A still from Laapataa Ladies; Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra; Operation Valentine

Last weekend was crowded at the box office with Crakk— Jeetegaa Toh Jiyegaa, All India Rank and Article 370 hitting the marquee. But there’s more waiting in the wings. Six films are slated to release this Friday—director Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, Varun Tej’s Operation Valentine, Ranvir Shorey-led Accident Or Conspiracy: Godhra, Rasika Dugal-starrer Fairy Folk, Bejoy Nambiar’s bilingual Dange, and Kaagaz 2 that was created by the late Satish Kaushik. Naturally then, it will be a fight for eyeballs.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh notes that while most are small films, Laapataa Ladies, a social comedy revolving around two new brides who are accidentally switched, has an advantage over the rest. Reason? Producer Aamir Khan, and Rao at the helm.

“It’s attracting attention because of Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao reuniting after Dhobi Ghat [2011]. It also has a studio [Jio Studios] backing it. There are limited theatres, among which Fighter, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, Article 370 and Crakk [are vying for screens]. Laapataa Ladies will get preference, after which the remaining movies will be given screens. The problem is not for exhibitors, but for the common man, who doesn’t have the time or money to watch so many films. He’ll go for just one, as he knows the rest will release on OTT. So, [the filmmakers’] motive of being seen in theatres is lost,” he explains.

Exhibitor Akshaye Rathi, however, is optimistic. He points out small films can co-exist easily. “Across 9,200 cinemas, we can easily accommodate these films and the spillover. None is a big movie; instead, these will be driven by their content. Such movies don’t require showcasing in thousands of theatres.”

Each offering belongs to a different genre. While Operation Valentine is an action thriller based on the Pulwama attack and the subsequent Balakot air strike by the Indian Air Force, Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra traces the events surrounding the 2002 Godhra train burning. Meanwhile, Kaagaz 2, starring Anupam Kher and Anang Desai, is a drama about a father’s quest for justice after his daughter’s death. 

Quiz why so many films have booked the March 1 window when it doesn’t even offer an advantage of a holiday, and trade analyst Atul Mohan reasons, “There are only 52 Fridays in a year. When a big movie releases, many producers avoid a release the next week. Also, a theatrical release is a must today to get an OTT release. Some films may be seeking a token release for this purpose, while others do it to get subsidies from different states.”

Five hundred and thirty-four — that’s how many films Anupam Kher has done in his career. And the actor is in no mood to stop, having recently announced his 535th film: a Kannada project titled Ghost with actor Ravi Teja.

While at it, he also shoots down the notion that actors stop bagging meaty roles after a certain age. “Fantastic things are happening. We have young writers writing stories for people who are above 60. Recently, I did a film called The Signature. It is a love story by Gajendra Ahire, a Marathi director. I have signed one-two more films. I have done one with (actor) Vidyut Jammwal. Then there’s (late actor-filmmaker) Satish Kaushik’s Kaagaz 2 and Emergency. I am challenging myself in different ways,” the actor says.

The 68-year-old emphasizes on stories revolving around people of his age group, and not being neglected. “New scripts are written, and they are coming from 30-year-old writers. Today, Indian cinema is not dependent on a certain kind of hero. I recently got a Best Actor award!” says Kher.

This zest also reflects in his dedication towards fitness. His social media often features visuals of him working out and taking swimming lessons. It is also because so many senior actors are competing for the same role, says Kher. “[There is] all the more reason for us to be physically fit. When people are casting you for films, and when they see the person trying to be physically fit, it gives them courage not only because [you] are a good actor, but have a hunger. I am hungry — I will never say, ‘Bahut kaam kar liya, ab nahin’. This is the best field, there’s no syllabus here. There’s always something new happening,” explains the actor.

Satish Kaushik passed away last week after suffering a heart attack. Over the past few months, the actor-filmmaker was focused on his upcoming production, Kaagaz 2, starring Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumaar and him. While some wondered about the social drama’s fate after Kaushik’s demise, mid-day has learnt that the VK Prakash-directed venture is complete, with only the finishing touches remaining.

Like Pankaj Tripathi-starrer Kaagaz (2021), the spiritual sequel too will focus on how the common man’s needs are neglected by the system. With a clerk who loses his child, at the centre of the narrative, the drama will emphasize how the government needs to change its attitude towards human rights. Producer Ratan Jain says that the shoot was wrapped up in Lucknow last November.

“Satish had completed everything, and the post-production is almost over. Since the film was shot in sync sound, dubbing is not required. Background music is done, only mixing is left at this stage. Satish’s nephew Nishant is taking care of things. Our production house has been in the film business for many years. If anything was left, we could have completed it. The movie was largely shot in Lucknow, with a segment filmed at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun,” shares Jain.

