or opportunities… I feel, for me, the greed to work with someone like Anurag Basu (director of Ludo), was immense.”
OTT releases find place in Oscar entry selection
8:14 AM
Priyanka Dasgupta (BOMBAY TIMES; November 22, 2020)
Kolkata: No film may have released in most of 2020, but India will still send an entry for the Academy Awards. This is the first year that a good number of OTT releases will be among the 27 films that are currently being viewed online by jury members who will select the Indian entry to the Oscars.
Last year, Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Gully Boy’ was selected as India’s Oscar entry. This year, the jury is being chaired by director Rahul Rawail. According to a source, some of the Hindi films submitted for consideration are ‘Sir’, ‘Shikara’, ‘Gunjan Saxena’, ‘Shakuntala Devi’, ‘Bahattar Hoorain’, ‘Malang’, ‘Chhalaang’, ‘Gulabo Sitabo’, ‘Chhapaak’, ‘Bhonsle’, ‘AK vs AK’, ‘Kaamyaab’, ‘Serious Men’, ‘Bulbbul’, ‘I Pad’, ‘Atkan Chatkan’ and ‘Chintu Ka Birthday’.
Of these, ‘Gunjan Saxena’, ‘Serious Men’, ‘Shakuntala Devi’, ‘Bulbbul’, ‘Gulabo Sitabo’, ‘Chintu Ka Birthday’ and ‘Bhonsle’ have already been released on OTT platforms. Three Marathi films —‘Chippa’, ‘The Disciple’ and ‘Bittersweet’— and two Malayalam movies, ‘Moothon’ and ‘Jallikattu’, are also in contention. Not a single Bengali film is in the race this year, though last year ‘Nagarkirtan’, ‘Tarikh-A Timeline’ and ‘Konttho’ were considered.
Director Nila Madha Panda’s Odia film, ‘Yesterday’s Past’ (‘Kalira Atita’) has been submitted. “It is almost like a silent film about a man and the sea. The film is based on the vanishing villages by the sea,” Panda said.
‘Bittersweet’ director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan said it was important that the film representing a country ticked all the important boxes for an Oscar shortlist. The film had an original subject that had never been explored on the Indian screen. It is on how woman sugarcane-cutters in India are “advised” to undergo hysterectomy to save four working days a month that they may lose to the menstrual cycle.
“It is rooted in its country of origin, is about human rights, tells an emotionally charged story and has an international appeal — these are all requisite boxes for an Oscar jury. It will be a privilege to represent the country with such content that received rave reviews at Busan International Film Festival,” Mahadevan said.
A hero's friend is merely a tool to explain matters to the audience-Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub
8:08 AM
With two consecutive offerings showcasing him in prominent roles, Zeeshan says will refrain from playing hero's mouthpiece
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; November 21, 2020)
It has been an exciting phase for Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub — after playing second fiddle to a number of stars in Bollywood, the actor is finally coming into his own with a series of promising films. He charmed as competitor to Rajkummar Rao in the recently released offering, Chhalaang. And, in the few days since the release of Sony Liv's A Simple Murder, he has earned promising reviews from cinephiles.
The switch in his trajectory, however, wasn't merely a stroke of luck. "I consciously took a break [from playing such roles] because people are quick to typecast actors. [We] don't get interesting [work]. A hero's friend is merely a tool to explain matters to the audience. After a point, I was searching for layered roles that could enable me to add [value]," says Ayyub.
The growth of the digital platform has had a two-fold effect — apart from increasing work opportunities for actors, it has also led to the creation of roles that enable them to showcase their skills. "A Simple Murder offered the chance to play a role that was layered, and had humour. I am only beginning to explore this medium, but it offers more space [to showcase talent]. There is no star-system here, so there are more than just four to five characters to vie for."
Exhibitors pin hopes on Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman 1984 to revive business
8:16 AM
Her Wonder Woman film to open in theatres and have a digital premiere simultaneously on Dec 25; could reach India a week earlier
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 20, 2020)
On Thursday, actress Gal Gadot informed that her long-awaited superhero film, Wonder Woman 1984, will release in theatres in the USA on Dec 25 and simultaneously on the digital streaming platform HBO Max. It’s the first film in recent times to opt for a hybrid release and the experiment could pave way for a new normal in post-Covid times.
A month ago, the makers of Ishaan Khatter and Ananya Panday’s Khaali Peeli had proposed the same, but the Multiplex Association of India didn’t agree. They also refused to play Akshay Kumar’s Laxmii, Anurag Basu’s crime anthology Ludo and Hansal Mehta’s Chhalaang which premiered on streaming platforms. So, will they screen Wonder Woman 1984? “If it is pay-per-view in India too, then, technically, the multiplex association should not screen it as they have been adamant about not releasing Indian films that open on the digital platform. But they may have to step down from their high horse soon as this could be the norm for next three to six months owing to the ongoing pandemic,” points out trade analyst Komal Nahta.
Meanwhile, sources confirm that the Hollywood fantasy adventure will have a theatrical release in India since HBO Max is at least a year away from a launch here. The digital premiere of Wonder Woman 1984 is currently restricted to only those countries that have access to HBO Max. So, after a dry spell of over eight months, exhibition sector finally has reason to rejoice. “Wonder Woman is a huge franchise and will work well in India. While big Bollywood producers are shying away from releasing their films in the theatres fearing low footfalls, Hollywood studios are coming to the rescue of beleaguered cinema hall owners,” adds Komal.
