Armed with a dose of humour, Ranveer Singh is ready to take on female foeticide and gender inequality in his next, Jayeshbhai Jordaar. Ahead of the film’s May 13 release, the makers are set to launch the first song, Firecracker, today. What makes the dance number special is that the actor performed it without the supervision of a choreographer.

Since the number was filmed towards the end of the shoot, director Divyang Thakkar and producer Maneesh Sharma wanted Singh to bring his own interpretation to it. “Maneesh and Divyang were clear that since I have performed the character and gone through his entire journey, they wanted me to do a freestyle dance, just as Jayesh would. They were sure that they wouldn’t choreograph the song. Barring the hook step, I was left to dance the way Jayesh would,” recounts Singh.

Expressing himself comes easy to him, and this was another opportunity to bring alive a character that he loved. “Being in character, the moves stumbled out of me, and we captured that. Jayesh is an endearing man who possesses immense love for life, and we wanted to present that aspect in the song.”

The actor adds that the feel-good song will leave viewers with a smile.

Ranveer Singh flanked by Maneesh Sharma and Divyang Thakkar

Ranveer Singh and Maneesh Sharma’s journeys to the big screen have been intertwined. With his directorial debut Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), Sharma not only gave us a sparkling rom-com, but also introduced a powerful actor in Singh. Twelve years and two collaborations later, the filmmaker is happy to reunite with his protege for Jayeshbhai Jordaar.

“Over the past decade, Ranveer’s growth has been there for all to see. He has cemented his position as a versatile leading man, and created an enviable track record of box-office successes,” says the proud mentor.

In chronicling the adventures of a small-town businessman, director Divyang Thakkar’s social comedy — also starring Shalini Pandey — reportedly makes a statement about gender equality. The producer feels that Jayeshbhai Jordaar is right up Singh’s alley as the actor is known to front films with compelling stories at their core.

“Ranveer inherently likes to push boundaries as an artiste in the world of commercial films. That makes him part of the rare breed of artistes who are stars. With Jayeshbhai, he will redefine the idea of a commercial film hero.” Sharma adds that as soon as Thakkar narrated the script to him, he wanted to put his weight behind the “unique” story. “I saw the prospect of creating something original here.”

Band Baaja Baaraat director on reuniting with protege Ranveer Singh for Jayeshbhai Jordaar
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 7, 2020)

Jayeshbhai Jordaar marks Ranveer Singh's return to the Yash Raj Films fold after almost four years. The social comedy also reunites him with filmmaker Maneesh Sharma, who had plucked the Bandra boy for his directorial venture, Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), thus setting into motion a stellar career for Singh. A decade since, Sharma — who is producing the film that also stars Shalini Pandey — is proud to see the actor's meteoric rise in the industry.

"We have finished shooting Jayeshbhai Jordaar and I will stick my neck out to say that Ranveer has delivered his career-best performance with this film. When we set out to make the film, we had visualised the characters in a certain way. Ranveer, with his performance, has taken the film to the next level," he says. The Divyang Thakkar-directed movie revolves around a Gujarati man who becomes an unlikely hero when he champions the cause of women empowerment.

Ratna Pathak Shah joins the cast of theatre actor-turned-director's Jayeshbhai Jordaar, to play Ranveer Singh's mom
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 30, 2020)

Even as Ranveer Singh continues filming Jayeshbhai Jordaar, director Divyang Thakkar is zeroing in on the supporting cast. In the latest development, Ratna Pathak Shah has been roped in to play Singh's mother. Interestingly, actor-turned-director Thakkar was one of Pathak's protégés in theatre and was eager to have her on board his maiden directorial venture.

"Some months ago, a young actor came to me with a script. Actors making movies can be tricky, so I was cautious as I began reading, but was thoroughly entertained by the end of the script. The story not only had a message, but also had heart," smiles Pathak, adding that the sharply written story takes on patriarchy. "It talks about issues close to my heart."

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; January 14, 2020)

Only months after he wrapped up the shoot of '83, Boman Irani will be joining Ranveer Singh on a movie set again. The veteran actor has been brought on board Jayeshbhai Jordaar as the leading man's father in the comedy.

Describing the actor as a powerhouse performer, Irani says, "Working with Ranveer is always fun. As an artiste, he gives his all in every scene and it is gratifying to creatively collaborate with such people." He adds that the father-son equation depicted in the film is far from conventional, and takes the narrative forward. Irani, who is expected to join the Gujarat schedule soon, says he is eager to bring alive debutant director Divyang Thakkar's "rare find" of a script. "Divyang is a writer and director to watch out for. He has written something thought-provoking and delivered it in the most entertaining manner," he says.

