While watching MSG – The Messenger Part 1, I was all alone in the theatre after a point and I had a great time cheering and hooting for Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan aka Pitaji, all alone. But watching MSG 2 – The Messenger was 100 times more fun as my show was sold out and was full of Pitaji’s fans (later I found out that they had worked in the film as well, in some capacity). Needless to say, almost the whole show was block booked and only 4-5 genuine viewers were present and I was one of them. Shockingly, not a single fan of Pitaji stood up when the National Anthem was played. I was the only one who stood up and it felt like I was in a foreign country surrounded by non-Indians who had no idea what Jana Gana Mana is all about! But they were quite fun people and they were constantly clapping and whistling on Pitaji’s dialogues and when he defeated villains who hardly put up any fight. Talking about the film, this time I knew what to expect. And as I had hoped, Pitaji attempted insane stunts, wore outrageous costumes, danced in full josh and even showed his magic tricks. Yet, I was shocked when it’s shown in the film that Pitaji is from the bloodline of Maharana Pratap or something. Songs, like in part 1, are out of tune and this time, Pitaji has been gracious enough to allow other characters to have a song to them. But it’s sung by Pitaji. It’s extremely strange to see that 2 adivasi lovers, in a dream song, wear modern glamorous costumes, while in the rest of the film they are anything but civilized. Dialogues are simple but one of them takes the cake – “Mujhe do cheezein nahin samjhi. Ek, usne mujhe maar kyun nahin daala. Aur do, usne mujhe zinda kyun rakha”! Jokes apart, Pitaji has been doing some incredible social work, glimpses of which are shown in the film. But he fails to understand that trying to be a larger than life actor is not working and only his fans who are getting free tickets are watching the film. And viewers like me who like trashy movies are going for it because, as George Mallory said, it’s (read: the movie is) there! And trashy movies and Pitaji fans will be happy to know that the film ends showing a 1000 feet demon all set to fight with Pitaji. In short, part 3 is in the offing. And this time I’ll be even more prepared and would not be shocked if the makers show that Pitaji can also increase his size to 1000 feet as he’s also the descendant of Lord Hanuman!

My rating - * out of 5! 

WILL IMRAN KHAN’S CAREER GET A FRESH TURN WITH KATTI BATTI?

Imran Khan might have failed to be an all-round actor but he has done a fine job in romantic films and romcoms. Even his last film, Gori Tere Pyaar Mein, was a romcom and was a decent fare. Sadly, it turned out to be a huge disaster. After almost 22 months, Imran Khan is back with a bang with Katti Batti, co-starring Kangana Ranaut and directed by Nikhil Advani. And thankfully for Imran, the film looks great and is all set to be a huge grosser if all goes well.

The promotions of the film kickstarted almost 3 months ago and has been interesting enough. The trailer did half the trick and generated lot of excitement. There was a doubt that whether Katti Batti is inspired from 500 Days Of Summer but the makers have assured that it’s not the case. The songs haven’t become chartbusters but are quite nice. Imran Khan looks great but it’s Kangana Ranaut who is one of the big highlights of the film. In fact she is on high post the extraordinary success of Tanu Weds Manu Returns. And if the film emerges a success, she’ll surely get a lot of credit for it.

Katti Batti has a clear one week run. Last week’s Hero has underperformed and hence, this film will get a huge release. However, the film looks like an urban flick and it remains to be seen if it can make a mark in the hinterland. This can affect the business to an extent. Also, it has to be a well-made film. Or else, it will fall after a great weekend. The film is directed by Nikhil Advani, who doesn’t have a great track record. In fact last week’s Hero was also directed by him and it hasn’t made a mark.

Katti Batti looks great and here’s hoping it works for everyone associated with it!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE KATTI BATTI AND WHY? DO LET US KNOW!
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The other release of the week is MSG 2 The Messenger, the sequel to the film MSG The Messenger that released in February 2015. Like the first part, it features Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan in a leading role. The makers assure that the sequel is based on a true story and that the stunts have been added for drama. Like part 1, the part 2 has some outrageous songs, sung, written and composed by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan himself.

A sequel is usually made if the part 1 is successful. The part 1 however was a colossal disaster and yet the makers have come up with part 2. In fact, the part 2 will be a bigger disaster as it’s releasing on a much smaller scale than the first part.