Vishek Chauhan, a Bihar exhibitor, reasons that it’s a well-informed decision as 45 per cent of theatres are open in the US but other key markets are inactive. “In such a situation, it’s fine to release a film in theatres and move to Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) within nine days. The audience comes to cinema halls for big screen experience and won’t go away. We have to move forward and devise ways to co-exist. As an exhibitor, I am okay with the reduced gap between a theatrical and OTT release. The rigidity of certain forces in the exhibition sector can destroy the non-national chains and single screen cinemas who are more flexible. Reviving trade should be the goal, not scoring over each other,” he asserts, adding that they have been told that Wonder Woman 1984 might arrive in India a week early, on December 18.
MEANWHILE... MORE DECEMBER THRILLS
Another Hollywood film, Tenet, is gearing up for a December 4 opening in India. Mirror had earlier (Nov 7) reported about the possibility of it releasing on Nov 20 or 27. “It took time to formalise the terms and condition of release,” shared a source. Christopher Nolan’s espionage thriller will stream digitally across the globe from Dec 15.
(Crisp) Movie Review: CHHALAANG by FENIL SETA
7:34 AM
Chhalaang is a timepass light-hearted entertainer from director Hansal Mehta, a rare such film from his side. The opening credits are amazing and that itself sets the mood. The first half is sans complaints and has some very interesting comic and dramatic sequences. The interval point is massy. Post-interval, the makers try their best to keep the proceedings engaging. Sadly, it becomes predictable. And the biggest problem with the film is that it looks very similar to Chhichhore. Speaking of performances, Rajkummar Rao is as usual terrific and nails the part. Nushrratt Bharuccha delivers a great performance and it’s so good to see that she had a crucial part in the second half as well. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub is first-rate and his looks and persona suits the role to the T. Saurabh Shukla is adorable and would surely be loved. Satish Kaushik is dependable, as always, in his supporting part. Same goes for Ila Arun. Jatin Sarna (Dimpy) is too good and one wishes he had a longer role. Naman Jain (Bablu) and Garima Kaur (Pinky) stand out among the actors playing the students. All in all, Chhalaang is a one-time watch. It’s a clean movie and hence can be an ideal family entertainer this Diwali!
My rating - *** out of 5!
My rating - *** out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 647
9:26 AM
EXCITING WEEK AHEAD AS TWO FILMS RELEASE ONLINE AND ONE FILM FINALLY ARRIVES IN CINEMAS!
For nearly 35 weeks, there have been no new film releases due to the Coronavirus-induced lockdown. But now things are finally and slowly getting back to normal. This Sunday, November 15, shall see the release of Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari in cinemas, making it the first Hindi film to do so in nearly 8 months!
Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari is directed by Abhishek Sharma of Tere Bin Laden and Parmanu fame. It stars Manoj Bajpayee, Diljit Dosanjh and Fatima Sana Shaikh in leading roles and is essentially a comedy. It features Manoj as a wedding detective who specialises in finding flaws in the to-be grooms. One such disgruntled chap decides to take revenge from the detective by dating his younger sister. The trailer gives out a lot of the storyline but manages to impress. It indicates that the film would be a fun ride.
It is produced by Zee Studios and they were the first ones and till now, the only one to announce a theatrical release date of their film. However until 3-4 days ago, the theatrical release seemed dicey. This is because Zee laid some conditions in front of multiplexes. Firstly, they wanted the VPF (Virtual Print Fee) to go away. The VPF is charged by each multiplex to recover their investment in upgrading their technology. However it used to cost producers ₹20,000 for each theatre. They argued that the theatres have already recovered the cost and hence it should be stopped. Also the producers cried foul since VPF was not charged from Hollywood films. Secondly, producers wanted a larger share of revenue. And lastly, Zee wanted the window between theatrical and OTT release to reduce to as little as 2 weeks! Normally, it's 8 weeks. This means that a producer has to wait for 50 days to release his film online.
The discussions over these issues went on and on. Finally on Monday, Zee announced that most issues have been resolved and that Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari is ready for release in cinemas. They have been tight-lipped about the new terms. But trade has speculated that Zee and multiplexes have settled for 50% revenue sharing. As for OTT window, Zee will release the film on Zee5 only after 8 weeks. But after 30 days, it can stream the flick on its pay-per-view platform called ZeePlex, as per trade. VPF conclusion is not out. However, UFO and Qube, which provides cinema viewing technology in single screens, have agreed to waive off VPF for the month of November.
The decision to release Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari on Sunday has raised eyebrows. But it probably was done for two reasons. Firstly, the discussions took a lot of time. 3-4 days would have been quite less for any producer to get his film to cinemas. Secondly, Friday November 13 is pre Diwali while the next day is the day of the Festival Of Lights. Audiences usually stay away from theatres on these days as they are busy with Laxmi Puja and other such festivities. And with the pandemic still going on, anyway a large turnout is not expected. Hence, if it had released on November 13 poorly, it would have sent a wrong message. November 15 is a holiday and so is Monday November 16. If all goes well, then audiences should flock in huge numbers. After all, they have not seen a new film in theatres since ages and are desperate to come back. At the same time, however, the buzz and awareness regarding the film is very low. The opening hence might not be encouraging. But if word of mouth is positive, it can work as it also has a first mover advantage.
