Unveiling Kangana Ranaut's killing machine avatar from Dhaakad, director on how the movie will introduce Bollywood to genre's immense potential
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; July 9, 2019)

Only months after dabbling in action with Manikarnika - The Queen Of Jhansi, Kangana Ranaut has thrown her weight behind the actioner, Dhaakad. Director Razneesh Ghai points out that Bollywood is surprisingly starved of female action heroes, leading to the genesis of the stylised entertainer. "There is a big void when it comes to female-oriented action films. I haven't heard of a lead heroine in an out-and-out action entertainer in a contemporary space. That's why we wanted to explore this genre," reasons Ghai, who forays into Bollywood armed with years of ad filmmaking to his credit.'

Tight-lipped about the movie's premise, all the director is willing to let in on is that the script is the result of 10 months of brainstorming between writers Chintan Gandhi, Rinish Ravindra and him. A subsequent meeting with Ranaut in May set the ball rolling on the project. "She is an intelligent actor who understood that there is an opportunity to attempt something completely different. We are constantly having brainstorming sessions with her, and her ideas have further elevated the film."

Ghai adds that given the genre it belongs to, the film will be physically demanding on the leading lady. "I'm not a fan of gravity-defying action sequences, so we will show realistic action. Since the film has many action set-pieces, we are looking at stunt coordinators with different skill sets. We have already met action directors from Hong Kong and Thailand for the Gun Fu [a mix of guns and martial arts] sequence."

Having locked in on the script and his leading lady, the director has now progressed to doing recces before the project goes on floors early next year. "We are planning to shoot in Thailand, pockets of Europe, mainly Budapest and Prague, and in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. We will also have one schedule in North India. Kangana is currently busy with Panga; once she gets time, we will work out the schedule."

BOMBAY TIMES (July 6, 2019)

Kangana Ranaut’s next project titled Dhaakad promises to be an out-and-out action thriller. The film which will see her in a new avatar will be helmed by adman, Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai, and jointly produced by Sohel Maklai Productions and Asylum Films, and co-produced by Qyuki Digital Media.

Kangana, who revealed the name of the film earlier this week, said, “My career is not just my journey, it is the journey of Indian cinema as well. This is a first-of-its-kind woman-centric action film in Bollywood. It is mounted on a big scale and the film will be a festival release. If this works, we as women, working in films will never have to look back again. Sohel and Razy have been my friends for years, and this is our dream project. I can’t wait to start working on it.” The film has been written by Razy, along with Chintan Gandhi and Rinish Ravindra. This project also marks screenwriter Ritesh Shah’s (Kahaani, Pink) first collaboration with Kangana Ranaut.

Talking about the action thriller, Razy said, “The story has a strong emotional undercurrent that craves for a powerful performance. I have been watching Kangana’s progress as an actor and I felt that she would be perfect for this part.”

The makers will offer a sneak peek into the world of Dhaakad soon and they are sure that it will create a great buzz. Talking about the action sequences, Razy said, “This film will be beautifully crafted, with a number of thrilling action sequences, and a female hero who’s as elegant as she is deadly.” The makers plan to rope in a leading action director from Hollywood to choreograph the elaborate sequences.

Filming will take place across India, South East Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Producer Sohel Maklai said, “This is my biggest venture till date and we’re excited to have a powerhouse performer like Kangana on board.” The film is slated for a Diwali 2020 release.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 14, 2017)

Almost a month after the release of Apoorva Lakhia’s Haseena Parkar, which featured Shraddha Kapoor and Siddhanth Kapoor in the lead, the film’s producer, Furqan Khan of Swiss Entertainment, has yet to pay outstanding dues to certain members of the crew who are now complaining.

Suresh Nair, who wrote the story and screenplay, told Mirror, “The producer owes me around Rs 15 lakh. I approached the writers’ association and they called for a hearing twice, but on both occasions one or the other party was not in town. I did the film only because Apoorva is a friend, I don’t know these producers.”

Dialogue writer Chintan Gandhi is claiming to be one of those who has been short-shifted by the producers. “We have been asking for our dues for a long time now. During the dubbing, I was given a part payment of Rs 1 lakh from the Rs 7 lakh of the pending amount. He (Khan) has been dodging us since the film released and hasn’t even given me the contract copies so I’m unable to file a complaint with the association. Now, his staff says that the contracts are lost,” grouses Gandhi.

He adds that Apoorva would talk to Khan every day, even when the film was up for release, insisting that the dues needed to be cleared, but Khan would ward him off saying he would do the needful when he came to Mumbai. “Even the TDS that was cut has not been paid back,” says Gandhi.

Production designer Sunil Nigvekar also claims that he is yet to receive Rs 23 lakh from Khan. “I haven’t filed a complaint yet because Khan has promised to clear all my payments on October 15,” says Nigvekar. Publicity designer Nabeel Abbas of Epigram Advertising reiterared this, saying, “There was a commitment to release monies more than a month prior to the release, but FK kept procrastinating. He has now given a commitment of clearing all dues right after Diwali. I hope he honours his commitment.”

When Mirror reached out to Furqan Khan, the producer denied the allegations as “rubbish”. “Get me one name (of those accusing him of delaying payment). All of them charged extra money and cheated me. I will take the legal route if they play with our reputation,” he says.

Apoorva Lakhia remained unavailable for comment.