The producer reveals that the team is planning a digital release for Kaagaz 2, and has initiated talks in this regard. “We are in talks with an OTT platform. We should get [a streaming partner] in the next two to three months. If someone wants to release it in the next 10 days, I am ready to deliver,” he smiles.

Kaushik planned to turn Kaagaz into a franchise, telling stories that highlight the common man’s socio-economic struggles. When the sequel had gone on floors in Lucknow last July, the actor-producer had spoken to mid-day, sharing his enthusiasm about the project (Satish Kaushik gets real, July 3).

He had said, “Kaagaz is about how a piece of paper can make a difference to someone’s life, where the common man gets neglected by the system and how he gets justice. In Kagaaz 2, I play a poor, self-respecting clerk who loses his child. [The story traces] how Anupam Kher and Darshan Kumaar, who play father and son, [help] me get justice.”

Neena Gupta admits that she is in the best phase of her life with good work coming her way. Though there has never been any doubt about her skills as an actor, the roles she was offered weren’t matching her expectations, until Badhaai Ho came her way. The film opened the floodgates and marked the beginning of a new chapter in Neena’s professional life.

“I did not get work because of my Insta posts, I got it because of Badhaai Ho (2018). That film changed the course for me. I was recognized as a good actor and that got me more work and respect. It’s unbelievable at times to see such good work coming to me now. There was a time when I thought that nothing much would happen unless I made a film for myself. However, I am fortunate that things have changed today, because of OTT platforms and other factors. There are young filmmakers who are working on amazing subjects and older filmmakers who have changed their styles. I am in a very good phase in my life, workwise and otherwise,” she says.

While Neena has directed shows like Saans, she has no intention of getting behind the camera any time soon. She explains, “People ask me about directing or producing a film and I say, ‘No, this phase has come after many years of hard work, as well as no work, so let me enjoy it fully.’ I am lucky, I am working hard, and I am very happy. My daughter Masaba has also grown up, so, I don’t feel guilty that I am working. She is extremely supportive and tells me to do as much work as I can because she understands that I didn’t get what I wanted to do for many years.”

Her newfound success has, in fact, made her immune to the way the film industry often slots actresses on the basis of their looks and glamour quotient. She shares, “The tendency to slot actresses in a particular mould is still prevalent. That still happens, although I have tried a lot to break it. Today, if you see my work, I am playing totally different characters in my projects. This is exactly what I did earlier, too, but because of this, I didn’t get work. However, fortunately, times have changed and so have people. They are offering and accepting me in varied roles. Having said that, even today, some filmmakers prefer to take a yesteryear heroine instead of me in a role, just like it was back in the day because she was more known in her younger days. It has happened — that I was offered a role and then I came to know that they have replaced me with another actress who was a bigger name in her heydays.”

She adds, “These things happen, but I don’t lose heart. If a director or producer thinks that a particular artiste is better for them, I am nobody to tell them otherwise. I am also not bitter about it because I am getting good work. Toh agar ek aadh cheez mein bura lagta hai toh itna bhi nahi lagta. If I crib, God will think that after having given me so much I am still complaining, so that would not be fair (smiles!).”

Among the many films that she has taken up includes Satish Kaushik’s Kaagaz 2. Talking about it, she shares, “I liked the story of the film as it is socially relevant. I admire a filmmaker’s work when there is a purpose behind their films and they have something socially relevant to say.”

Besides, doing the film was a no-brainer as the filmmaker and she go a long way back. She adds, “We have known each other since the time Satish Kaushik ji was in Kirorimal College and I was in Janki Devi Mahavidyalaya. There is a bonding and friendship between us that cannot wither away just because we don’t meet or work with each other. When he approached me for the film, he didn’t ask me whether I wanted to do the film, but just said, ‘You have to do it.’ I feel proud that he keeps making socially relevant films, like Kaagaz.”

Satish Kaushik, who is currently filming the sequel of Kaagaz with Anupam Kher in Lucknow, intends to create a franchise of the same name. The actor, who is also producing the V K Prakash-directed venture, intends to make Kaagaz a series of films that revolve around the struggle of the common man’s socio-economic issues, and will establish the need for the government to change their perspective towards human rights.

Kaushik says, “[We want to showcase] that when the common man gets neglected by the system, he can seek justice. We will do this in an entertaining way, with drama, emotions, and humour. We will address economic issues and suggest solutions to problems. Today, people want to watch real stories related to real India, so we will take up various real-life incidents and dramatise them.”

Pointing out that Kaagaz, which revolved around a man who had been declared dead, effected change in the Uttar Pradesh administration, he says, “Many dead men were made alive in many district administrations, and that’s when I thought we could take this forward. In Kaagaz 2, I play a poor, but self-respecting clerk, who works in the water management department. He loses his beloved child, and gets justice with the help of characters played by Anupam and Darshan Kumaar.” 

