Abhay Deol, who is heating up Instagram, talks to us about his home production, The Odds, and why he's finally in a happy space
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; April 28, 2019)

He may be the least flamboyant of all the Deols, but Abhay Deol has a charm that cinemagoers have always loved. Be it as the dysfunctional Dev in Dev D, the straightforward Arjun in Aisha, or the simple and sorted Kabir in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Deol has always brought a genuine quality to the characters he plays. You relate, you believe, you feel for him. These days, as he spends his time between LA, Goa and Mumbai, he is busy working and looking delicious on social media. His home production, The Odds, featured at the closing gala of the Los Angeles Film Festival, and his beach selfies are making everyone wonder, what is Deol up to? He spoke to us from LA. Edited excerpts.

We hear you have been dividing your time between Goa, LA and Mumbai. What relationship do you share with each of these cities?
Mumbai is where my work, friends and family are - it is the city I was born in and will always be where I came from. Goa is my new home, a place for rest and recuperation. LA is also home, as I have family here as well and friends. It is an inspiring place, where I have grown tremendously. Each one has been instrumental in my growth as an individual, they have taught me different lessons in life and continue to do so.

Tell us about The Odds.
It is a show about two kids out and about in the city and their time together. It is magic realism, it is surreal, it is unapologetically funny, it is an unexpected surprise to come out of India.

You have around five films that are ready for release. How would you describe the direction your acting career has taken, keeping these projects in mind?
The five projects I currently have couldn't be more different from each other. They are a mix of foreign and Indian productions. JL-50 is a sci-fi Canadian film set in Kolkata about a CBI detective who goes back in time to solve a crime; Line Of Decent is an American drama based on the land mafia in Delhi; The Odds is my own production with FilmKaravan Originals; Jungle Cry is a British production based on a true story about tribal kids from India, who went and won the under-14 rugby championship in the UK in 2007; and Chopsticks is the first Netflix original film to come out of India.

How have you evolved as an actor in the last few years?
I am more satisfied with where and who I am. I see it as a state of being, and I am thankful every day for the privilege of being this way. My acting is a constantly changing process, just like life. I am less affected by negativity and more absorbed by the positivity. I am more forgiving of myself and others and the world is my playground. I don't feel anger as much as I feel compassion.

With the digital revolution, actors like you have the opportunity to do roles that don't fit the mould of the 'hero', not that you ever played to that notion.
Yes, I was doing what the digital platforms are doing right from the start of my career. I have sacrificed instead of compromising. The digital space does not have the physical limits that cinema has. There are no boundaries, no borders, and it will constantly need content to survive.

You went through a trying time personally a few years ago. Haruki Murakami says, "When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in." How would you describe the person you are today?
We all go through ups and downs, but I don't stagnate for too long in one place. I am constantly moving. In a country like ours, wrecked with poverty and hunger, it is selfish to complain. I've led a privileged existence, I have a loving family, friends for life, I've taken a stand and done exactly as I've wanted to do in life. I focused on the positives when I was down and slowly, I felt selfish for being there. The beauty of it was that I was immediately catapulted to tremendous highs and I understood that to be high you have to start low. After that, I was thankful for even the lows as I needed them to be where I am today.

Your Instagram game is completely on point, and the hot beach pictures have been making the ladies drool. How does that adulation feel?
Ha, ha, thank you. Adulation is always welcome. At first, I saw social media as a necessary evil, but like with everything else, I looked for the positives in it. I can connect directly to my audience, clarify a misquote, bring awareness, talk about the things I want to talk about, market myself and those I want to. It's important not to get addicted to it, as the saying goes, you cannot have too much of a good thing. Everything in moderation!

Actor returns after a two-year hiatus with new genres, international collaborations and a Tamil film in which he plays King Vikramaditya
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 30, 2018)

In the past, every time you’ve disappeared from the screen, you have come back having honed your talent or learnt a new skill. So, what have you been up to in the two years since Happy Bhaag Jayegi?
This time my energies were focused essentially on work. Acting, producing, developing scripts and setting up a distribution space take time. Just finishing five–six movies took about a year. Now, Nanu Ki Jaanu is up for release, The Field is into post production and almost complete and JL-50 has just around six days of work left.