Meanwhile two films will be released on digital platforms. Tomorrow (November 12), Ludo will arrive on Netflix and it is directed by Anurag Basu. It is on the lines of his 2007 film Life In A Metro. But unlike that film, Ludo is a quirky crime comedy. It has multiple stories and also has an ensemble cast comprising Abhishek Bachchan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh. The trailer surprisingly is great and it can make for a great watch.
And lastly, Chhalaang will release on Amazon Prime on November 13. This film stars Rajkummar Rao, Nushrratt Bharuccha and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub and is directed by Hansal Mehta. Hansal is usually known for serious fares. Even his recent venture, the celebrated web series Scam 1992 was a no nonsense fare. But Chhalaang is a light hearted comedy set in a North Indian school. The trailer is decent and nothing special. It'll have to be really good to stand out and only then it'll get it's due.
I represented Haryana in martial arts at the National level in school-Rajkummar Rao
8:08 AM
Rajkummar Rao on being teachers’ blue-eyed boy and living his childhood dream every day since making his debut 10 years ago
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 12, 2020)
After months of staying put at home in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, Rajkummar Rao is back on the sets. Speaking from Chandigarh, where he’s shooting for a yet-untitled film with Kriti Sanon, Paresh Rawal, Ratna Pathak Shah, the actor sounds upbeat about reclaiming his place in front of the camera. 2020 marks 10 years of his Bollywood debut and he remembers how, as a student of Class 10th, he would mimic Shah Rukh Khan and Manoj Bajpayee from Shool, believing everything he saw on screen was real, and wanting to do what they were doing. “Sitting in a small town, thinking of becoming a Hindi film actor and pursuing the passion without a Plan B was the biggest leap of faith I could have taken,” he admits, hoping he gets to do more challenging roles in the next decade.
Raj’s upcoming film, Chhalaang, with frequent collaborator Hansal Mehta is a comedy, and the actor insists that the director is a quirky guy even though he makes intense dramas. “Meet him at a party where he is in his elements and you will know all about his comic timing and what fun he can be! We were shooting in a school and there were kids around. We actually played volleyball, basketball, and cricket with them,” he relays. Recalling his own school days, Raj reveals that his PT teachers were very supportive of him. “I was good at sports and represented Haryana in martial arts at the National level in school. I took part in all extra-curricular activities, including dance and plays, and still cleared all my exams. The eight hours of school were an adventure!” he shares.
In the film, Raj is Mahinder Hooda, a PT teacher, who falls in love with the computer teacher, Neelima, played by Nushrratt Bharuccha, but has to defeat arch-rival Zeeshan Ayyub’s I M Singh, to win her and keep his job. Despite his turn as a coach, the actor didn’t have to prep physically. “Mahinder is a laidback guy who doesn’t believe in physical training. Even in real life, PT teachers are not necessarily the epitome of fitness. In fact, many double up as science or maths teachers,” he reasons. What he did do was listen to Raginis, Haryanvi folk songs, and interacted with locals to get into the character.
Interestingly, in his other Diwali release, Ludo, Raj plays a diehard Mithun Chakraborty fan and reveals that even in his real life he practices Dada’s dance moves but had to learn some new ones for the film. “We are both from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and I had met him a couple of times when he regaled me with stories. There can’t be a party without a Mithun song,” he chuckles.
After three years of working almost non-stop, the lockdown gave the actor the time to focus on the nuances of his craft through online workshops. “I have lots of story ideas but writing requires patience, so I’ll ask a professional to write them,” he muses. He also used the downtime to hone his culinary skills, sticking to soul food like desserts and khichdi. He shared many throwback vacation pics, and admits he’ll take off as soon as the pandemic allows it, besides becoming the internet’s favourite boyfriend after snipping girlfriend Patralekhaa’s tresses. Wedding bells to ring soon? “You’ll get to know whenever that happens,” he says shortly, and returns to the camera.
This is the first time my daughters will get to watch a film of mine with the rest of the family-Hansal Mehta
8:08 AM
Hansal Mehta veers away from his usual dark and adult themes to jump into a new genre, only to discover that he actually enjoys making comedies
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 10, 2020)
A day after Joe Biden was elected to the White House, National Award-winning director Hansal Mehta recalled the pall of gloom on the sets of Simran when, four years ago, Donald Trump, the man he defeated, was voted the 45th President of America. “Some cried, some were just silent,” he recounts, imagining smiles on those faces today as a long dark night comes to an end. “Unfortunately, I’ve lost touch with many of them, but there is an American actor, Timothy Ryan Hickernell, who also played Daniel Pearl in Omerta, who I know is celebrating. Tim messaged me, saying, ‘We’ve won, baby.’ My daughters are US citizens, so the politics there concerns me since whoever is getting elected is their President,” he reasons.
Does he see himself making a film on the political battle that had the world riveted for weeks, you wonder, and Hansal points out that if he came across a personal story with US politics in the backdrop, he might be tempted. “I am always driven by a story, for instance it was Rajkummar’s (Rao) character that took me into the small-town world of my soon-to-release film Chhalaang,” he says, adding that, for now, he’s hoping the results will positively impact the world. “We’ve spent too much time dealing with the lack of dignity and polarisation. It’s time the language of politics changes and the world gets more united”.