Ask him if his friend Salman Khan will extend a helping hand for this second edition as well after having narrated a poem in the first film, and Kaushik says, “As soon as I complete the first schedule in Lucknow on July 17, I will try to show him some of the rushes. When we started shooting for Kaagaz 2, he was shooting for another film. But I informed him about it, and he responded with a thumbs-up [emoji].”

Darshan Kumaar, who is enjoying the popularity he has gained in recent times, feels grateful for all the love he is getting from the audience. “It feels surreal actually. It’s taken a long, long time for me to come here but I don’t want to take all of this for granted. It feels good now when people recognize me and acknowledge me. I have some wonderful projects in my repertoire, I have been fortunate to have worked with some of the best people in the industry in TV and in films and now web too. For instance, now I’m working with Satish sir, Anupam sir and Neena Gupta ji again in Kaagaz 2. I have learnt so much from them,” he says.

Remembering that period of struggle when he would subside on glucose biscuits and travel on foot across Mumbai for auditions, only to be rejected, Darshan says, “I would wear slippers and carry my shoes in a packet so that they wouldn’t get dirty, and would change into them for auditions. There have been so many times when I’ve had the doors shut on my face when I’ve gone to ask for work. And now, people are sending me scripts at my home.”

But he says there were people along the way who helped him and gave him advice which he follows till date. He shares, “Working with Neena Gupta ji, Naseer sir in theatre and the likes of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Manoj Pahwa, Satish Kaushik, Prakash Jha sir has been a very enriching experience for me. I remember I was so nervous when I had to face the media for the first time during the promotion of Mary Kom. I was just in my jeans and T-shirt and was so nervous when all the cameras started popping in my face. I would close my eyes each time the flash would go on. Then Priyanka (Chopra Jonas) told me, just be your honest self because nothing is hidden from the camera. Be honest and be confident. And that’s what I did.”

Doing theatre and ads helped Darshan, also seen as the antagonist in Anushka Sharma’s NH10 and a lawyer in Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Sarbjit, carry on with his dreams. “When I started my career there were very few options for actors. I was mainly focusing on my theatre shows at that time. Once during my morning walk I met Dimpy, a casting director, who used to reside in the same society. She asked me to visit her office and audition for a TV series. It was my first audition and that’s how I got selected for my first serial Chhoti Bahu,” he says. Later, Darshan went on to do shows like Baba Aiso Varr Dhoondo and Devon Ke Dev. . . Mahadev.

Talking about television these days, Darshan says, “I understand that our TV industry works on TRPs and so the content providers are also focussing on the tracks which are mostly loved by our audiences.” 

And although Darshan is busy with film projects, he says he would love to be on a TV show again. “I would love to host a reality show. TV is the best medium to connect with people as you become a part of their everyday life and in turn are showered with immense love.”

Ask him why these days there are few experienced actors from theatre making a foray on TV and Darshan says, “Now thanks to the OTT platform it has opened a new horizon for actors as well as producers, directors and technicians. So now along with good content there is a demand for good actors in our industry. I believe this has helped many theatre actors as well as method actors to perform their dream roles in TV serials as well as in OTT and other various platforms. On the other hand now all newcomers are getting a good opportunity to perform in serials where they are earning as well as learning their craft everyday so it’s a win-win situations for everyone.”

Satish Kaushik knows how to strike a balance between his two profiles as an actor and filmmaker. If the actor makes you laugh with some of his performances in breezy entertainers, the filmmaker is also known for directing intense social dramas like Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (1999) and his last directorial Kaagaz (2021). He is now backing Kaagaz 2, which went on the floor recently. Unlike the first instalment, which was directed by Kaushik himself, the second one will be helmed by renowned South filmmaker V K Prakash.

Ask the actor-filmmaker if the movie marks the beginning of the Kaagaz franchise, and he says, “Yes, it does. The aim is to highlight issues that are true to life with an emotional treatment and a dash of humour.”

Kaagaz 2 is part of the actor-filmmaker’s dream to create a brand that “tells stories of the common man’s problems and struggle caused by the negligence of our system”.

He elaborates, “Kaagaz and Kaagaz 2 have been aptly titled because the subject of both films is about the power of official documents. They make a positive statement about improving our system as the films do not only highlight issues, but also suggest solutions. The first instalment was about a common man being declared dead on paper and his struggle to prove his existence. On the other hand, Kaagaz 2 is about human rights violations. It showcases a common man’s struggle to get justice for his daughter, who loses her life due to a protest on the road.”

The film has Anupam Kher and Darshan Kumaar sharing screen space. “Anupam was the perfect choice to play Darshan’s father. He has been a dear friend of mine for many years and he is a great actor,” says Kaushik, adding, “Besides, he and Darshan look great as father and son.”

The filmmaker-actor will also be playing an important role in the film, which in his words, is “something that I have never attempted before.”