Producer Maneesh Sharma says, "His body of work speaks volumes about his acting prowess. His presence is invaluable as he livens up every scene with his unique touch."

Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 4, 2019)

Be it Padmaavat, Simmba (both 2018), Gully Boy, Bajirao Mastani (2015) or even his earlier films such as Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela or Lootera (both 2013), he has always had a strong penchant to be chameleon-like, in terms of the variety in his parts. Now, once again, Ranveer Singh seems set to take the ‘different’ route with his next titled Jayeshbhai Jordaar, in which he plays a Gujarati.

If you look closely at the first look of Ranveer from the film, the actor seems to have transformed himself again by shedding many kilos to sport a distinct avatar. Also, in the still, he is seemingly trying to protect the women standing behind him. Ask Ranveer about his new avatar and he says: “As Charlie Chaplin once said: ‘To truly laugh, you must be able to take your pain, and play with it’. Jayeshbhai is an unlikely hero, an ordinary man, who ends up doing something extraordinary when he’s hurled into a threatening situation. He is sensitive and compassionate, and believes in equal rights between men and women in a society that is deeply rooted in patriarchal ideals and practices.”

The actor readily admits that Jayeshbhai presented an “exciting challenge” to him in terms of “deconstructing myself in order to transform into a kind of character I’ve never inhabited before”. The film will also see Ranveer teaming up with debutant writer-director Divyang Thakkar on “a miracle script” that is set in Gujarat. “Divyang has poured his soul into this brilliant piece of writing that will nudge you to introspect whilst making you smile and laugh the entire time,” says Ranveer.

For filmmaker Maneesh Sharma, who discovered Divyang and is producing the film, Ranveer is “fearless when it comes to inhabiting a role”. He adds: “He has continued [with the new film] his risk-taking behaviour, while eschewing his looks for his character’s needs. This faith in the director’s vision and the self-confidence of going against your image is what makes Ranveer a filmmaker’s delight.”

Meena Iyer (DNA; May 27, 2019)

Ranveer Singh’s star is in the ascendant. This B-Town hottie is choosing his films with a lot of love and precision. And because he’s on a roll, every movie he gives his nod to is being keenly watched. His recent collaborations with Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Padmaavat), Rohit Shetty (Simmba) and Zoya Akhtar (Gully Boy) have left an indelible impression on the minds of viewers. Not to forget, these films have also made a mammoth contribution to the box office. That’s why he’s called B-Town ‘actor with a midas touch’.

The debonair superstar is currently in London shooting for Kabir Khan’s cricket saga ’83. But in the midst of all this, he has given his nod to his next project (also his release following ’83) that is bound to bring a smile to your face.

Yes, Ranveer and Yash Raj Films are coming together on what the actor calls ‘a miracle script’ penned by debutant writer-director Divyang Thakkar. The first-timer will direct the 33-year-old in a humourous entertainer set in Gujarat. Produced by YRF’s own Maneesh Sharma, who also discovered Divyang, the film will go on floors this October.

Ranveer says, “I’ve been immensely fortunate to have collaborated with some of the finest filmmakers in our country. It is gratifying that they believed in my craft and chose me to lead their cinematic vision. All that I have achieved as an actor today is due to these titanic forces showing their faith in me. I’m glad that today I find myself in a position where I can recognise exceptional talent and wholeheartedly back the vision of a brilliant new writer-director like Divyang. Jayeshbhai Jordaar will be my next release after ’83.”

He adds, “Jayeshbhai is a film with a big heart. In its concept and appeal, it encompasses the broadest spectrum of the cinema-loving audience — it’s a movie for everyone! It is, in fact, a ‘miracle script’ that YRF found for me out of nowhere. The sheer brilliance of the writing compelled me to immediately green-light this project. Both humourous and poignant, Jayeshbhai is right up there with the most solid on-paper material I’ve come across.”

Maneesh, who made his directorial debut with Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), which was Ranveer’s launch pad, says, “For a filmmaker, the holy grail is a script that is a balance of a relevant message delivered in an entertaining manner. Divyang’s script is a great example of this and we are all excited to have him helm it. What makes this a truly thrilling venture is that I see this as Ranveer and I ‘paying it forward’. Almost a decade ago, we started our journey together when YRF placed their faith in us newcomers. Today, we collaborate with another new talent to offer the audiences a content-driven mass entertainer.”