For him personally, it’s encouraging that those who would constantly bicker with him online, are enjoying his recent series even while they still differ with him politically. “That proves that stories have the power to unify and heal. And I am happy I am telling these stories at a time when the world needs to heal,” he exults.
His next, Chhalaang, is a slice-oflife story of a small-town PT teacher played by Rajkummar, the computer teacher, Nushrratt Bharuccha, who steals his heart, and a new competitor, Zeeshan Ayyub who enters the field and pushes him to new highs. Comedy is not a genre Hansal normally favours, but a phone call from producer Luv Ranjan, who was shooting a film in London then, pushed him into exploring a fun space which, he is quick to add, is more “feel good than slapstick”. “Most of the subjects of my films come from me and I work closely with the writers. But Luv had already written this story and though I’ve never asked him why he thought of me to direct it, since we had never met before, when we did interact, I found him to be a sensible guy, with his own understanding of cinema, but open to ideas. So, I decided to go with his judgement. Like its title, Chhalaang was a leap of faith for me too,” Hansal chuckles wryly.
Pointing out that this Diwali will be a difficult one, with Covid-19 curtailing celebrations, the maker is happy to bring a film the whole family can watch together. “This is the first time my daughters will get to watch a film of mine with the rest of the family since all the others have had adult themes,” he informs happily. Will he be joining them? “No, once a film is delivered, I rarely watch my work. I may revisit it after a few years.”
Has he watched Simran, which was shot in the US, after its release, and wished that they’d stuck to the original script? “I did revisit the film on a flight once, but I haven’t revisited the original script. I don’t remember much, I’ve erased Simran from my memory,” Hansal says shortly. The film had driven a wedge between his frequent collaborator, editor and Aligarh writer, Apurva Asrani, and him. Have they sat down since with plans to collaborate on another film? “No. Never say never, but as of now, no,” he retorts. And Kangana Ranaut? With another “No,” he firmly shuts the door on Simran.
Interestingly, the pandemic has been a busy time for Hansal who was editing a nine-hour series (Scam 1992) along with the post-production of Chhalaang. The series has made him proud, both of his son, Jai, who was the co-director, and Gujarati stage and film actor, Pratik Gandhi, the latter reminding him of Rajkummar during their first collaboration, Shahid, which bagged both of them National Awards. “Rajkummar has evolved into a fine actor with some wonderful choices. Pratik has had a longer gestation period, but is coming into his own now. It’s gratifying to work with actors of such calibre, the industry needs such talent to tell good stories,” he avers, pointing out that success has brought a sense of recklessness in him. “There’s this need to go out and shoot because so many ideas have been flooding my mind in the last few months. There are so many stories I want to tell and so little time because I want to make more films, many more.”
So, what’s next? “There was a film I was to kick off in March. I’ve been revisiting it with my writers. There are a couple of other things too. Maybe the anthology will begin first,” he muses. Anubhav Sinha, Sudhir Mishra, Ketan Mehta, Subhash Kapoor and Hansal have joined hands to make five 25-minute films which will be part of an anthology on the common subject of the Coronavirus pandemic. “Mine is more of a comedy; I’ve begun to enjoy this genre now. I’m ready to shoot; we are just trying to find the right location. It will roll in the coming month and we will mostly shoot in Gujarat. But for now, you can just leap into Chhalaang with me,” he signs off. with a laugh.
It's great to play a positive character for a change-Nushrratt Bharuccha
8:11 AM
Nushrratt Bharuccha, who’s moved into a new apartment, takes a leap of faith with her next
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 9, 2020)
Even after a night shift that ended with her going to bed at 9 am, Nushrratt Bharuccha is excited to talk about her upcoming sports dramedy, Chhalaang. “Being a part of this world with Raj (co-star Rajkummar Rao) and Hansal (Mehta, director) sir makes me want to change my life for the better. It’s great to play a positive character for a change,” she chuckles, adding that she thoroughly enjoyed her diction training in Haryanvi. Interestingly, 10 years ago, Raj and Nushrratt started their journeys together with Dibakar Banerjee’s Love Sex Aur Dhokha. The actress believes there couldn’t have been a better way to celebrate the milestone. “It’s the best reunion for us as it is not a comedy with cartoonish characters; it’s a film that will motivate kids,” she shares.
The film also marks a reunion for Hansal and Raj after Omerta and for Nushrratt and frequent collaborator, producer Luv Ranjan. Was there a Team Hansal vs Team Luv clash on the set? “On the contrary, Luv sir and Hansal sir became friends and it was them against us. Raj and I were team less, while kids were in charge; they’re the life of our film,” she chortles.
Chhalaang is a story about a teacher who becomes a role model for his students. Nushrratt who plays computer teacher, Neelima, admits that she’s had many teachers who made her see things differently, starting with her grandmother who’s the most progressive woman she knows. “She went on a world tour on her honeymoon and taught foreigners how to drape a saree,” she laughs. Her dad helped her with academics while her mom and aunt gave her valuable life lessons. “My aunt was the first girl from my Muslim family to get married to a Hindu boy. Theirs was a great love story,” she asserts.
