MUMBAI MIRROR (October 12, 2017)

Producer Vashu Bhagnani’s next project, one of the most anticipated films of 2017, has a massive cast of Sonakshi Sinha, Diljit Dosanjh, Lara Dutta, Boman Irani and Karan Johar, and was recently given the title, Golmaal In New York.

There is palpable excitement in the trade circles, as the title spelt fun. However, it brought along a degree of stress as the trade is anticipating a title war between the makers of Golmaal Again and Golmaal in New York, both of which have one word in common.

A source said, “Vashu Bhagnani and his team have been relentlessly working on this special project. It’s a full-on laugh riot. Everyone is looking forward to this film because of its interesting ensemble cast and the first-time pairing of Sonakshi and Diljit. The makers also have plans to keep it open to sequels.

We tried reaching Vashu Bhagnani for a comment on the controversy but he remained unavailable for comment.

The film till now was called Crazy Hum.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 25, 2017)

Given that the fashion police is usually up in arms against Tinsel town celebrities, particularly during awards galas, it was unusual, bold even, for Sonakshi Sinha to sport a multi-coloured floral nine-yard for the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) in New York earlier this year.

Sinha received flak for her unusual outfit until it was later revealed by a celebrity photographer that the look was part of her upcoming Vashu Bhagnani project, Crazy Hum, based on the coveted awards night. Responding to the criticism, Sinha tells mid-day, "There was a lot of confusion over my outfits, because, one was for the shoot and the other was what I chose for the event. When people will watch the film, it will make sense."

The IIFA film, believed to be India's first staged reality film, pairs Sinha alongside Diljit Dosanjh. Sinha says she couldn't refuse the film owing to her long-standing association with IIFA organisers, Wizcraft. "Also, the concept is interesting, yet borderline bizarre. Nobody knew that an actual film was being shot live on the green carpet. It was funny as fans were calling out to us and we couldn't react because we were in character."

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; August 9, 2017)

Karan Johar had vowed to never return on screen as an actor, post Bombay Velvet. But now, he’s all set to make his presence felt as one of the primary characters in the IIFA film — Crazy Hum — that also stars Sonakshi Sinha, Aditya Roy Kapur and Diljit Dosanjh.

The filmmaker has agreed to be a part of the film and he has a double role in it.

The movie, that was shot during IIFA, has other actors making interesting cameos too. “But Karan’s is a full fledged role,” adds our source. Or should we say, roles? “Details of his character has been kept under wraps. This is the biggest surprise of the film. The writers who are working on the set are constantly innovating everyday to enhance their script and it was then that they got this brilliant idea of having Karan’s duplicate.”

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 15, 2017)

He may have provided the perfect launch pad to many aspiring actors, but Karan Johar did not get a dream debut as far as his acting career was concerned. KJo, who made his full-fledged acting debut in Bombay Velvet (2015), had joked after the film’s debacle, “Nobody has offered me any role till now. I think nobody liked me. I should at least get offers to refuse them. I can’t cast myself in my own films.”

Looks like acting is still on the cards for the talented filmmaker. KJo has been roped in for a pivotal role in the film, tentatively titled Crazy Hum, which puts the spotlight on the incidents that occur behind the stage at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards. “It’s a full-fledged role and not a cameo. While many celebs are making cameos, KJo has a prominent part in the film. He will be seen playing himself,” informs a source.

Newbie director Chakri Toleti had approached the filmmaker a few months ago. “He was kicked about the idea the minute he heard it,” informs another source from NYC. Johar is currently in New York attending the events leading up to the big finale. He will also be hosting the awards ceremony with Saif Ali Khan. We reached out to producer Vashu Bhagnani and Johar, both of whom remained unavailable to comment.

Meanwhile, Sonakshi Sinha and Diljit Dosanjh have already begun shooting for Crazy Hum in the Big Apple.