You’re returning after a two-year hiatus with a horror-comedy?
It was a bit of a challenge because the two genres don’t mix since you can’t laugh and be scared at the same time. But at the end of the day, it’s a pure entertainer, an extremely funny and family-friendly film which is sure to connect with a large audience. For me, it was an enjoyable and inclusive process because it reunited me with Manu Rishi Chadha who is a really talented actor-writer and the director, Faraz Haider, was the first AD on my 2008 National Award-wining black comedy, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! He was the guy in the paan-beedi shop in the last scene who tells me I look familiar and I respond saying, “TV par dekha hoga.”

Have you ever had a supernatural encounter?
Never, but I live my life knowing there are things I don’t know of and that leaves me open to every possibility. There are those who claim to have seen ghosts. Who am I to say if they are lying or are delusional? Maybe some are, maybe some aren’t.

We have been reading that you’re in the Happy sequel but unsure whether it’s an extended cameo or a full-fledged role?
I’m equally confused because I’ve been reading this too but the makers haven’t been in touch with me so I know as much as you do. If they came to me, I’d be happy to be a part of it. I like director Mudassar’s (Aziz) work and Aanand (producer Aanand L Rai) is a friend and a fab director. I’m doing a cameo in his Zero. I didn’t have too many days of shoot but it was nice working with Shah Rukh (Khan), a thorough professional, and Katrina (Kaif) whom I’ve known since the Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara days.

Every time we meet Aanand, he says he needs to give you a full-fledged role that will do complete justice to your talent. When is that happening?
Ask Aanand. After hearing him say this for two years, I’ve told him to stop else I won’t take him seriously. That upset him a bit but I assured him that I will always love him with or without a great role.

Playing a CBI officer in a sci-fi, another unexplored genre for Hindi cinema, must be interesting?
JL-50 is not a big-budget, superhero- with-weapons-drawn drama but a hi-content sci-fi. The makers are Indian by birth but settled in Canada. You don’t get to be a part of too many films that originate in one country but are shot in another country in another language. The makers of this one speak Hindi and understand our culture but, as Canadians, they can make movies we Indians can’t and get a lot of support in terms of subsidies, distribution network and suchlike.

The Field is also an international production…
That’s a bi-lingual American production, 70 percent Hindi and 30 percent English, on Indian issues, and filmed in India.

How different was it shooting for American, Canadian and Indian productions?
No real difference because actors and filmmakers across the world are similar as they are dealing with similar issues and working in the same space towards the same goal. Different cultures but professionally alike.

And how different was it working in a Tamil film, Idhu Vedhalam Sollum Kadhai (IVSK) after playing a Tam-Brahm in Dibakar Banerjee’s Shanghai?
I repeat, filmmakers are filmmakers across the border, only their style, approach to work and the kind of movies they want to make differ. IVSK is an action-adventure, graphic novelesque pulp fiction that debutant director Rathindran Prasad has written himself. It’s wonderful to be a part of someone’s passion project and bring his vision to the screen. Yes, I had to speak Tamil — ancient Tamil — but Rati would laugh, that for me any Tamil was Greek and Latin.

Was playing King Vikramaditya a departure from your cool onscreen yuppies?
I know, often when you’re dealing with an ancient scenario, the writing is over-the-top but this one is very contemporary in its treatment so I didn’t have to deliver my lines dramatically. This film was in my space and I could play it real.

For someone who knows the craft so well, why don’t you dabble in writing and direction?
After Dev D, I am developing another script but I’m not sure if I will direct it. Just because I understand the craft, can act and am involved in other aspects of filmmaking doesn’t mean that I can direct too. I must feel the desire to do so. It all comes down to, ‘Is there a story to tell?’ If there is, I’ll jump into it. For now, I’m happy acquiring films and documentaries and trying to create an audience for them. When I was making Dev D, Ek Chalis Ki Last Local, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! multiplexes were mushrooming and suddenly there was space for other cinema. But then the expansion stopped and in an industry which is more oriented towards business rather than creativity, I felt the lack of support and space, and with the advent of digital platforms, decided to encourage talented makers to take chances.