Recently, she moved into a three bedroom-apartment, a five-minute walk away from her family home in Juhu, which she bought with her own earnings. “I feel very responsible now. While the place was being painted, I’d tell the painters that if I found even one hand print on my white walls, they’d have to stay the night and clean up. I can be a tough taskmaster,” Nushrratt admits, saying the house is like her baby. “I did everything myself, from choosing the colour of the walls to the curtains and even the bedsheets. Thanks to the sheer curtains in my bedroom, I’m up at 8 am every day and the world looks sunshine-y. This Diwali will be special as it will be the first in our new home,” she asserts.
Chhalaang also opens on Diwali and she is grateful it is getting a release, even if it is on OTT, during the pandemic. “It talks about taking a leap of faith that is really necessary now when people are losing hope,” she points out.
Many of Nushrratt’s colleagues are either off on a vacation or have returned from one. The actress has no such plans. “These last seven months were like a vacation for me even though I was locked up at home. I was mentally relaxed because we didn’t know what would happen next. But now, it will be just work for the next six-seven months; I want to enjoy that. I am currently in Agra filming Hurdang, there’s still around 10 days of work left in Mumbai. Then, I start shooting for Chhori from November 20,” she relays.
Buzz is, she’s doing a silent film with Durgavati director G Ashok, produced by Luv Ranjan, along with her Dream Girl director Raaj Shaandilyaa’s maiden production, to be helmed by Omung Kumar, and the Aadai remake. She doesn’t want to talk about them. “Everything will happen, but to know what and when, you’ll have to wait for an official announcement,” she says shortly. Any updates on Pyaar Ka Punchnama 3 and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety 2? “Bhushan ji (Kumar, producer) announced them, and he will be producing these films which Luv sir will write. So, it’s up to them to figure the dates, I am clueless,” she signs off.
Likes and dislikes: Decoding its effect on films’ fate
8:07 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 30, 2020)
The online world today plays a big role in creating appropriate build-up for a movie’s release. From actors connecting with their fans, to even likes or dislikes on a movie’s trailer getting much publicity, the digital world seems like an unavoidable force.
Take for instance, Sadak 2, starring Alia Bhatt, Sanjay Dutt and Aditya Roy Kapur, which had released its trailer on YouTube, and within a week became the second most disliked video on the platform. Its performance too, on an OTT platform, was lackluster. Makers of Laxmmi Bomb, with Akshay Kumar in the lead, have disabled the like/ dislike count for the trailer, on the video sharing platform.
But do these likes and dislikes really hold the power to sway public opinion and affect a film’s prospects?
Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia, whose directorial Yaara released directly on an OTT platform, says, “When I look at the trailer, I don’t see how many people have liked or disliked it. If I like it, I watch it. But I’m sure it affects, like I have not seen Sadak 2, but I’ve been hearing so much about it. I kind of also thought of not watching it. That’s why people kind of take the measures (like Laxmmi Bomb).”
Acknowledging the trend, trade analysts believe that it’s going to be short-lived as “the bluff” is being caught. “The way people are using it on movie rating sites, for example, Dil Bechara, not to take away any credit, but it was not a 9.6 film. But on the day it released, it got a 9.6. Similarly, Sadak 2 became 1.5, it was not that,” says analyst Joginder Tuteja.
He adds that even for a video that would get too many likes on YouTube, there would be an outcry, “That it’s manipulated, there are bots. Even when it comes to negativity, it’s the bots at work. Till the time people realise this, filmmakers have to safeguard their interests better, and diffuse the noise.”
With his upcoming release, Chhalaang’s trailer not having disabled like or dislike option on the video sharing platform, filmmaker Hansal Mehta, says, “They are important for the social media, there’s a separate eco-system at work there. A lot of it is white noise, these things are important for that anonymous, virtual network, but even then it doesn’t necessarily translate into quality, or success or failure of a film.”
Kiara Advani's Indoo Ki Jawani to release on Oct 2; Rajkummar Rao's Chhalaang also considering theatrical run?
8:45 AM
Sources say, makers of Rajkummar Rao's black comedy, Kiara Advani's Indoo Ki Jawani considering theatrical run; eyeing October 2 release for latter
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; August 26, 2020)
In the upcoming fourth phase of unlocking, it is heard that theatres will be allowed to throw their doors open to patrons after a five-month-plus shutdown. Even as producers and exhibitors are considering running past blockbusters initially to increase footfalls, Rajkummar Rao-fronted Chhalaang and Kiara Advani-starrer Indoo Ki Jawani may be among the first films to boast a big-screen experience in the post-Coronavirus world.
Over the past few months, the makers were in talks with OTT players for a digital premiere of Nikkhil Advani's coming-of-age comedy. However, a source reveals there has been a change of plans. "Now, the team is eyeing an October 2 release for the T-Series produced film. The discussions, however, are in the nascent stage as there is uncertainty about the reopening of cinemas. If all goes well, Chhalaang, which is presented by the studio, too will hit the marquee, though its release date has yet to be ascertained."
mid-day reached out to producer Bhushan Kumar, who did not respond till press time.
