BOMBAY TIMES (September 2, 2019)

Filmmaker Aanand L Rai and producer Bhushan Kumar have come together to mark the beginning of a long-term association in Bollywood. After collaborating several times over music, these two successful moviemakers have finally decided to bring their collective strengths together and make movies, which are not only content-driven but also backed by strong music.

With this goal in mind, Aanand and Bhushan have already planned several films in the near future, which will be jointly produced by Bhushan’s T-Series and Aanand’s Colour Yellow Productions.

The much-awaited sequel to the quirky comedy Shubh Mangal Saavdhan — Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (SMZS), featuring Ayushmann Khurrana, Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao, will kick-start their new association. Directed by Hitesh Kewalya, just like the first part of the franchise, this sequel will also deal with a serious subject in a comic way.

Commenting on this partnership, Bhushan Kumar said, “I had earlier associated with Aanand L Rai for the music of his films — Tanu Weds Manu and Zero. He has a great music sense, and now I am delighted to collaborate with him for movies, too. Along with SMZS and some films helmed by Aanand himself, we have more projects in discussion. T-Series has always believed in creating content for a global audience, and with this collaboration, we hope to deliver some solid, content-rich and entertaining films. Our passion for music and movies is surely going to make our collaboration successful.”

Aanand adds, “I am excited about our association. I believe they add tremendously to a film with their understanding of music and the pulse of the audience. With our combined strengths, we hope to collaborate on scripts that are exciting, empowering and entertaining.” With more films in discussion, the duo will announce their future projects soon.

Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 29, 2013)

After wowing the audience and critics in his first Hindi film, Raanjhanaa, Dhanush is ready for fresh challenges. In R Balki’s next, which launches Kamal Haasan’s daughter Akshara opposite him, he will be playing a mute man who wants to become an actor. And Amitabh Bachchan will be his voice.

Revealed a source close to the film’s production, “Dhanush can only emote so Mr Bachchan speaks for him and together they work towards realising their dream to make it big.” Dhanush will have to attend workshops, which will begin soon.

Despite repeated attempts, Balki and Dhanush couldn’t be reached for a comment.

AFTER BALKI, DHANUSH BACK WITH AANAND RAI
Aanand L Rai, who caught the eye with Tanu Weds Manu and followed it up with Raanjhanaa, will now be producing a film with which Tamil director Vetrimaaran will make his Bollywood debut.

Vetrimaaran’s Polladhavan (2007) and Aadukalam (2011) which bagged six National Awards, both starred Dhanush. Now the two are co-producing Kaaka Muttai which will open in 2014.

So, it is no surprise that Dhanush will also feature in Vetrimaran’s first Hindi film. The film will be made under Rai’s banner Colour Yellow Pictures. “Yes, after Balki sir’s film, our film will be Dhanush’s next,” confirms Rai, adding that while his love stories have a middle-class flavour and an easy flow, Vetrimaran makes a strong statement with his love stories. “So don’t expect another lovelorn Kundan.”

Rai admits he set up his production house to help like-minded contemporaries make the kind of films they want. “I know how difficult it was for me to convince corporate houses that Maddy (R Madhavan) would work as a leading man in a film that has the right script or that a film with Dhanush set in Banaras would find takers,” he reminisces.

So what can we expect from Director Rai next? “More romance before I change gears. Third time it’ll be a desi rom-com set in a certain period.” —Roshmila Bhattacharya