In a candid chat, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, who stars in the upcoming MSG 2, tells us about the film, motivating the youth and future plans
MID-DAY (September 16, 2015)

MSG 2, the sequel to MSG: The Messenger, which released earlier this year, is all set to hit theatres this Friday. Directed by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan and Jeetu Arora, the film is based on a series of true events that kickstarted when MSG took it upon himself to reform the tribal community. From murdering the innocent to feeding on raw flesh, the project captures the brutality of their life. As the story moves forward, a devastating drought in the area leaves these souls to deal with the situation on their own. At this point, Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, who plays himself, enters as the real life, selfless social reformer. 

In his pursuit to change the law of the jungle, he soon realises the task isn’t a cakewalk. And that triggers a conflict of epic proportions. Also, these folks’ grudge against the civilized lot only strengthens by the day, owing to an age- old secret, which is shrouded in suspense. However, Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan is determined to bring life into the heartless place and has his devotees supporting him to achieve his goals. After a huge battle, things settle and the uncivilised undergo major soul and behavioural makeovers. In addition to the above, the enemies who are bigger and way powerful jump into the fray and keep the action and drama alive in this racy and musical flick. Excerpts from the interview:

What makes MSG 2 different from the first part?
The story and the fight sequences are quite different and new. We have incorporated yoga and a few new techniques which the audiences are going to love. Apart from that, there is also a social message about superstition and the adivasi community. The film which talks about the transformation of the tribal community due to the Gurumantra questions the fact that if the adivasis can be transformed then why not the youth of this country. The film will entertain the audience along with giving them a social message.

How did you come up with the idea of a making a film?
We do a lot of concerts and during one such concert we noticed a young group of people who were regulars to our concerts missing from the front row. On asking them the reason for their absence the next time, they replied saying that they went to see a film. This gave us the idea of making a film with a social message to reach out to a wide audience.

A lot of people were opposing MSG 1. What problems did you face back then?
When MSG 1 was in post production we had already started shooting for the sequel. One day our company was told that the film wouldn’t be certified. A letter was issued saying that the Censor Board didn’t understand the film and hence it was referred to higher authorities. The film was then sent to the High Court and it is from there that we got the film censored. Later, the people who saw the film thanked us for making it as it had a social message. In fact, MSG 1 inspired a lot of people to give up their harmful habits.

You have always tried to inspire the youth of this country through your films. What other projects are in the pipeline?
Yes, we have always tried to motivate the youth and now, we are planning a special show on freedom fighters. The show aims at motivating the youth that gets depressed and is addicted to abusive substances. Apart from that we are planning a film that will showcase our culture, teaching of our religious scriptures and Vedas

What kind of films do you like? Who is your favourite actor?
I have watched only one film in my life and that too because the children promised me that if I watch a film, they will quit their addiction. It was way back in 1982-83 and I remember it was an Amitabh Bachchan film. Keeping their word, the children actually quit their harmful habits.

There have been rumours about you signing big actors for your upcoming films. How is true is it?
The next film will be made on a huge scale and will be bigger then Avatar. It obviously will have a lot of creativity involved. Also the production of the project will be at par with Hollywood. We are considering some big names and Hrithik Roshan has assured us that if need be, he will come on board. Once the script gets locked, we will finalise other things.

The film’s release is just around the corner. Are you planning anything special for its release?
No plans as such but yes we are planning a grand premiere of the film in Delhi where many known people are invited.

People talk about your fashion statements and we hear that you design your own clothes.
Yes, I had designed clothes for kids during their wedding and they liked it. Now the fashion line is so much in demand that I am planning to start a store for the same.

Apart from films, what are the other ways in which you motivate the youth? What plans do you have for them?
Apart from being a part of films and filmmaking, I am an international coach and we help kids develop their skills. The kids who trained under us have won the roller skating hockey competition for four times in Asian championships and apart from this there are many other sports where the kids have made the country proud. We always try and motivate them for a better future. We are also giving self-defense training to girls so that they can defend themselves in any situation.

How do you handle criticism and the opposition from people?
I remain relaxed and normal and concentrate on my work. We don’t have to fear anyone as we doing good work and God is with us.

BOMBAY TIMES (September 9, 2015)