I grew with Kartik, laughed with Ayushmann and learnt from Rajkummar-Nushrratt Bharuccha
8:29 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; July 26, 2020)
Ayushmann Khurrana, Kartik Aaryan and Rajkummar Rao have their distinct identity and presence in the industry today. Nushrratt Bharuccha is among the few actresses, who has shared screen space with all the three actors. She has done four films with Kartik (Pyaar Ka Punchnama 1 and 2, Akaash Vani and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety), one movie with Ayushmann (Dream Girl) and two projects with Rajkummar (Love Sex Aur Dhokha and yet-to-release Chhalaang). While Kartik has made a name for himself as the quintessential commercial hero, Ayushmann is the go-to guy for content-driven films with a generous dose of humour. On the other hand, Rajkummar has shown that he can juggle all genres, be it comedy, drama or horror. In a chat with us, Nushrratt spoke about her experience of working with the three talented actors and the equation she shares with them.
‘KARTIK AND I CONSTANTLY PUSH OURSELVES TO FIGURE OUT NEW THINGS TO DO ON THE SCREEN’Kartik and I started out around the same time. We grew as people and actors together. From one film to another, slipping in and out of characters became easy because we understood each other’s processes very well. Once you are familiar with someone, you get into a routine and sometimes struggle to find new stuff to do. We were like, ‘Iske saare expressions dekh liye, maine saare reactions de diye, ab naya kya kar sakte hain?’. So, Kartik and I would have that, ‘Ab naya kya karein, bol na’ conversation, every day. But it’s a lot of fun to push ourselves to figure out new things to do with the same person on the screen.
‘I HAVE NEVER HAD THE KIND OF FUN I DID WITH AYUSHMANN ON THE SETS’During Dream Girl, I was really taken aback by how much fun this man can have on the sets. I had a blast working with Ayushmann. He says that his humour is not great and people don’t laugh at his jokes, but I would be cracking up all the time. I have never had this kind of fun with anybody before, and it was a new experience for me. To watch him do what he does was amazing. In fact, even the director’s brief for us was, “Ayush and Nush, just have fun.”
‘I WOULD ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO LEARNING SOMETHING FROM RAJKUMMAR’Though we weren’t paired opposite each other in Love Sex Aur Dhokha, Raj, Amit Sial and I got along really well during the shoot of the film. We would be chatting and gossiping all the time. And now, after almost a decade, I am working with him again in Chhalaang. Looking at how evolved his craft is and the range of films that he has done, I think to myself, ‘How has he done so much and how have I done so little? He has done such amazing work in these years. I would go to the sets of Chhalaang looking forward to learning something from him. I would bug him to help me get the Haryanvi accent right because he is such a pro at it. So yes, that’s how it’s been with Raj – a blast from the past and a learning experience in the present.
OTT frees me from the vagaries of a Friday-Hansal Mehta
8:26 AM
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 14, 2020)
Due to the Coronavirus scare, film theatres were among the first ones to down their shutters. Immediately after that, when certain filmmakers chose to go towards OTT platforms, a debate around ‘OTT vs theatres’ started to rage. Hansal Mehta, for one, feels “theatres aren’t going anywhere”, but also adds that OTT has come as a boon for many.
“Honestly, the magic of big screen/theatres will continue to thrive. But at the same time, for a filmmaker like me, the presence of OTT platforms mean that, if need be, I don’t have to be tied to the vagaries of a Friday,” says Mehta, whose films such as Shahid (2012), Citylights (2014) and Aligarh (2015) are available on streaming platforms.
“The kind of feedback I have got from people, who have watched Shahid or Aligarh now on OTT, is tremendous. Many may have missed out on watching them in theatres but it’s a great feeling for me, as a filmmaker, that people are appreciating my work, regardless of the platform,” says Mehta, who has Rajkummar Rao-starrer Chhalaang as his next release. “Let’s see what the producers do (with regards to its release plans). Right now, there is no clarity on theatres reopening, so I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he says
But Mehta “feels great” that due to OTTs, he doesn’t have to depend on Fridays to showcase his work to audiences. “Every platform, at the end of the day, is going to coexist, but streaming platforms just frees a filmmaker like me from so many things or pressures that may come with a Friday,” says the writer-director, who is currently stationed at his Lonavala home, along with the family.
“I am enjoying my family time here. Besides doing all cooking that I really enjoy, I am also taking out time for work. So, I do my weekly meetings — with my writers and actors — for my show as well as Chhalaang, and my next directorial, too. I don’t see myself coming back to Mumbai anytime soon, or at least till the time when I have some work in the city,” says Mehta, who has also finished two scripts during the lockdown.
I was chatting with Rajkummar & Patralekhaa on my birthday when he broke the news about Irrfan-Hansal Mehta
8:44 AM
Hansal Mehta reveals that a project with the late actor didn’t materialise, says he’s been very productive during the lockdown
Akash Bhatnagat (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 2, 2020)
Also produced by Bhushan Kumar, the film was supposed to release in March, then pushed to June and even now its opening date is uncertain. But Hansal is not worried, “It would have been a disaster had it opened in March; it’s a film which will be liked by all even if it comes after five years as it is an inspiring, heart-warming story laced with gentle and genuine humour. So, I am not bothered.” There have been rumours of a digital release, but the National Award-winning director shrugs it off as just speculations. “We are going through a pandemic and have lost two stalwarts (Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan Khan) in the midst of it. It has been a tough couple of weeks for the industry during which we didn’t even discuss the film. But my producers are working on it and we will have something concrete to announce really soon,” he promises.