When do you start distributing mainstream films?
That’s too big a space for me. There are far too many people there already. As an actor, I do mainstream and indie films already. (Smiles) You should know your aces and weaknesses.

Indians love playing the matchmaker and there are many out there wondering about your shaadi…
(Laughs) Maybe not in real life but you will see me in a lot of shaadi-type movies. Three such scripts have come my way already. As long as I’m not married, I guess I’ll continue to get such ‘Will he? Won’t he?’ projects.

BOMBAY TIMES (March 4, 2018)

Here’s some good news for Abhay Deol fans. The actor spent last year setting the stage for five films that are in post production and now, he has signed two more.

Abhay has just wrapped up shooting with Brendan Fraser (of The Mummy and George Of The Jungle fame) for the film, The Field, which is a thriller based on the land mafia in Delhi. The actor will be seen getting into a cop avatar in the movie.

From the start of his career, Abhay has always taken chances with his film choices, even when it comes to working with first-time directors — Imtiaz Ali, Reema Kagti or Navdeep Singh. Five of the seven films he’s working on currently, are being helmed by new directors. Talking about it, the actor says, “I’m very excited, I love working with new talent. My endeavour is to raise the bar with every project I do.”

Meanwhile, the actor is working on another out-of-the-box dark comedy, Nanu Ki Jannu that will hit theatres in April 2018. The movie is an afterlife love story and stars Abhay and Patralekhaa in leading roles.

Post the comedy, he will complete filming for JL-50, a Canadian production in Hindi. He will then start working on Sahlath, which will go on floors in June.

With so many releases on his plate, looks like Abhay’s fans will have a variety to choose from.

Abhay Deol on Bollywood’s affinity for slapstick, the supernatural love story he has signed on, and why the term ‘smaller films’ is offensive
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 23, 2017)

You’ve described Faraz Haider’s Nanu Ki Jaanu, which you just started shooting for, as a dark comedy. Given how selective you are, what got the nod from you?
Nanu Ki Jaanu is a supernatural love story as well as a dark comedy. Dark comedy is rare in Bollywood because for too long, we have been fed a formula of slapstick and stereotypes. I enjoy them because it’s one of the toughest things to bring humour into a dramatic situation. I enjoy walking on the edge.

Any favourites in the genre?
There are many directors I admire who work primarily in this genre— Stanley Kubrick, Terry Gilliam, Coen Bros and Tim Burton to name a few.

You are working with Patralekhaa for the first time. Have you seen any of her earlier films, including Citylights and Love Games?
I haven’t seen either of them, but I am looking forward to work with her. She has a great look and has received a lot of critical acclaim for her performances. We haven’t shot together yet, but I’m eagerly waiting for our first day together. We will be shooting the film in Noida and Delhi. It will be completed by the end of October.

What’s happening with Shailender Vyas’ JL-50 and Rohit Batra’s The Field?
Both are in post-production at the moment. What’s interesting about these two films is that while one is a Canadian production and the other American, they are both in Hindi. The Field is partly in English as it also has international actors. JL-50 is a sci-fi film, while The Field is a drama, but neither conform to the Bollywood formula. I guess that’s because they have been made by those outside the Indian film industry.

What was the experience of shooting The Field like?
Every film goes into your memory bank, some memories are good and some are bad. The Field is a good memory. It has an ensemble cast drawn from different parts of the world and some very talented actors. The director was inspired by Brian De Palma and that approach in our cinema has turned out to be unique.

Will you be seen in the sequel to Mudassar Aziz’s romcom Happy Bhag Jayegi, titled Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, which opened last year? Producer Aanand L Rai has announced that he will be taking the franchise forward.
Your guess is as good as mine! I’ve read reports of me doing a cameo in it, but the makers have not told me anything yet. But it’s Aanand Rai and Mudassar and for them, I’d be happy to do it if they ask.

Have you seen Aanand L Rai’s recently released Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhoomi Pednekar starrer Shubh Mangal Savdhan, which focuses on the problem of erectile dysfunction? Would you be open to doing a sex comedy like that?
I would do a sex comedy if I liked the script. Honestly, I’m happy doing all genres, my next four films are all from different genres. I’m having fun going from one set to another, from one approach to another. Variety is the spice of life.