Irrfan passed away on Hansal’s birthday (April 29). “I was on a video call with Raj and Patralekhaa who had called to wish me. We were chatting and laughing when Raj broke the news to me. I was stunned,” he recalls. That day, Hansal had tweeted about a secret which even now he refuses to divulge, saying it’s private. All he will say is that Irrfan and he almost ended up working together fairly recently. “It did not happen eventually for a variety of reasons that I don’t want to discuss as it will hurt a lot of other people,” says the filmmaker, who regrets not getting the opportunity, but is glad he got to spend some time with his friend. “We had known each other since 1994, and now our life and death are inter-connected. My date of birth will now mean a new life for Irrfan in a better place,” Hansal says emotionally.
Recently, his film Omerta, based on the life of terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, completed two years. Going down memory lane, Hansal admits the film was a difficult but satisfying journey because it was Raj and his most intimate collaboration after Shahid. “It will remain special to me because we collaborated on creating an aspect of human nature which we don’t normally explore even as a human characteristic. Evil is not seen as evil,” he points out.
The filmmaker has been a part of movies not only behind the camera, but also in front of it. He was last seen in The Accidental Prime Minister last year. “I keep stepping in for friends when they call me in emergency,” he laughs, revealing he has also done a small role in Vikrant Massey’s sci-fi film Cargo, which was screened at the MAMI film festival in 2019, for producer Shlok Sharma. “I told him I am not an actor but he was persistent,” he shares, adding that he often gets called for acting gigs. “I guess it’s because of my grey hair and that I work for free and for the love of being on a film set. I was even shortlisted for the doctor’s role in Good Newwz, but I was busy with Chhalaang at the time and the film was saved,” he concludes with a chuckle.
I am coping quite well with the lockdown-Rajkummar Rao
8:27 AM
Rajkummar Rao says he has no complaints about the ongoing lockdown; hopes that ‘we become better versions of ourselves’ once all of it is over
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 22, 2020)
The ongoing Coronavirus lockdown may have brought along boredom and monotony but Rajkummar Rao “would rather look at the silver linings”. He says, “It’s great that people are spending time with their family. Otherwise, you’re just running around every day. I hope we all become better versions of ourselves by the end of this.”
The actor, on his part, feels he is “coping quite well with the lockdown”. “Of course, it goes without saying that I want to go back to work but I have no complaints at all. These are tough times and humanity is going through a pandemic,” he says, adding that he is spending time “watching some great stuff on OTT platforms, reading, as well as learning guitar”. “I’ve a proper schedule for my day (smiles),” he says.
In fact, Rao has been wanting to learn guitar for the last two years. “I never got the time. But now, I have enough free time, so I am taking online sessions/tutorials,” says the Gurugram (Haryana) boy, adding that he is in “constant touch” with his family. “In fact, since I have all the time in the world now, I am talking to them all the more on a daily basis,” he says.
Is he missing going out? “Yes, I am but only to my film’s sets, and not for partying or hanging out,” he says, adding that when things get back to ‘normal’, he would like to “go back to work and meet my team”. “Then, of course, there are close friends and loved ones who I have to catch up with. Since I love chaats etc., I’d like to try pani puris, too, though I am on a very strict diet (smiles),” he says.
Work-wise, since Rao had finished work on all his films such as Chhalaang, Roohi Afzana and Ludo, he “fortunately has no incomplete films. “But I was supposed to sign a few. So, let’s see,” he says. And lastly, ask him how his girlfriend, actor Patralekhaa is coping with it all and he says: “Patralekhaa is rocking. She is busy sketching, painting and cooking a lot.”
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Watch, sleep, repeat!
“I have been catching up on so many different kinds of stuff such as the latest season of Money Heist, The Outsider, Imtiaz (Ali) sir’s She and Tiger King. Plus, I’ve also watched interviews of some of the great filmmakers as well as actors, on YouTube. Then, there’re book such as Rebecca Solnit’s Men Explain Things To Me; and Autobiography of a Yogi that I read. So, I’m keeping myself creatively busy.”
Nushrat Bharucha overcomes initial apprehensions; ready to share her poems with the world
8:16 AM
The actress, who wrote her first verses while on a flight a few years ago, recently overcome initial apprehensions to share her work with the world
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 11, 2020)
Almost a decade after becoming an actress, Nushrat Bharucha is ready to share another one of her talents with the world. On World Poetry Day last month, she posted one of her compositions on Instagram, “Tum jaisi aadat chhod bhi doon... Khud ko khote hue hi sahi...Jhooth ki aankh mein hans bhi doon...Sach pehchaante hue hi sahi... Saath hone ka ehsaas dila do agar... Woh nazar humaare naam kar do agar... Sab se churaate hue hi sahi... ”Nushrat reveals that she has been writing for around three years now and has all the verses saved on her phone. “Initially, I didn’t know if they were any good, so I was wary of posting them. I am very sensitive and shy about my writing,” she says, admitting that it was the encouragement of her poet-friends, including Dream Girl co-actor Ayushmann Khurrana, that gave her the courage to put out some of her couplets online, starting with one on Valentine’s Day and another on Women’s Day. “My confidence is building up with each one,” she laughs.
The actress admits that she was nervous about audience reaction. “I know that shayaris speak only to a few people, that’s why I am taking baby steps,” says Nushrat, adding that she writes inbetween work. “My work requires me to travel a lot. Once, on a flight, everyone around was either reading or watching films and shows. That’s when I started writing. Strangely, all my poems have been written on flights.”
Her grandfather was a shayar and her aunt has inherited his talent, too. “Around three years ago, I made my aunt read some of my writings to get a book of hers so that I could improve my Urdu. I sat by a window, watching her, as she read them. She gave me the book without a comment on my work and my heart sank,” Nushrat reminisces, admitting that in retrospect, she realises it was a good move. “We’re close and if my aunt had said something, I wouldn’t have been able to find my own way and reach here today; she was my first audience.”
The actress is happy to be with her family during lockdown. She chats with her grandmother over coffee in the morning and naps post lunch. “That’s a family ritual, even my cat sleeps in the afternoon,” she chuckles. After that, it’s time to organise her cupboard. Sometimes, she has late-night conversations with her dadi about ghazals.
Nushrat is also honing another talent-colouring. “I can’t draw or paint, but I love colours. So, I’ve bought an adult colouring book. It helps me switch off while being creative. It’s a great way to combat stress as the colouring is intricate,” she informs, admitting that she couldn’t go to the gym in the evenings but has now started working out over video calls with her trainer.
Her next film, Chhalaang, was to release in March, so she hadn’t given dates to any other films in that period. “We were planning to shoot Hurdang in March, but seeing the Coronavirus spread, it was put on hold,” she recounts, adding that she decided early into the pandemic to not go outside Mumbai and consequently, had to let go of many offers.
Chhalaang reunites her with Rajkummar Rao; both started their careers with Love Sex Aur Dhokha (LSD). “After LSD, I was shooting for Pyaar Ka Punchnama in Delhi and Raj for another film. We promised each other that we’d work together again soon. When Chhalaang started, it felt surreal as it took us 10 years to live out our dream,” she signs off.
Rajkummar Rao goes on a three-month break
8:17 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; February 13, 2020)
Rajkummar Rao had a busy year last year. Even as his films — Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, Judgementall Hai Kya and Made In China — released, he continued to shoot for Ludo with Anurag Basu and Chhalaang with Hansal Mehta among other things. BT had reported that the actor will be on a two-week holiday with his partner Patralekhaa towards the end of the year. Back in the city now, Rajkummar continues to be on a break from work till the end of March.When we met the actor recently and asked if he was exhausted with his hectic schedule, he said, “No, I am not tired; I’m never tired of work and creating new characters never bores me. I mean, look at Amit ji (Amitabh Bachchan). Even at his age, he’s not tired. He’s always at work. So, who are we to feel any fatigue? But sometimes, I just think that it’s important to sit back and assess what you need to do next before you get down to doing it. Also, I enjoyed my time travelling across Switzerland, Paris and Italy during the New Year’s break. So, now I am on this three-month break till the end of March maybe. Till then, I will conserve my energy, and when I jump into work, I will be fully revitalised.”
Hansal Mehta’s next Chhalaang takes Rajkummar Rao back to college days and first job
8:16 AM
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 8, 2020)
After working with Hansal Mehta on critically acclaimed films like Shahid, Citylights, Aligarh and Omerta, which were all in the intense zone, Rajkummar Rao’s fifth collaboration with the National Award-winning filmmaker, Chhalaang, is a social comedy. “It was fantastic working with Hansal sir again on such an intriguing story. The two of us have a wonderful chemistry which has resulted in beautiful stories,” smiles the actor, assuring that their next is nothing like the films the duo has done in the past. “It’s the protagonist’s aspirational journey with loads of fun.”
Set in Haryana, Raj plays a PT master, Montu, in a semi-government funded school, with Nushrat Bharucha as his love interest Neelu. “My prep involved getting the Haryanvi accent right and learning about the fitness routine taught to kids in school,” he informs, admitting that as a boy, he had loved PT drills and his teachers doted on him because he was good in every sport. “In fact, one of my teachers wanted me to focus exclusively on sports and not get distracted by dance and acting.”
In the film, Montu addresses the value of sports education in the school curriculum, pointing out that the PT teacher instills discipline and fitness in the students while making it fun for them. “Unfortunately, they are not often appreciated,” rues Raj.
Interestingly, back in 2004, before moving to Mumbai and getting into film, Raj taught drama teacher. “While I was in college, I taught dance and dramatics at the DAV Public School in Gurgaon for a few hours in the morning before lectures. I was more of a friend to my students than a teacher because there was not much of an age gap. In fact, I was the youngest teacher in school and as enthusiastic about honing my acting skills as the extra money. I even directed a play, Sikander, during this three-month stint. It was a historical and showcased the battle between Alexander and Porus,” he reveals.
And did the teaching experience come handy while shooting the Ajay Devgn, Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg production? “As an actor, an emotional bank is always handy. Films are not only a vent for angst and dissatisfaction, but the happiness that I didn’t express enough also finds an outlet through acting,” Raj signs off.
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