Any recent films you have watched and enjoyed?
I haven’t had the time to watch anything in the last six months. The last film I saw was Lion, which I thoroughly enjoyed, particularly Dev Patel’s work.

What’s been keeping you busy?
My Tamil film IVSK (Idhu Vedhalam Sollum Kathai), which I have produced and done a cameo in is in post-production. IVSK is the second film I have produced after One By Two and I have enjoyed the experience both times. I don’t have any plans to direct yet, but I’m busy reading scripts and getting distribution for non-formula films on the OTT platforms.

This year, a number of small, off-beat films like Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Bareilly Ki Barfi, Hindi Medium and Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya have fared well at the boxoffice. Must be heart-warming for you since you have always promoted smaller films?
I don’t promote “smaller films”. The industry and the media label them “small” because they define “big” and “small” according to the budget. Most of those films have been much bigger than most formula films in their ambition and ideas. This year has shown us “big” films with a “small” vision, and “small” films that have been “big” on vision.

Abhay Deol on his next, a sci-fi film currently being shot in Kolkata
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 29, 2017)

Abhay Deol who was last seen in Aanand L Rai’s 2016 romcom, Happy Bhag Jayegi, now plays a CBI detective who travels through time and space to solve a mystery

You have been hopping from one genre to the next, why sci-fi now?
Why not? I’ve always loved the genre and I haven’t had the chance to make one yet. They don’t write them often as they usually have high budgets. But high concepts don’t need high costs.

What does the film’s title, JL-50, signify?
It is the number for a passenger aircraft.

So, tell us about JL-50, like James Cameron’s Avatar, is it going to be set in a different world and will it require any special get-ups?
JL-50 is set in this world and my character travels through space/time to solve a mystery that has a life-changing effect on him. There are no light sabers, no men in spandex with capes and no furry creatures. It’s actually about real life and an extraordinary event.

Given that you are an environmentalist, will it have a message to propagate?
A film doesn’t necessarily need a message, some have, some don’t. This film isn’t being made with a message in mind, but I am sure everyone who sees it will get their individual message.

Are you only acting in it or are you also involved in the capacity of a producer?
I am only acting in this one.

Which is your favourite sci-fi film and is there any particular character in it, which is a reference point for you in this film?
Many! Blade Runner, Star Wars, 2001: A Space Odyssey, the list is long. Hans Solo, Rick Deckard, Marty Mcfly are some great characters from the classics I grew up watching.

Can you point to any one Hindi sci-fi film, which has taken our cinema a notch higher? What kind of benchmarks are you aiming to set in terms of narrative and VFX with your film?
Not in Hindi, but Baahubali comes to mind when you talk of taking things a notch higher currently. From the classics, Mr India is a milestone in our cinema. I’m not aiming for a benchmark, I just hope the filmmakers have good VFX for the parts that require them. The narrative worked really well for me, which is why I said ‘yes’ to the project. After working with the director (Shailender Vyas), I can tell he has an eye for detail, apart from being a good writer, so I’m hoping for the best.

Where is it going to be shot? Are there any Hollywood technicians involved?
We are shooting in Kolkata at the moment. It’s a Canadian production, so it has a significant number of Canadian crew, including the director and the DoP. Piyush Mishra called me and introduced me to the makers. He’s already worked with them and is not only acting in this film, but writing the songs as well. This is my second film with him after Happy Bhag Jayegi, back to back!

Is it about a superhero?
Like I mentioned earlier, no spandex and no capes!

As an actor, what challenges you?
I don’t go out looking for challenges, they find you. I am only looking for simple stories with simple characters. In this market, they seem to be the most complex ones to create or find. In this film, I play a CBI detective on a case that takes him on a journey that has far-reaching consequences.

Tell us about the rest of the cast. Is there a heroine, antagonist or an alien?
It’s not a romantic film so there’s no ‘heroine’. There are good guys and bad guys and joining me for the ride are Piyush Mishra and Pankaj Kapur.