Showing posts with label Mrigdeep Singh Lamba. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mrigdeep Singh Lamba. Show all posts
Kartik Aaryan's Naagzilla to wrap up in February, on time for its August 14 release
9:29 AM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; January 14, 2026)
Is it Kartik Aaryan? Is it a shape-shifting snake? Well, it’s Aaryan filming his portions as a serpent in his next, Naagzilla: Naag Lok Ka Pehla Kaand. Sources have told mid-day that director Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, and the actor are currently shooting the creature comedy’s penultimate leg in Mumbai, with the duo planning to wrap up the project by February-end.
A source revealed, “Ravi Kishan too is part of the ongoing schedule. In February, the crew will move to Delhi for the last leg that will go on for a month. With that, the principal production will be complete, and March will be reserved for patch work.”
To ensure that Naagzilla meets its August 14 release date, we’ve heard that the VFX work is underway simultaneously. “Considering it’s a VFX-heavy film, the makers want it to be perfect so that it’s an immersive experience for the audience. Once the shoot is over, the team will take stock of the work left and the amount of time needed,” added the source.
The creature comedy marks Aaryan’s second collaboration with Dharma Productions after Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (2025).
Did you know?
‘Naagzilla’ stars South actor Sreeleela as the female lead. It marks her second outing with Kartik Aaryan, opposite whom she is making her Bollywood debut with Anurag Basu’s musical drama.
Kartik Aaryan's Naagzilla makers considering Laapataa Ladies actor Pratibha Ranta to play the lead
8:27 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 8, 2025)
Pratibha Ranta, who made a splash with her debut film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ (2024), is now said to be the frontrunner to play the female lead in Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Naagzilla: Naag Lok Ka Pehla Kaand’. Director Mrigdeep Singh Lamba’s creature comedy went on floors this week, even as the makers are simultaneously finalizing the female lead.
A source reveals, “Sanya Malhotra was the makers’ first choice and everyone on the team had assumed she would be signed long ago. But recent developments suggest that the team has widened their search and is now considering Pratibha.”
‘Naagzilla’, said to be the first instalment in the serpent trilogy, is produced by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films. Considering Ranta recently wrapped up Anubhuti Kashyap’s directorial venture that is produced under Karan Johar’s banner, she has caught the attention of the makers for their next as well.
Insiders say that the only possible hitch may be her dates. The source adds, “Pratibha has a movie lined up with Maddock Films, which is expected to roll in early 2026. If there are no date clashes, she will headline ‘Naagzilla’ opposite Kartik. Mrighdeep and the makers are keen to have her on board as they feel she isn’t over-exposed on screen yet.”
Kartik Aaryan to go up against a 'snake' in Karan Johar's creature comedy
8:12 AM
Sources say Kartik Aaryan to go up against a snake in a creature comedy, which marks his second collaboration with Karan Johar after Tu Meri Main Tera
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; April 2, 2025)
Until now, the audience has seen Kartik Aaryan tackling the spirit, Manjulika, on screen. But now, it looks like the actor will have another unusual nemesis—a snake. Sources tell mid-day that Aaryan is set to front his first creature comedy. It is being produced by Karan Johar, marking their second collaboration after Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri.
“The film will be directed by Mrighdeep Lamba, who previously helmed the Fukrey franchise. The actor and director have displayed their command over comedy in their respective projects, and with the yet-untitled movie, they will venture into the relatively unexplored space of creature comedy. Hindi television has famously tackled the theme of naagin. Now, it will be interesting to see the subject, which was popular in Hindi films in the 1980s, returning on the silver screen,” reveals a source.
Aaryan is currently shooting for Anurag Basu’s yet-untitled musical love story with Sreeleela. If things go as planned, the Dharma production will roll in October.
The source adds, “After the love story, the actor will kick off Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri that has Ananya Panday opposite him. Soon after, he will dive into his second Dharma film. It’s a packed 2025 for the actor.”
We reached out to Aaryan and Johar’s teams, who did not respond till press time.
Mirzapur director Gurmmeet Singh joins hands with Fukrey director Mrigdeep Singh Lamba for Paan Parda Zarda
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Mirzapur director Singh teams up with Fukrey maker Lamba for Paan Parda Zarda, a gangster drama about opium smuggling
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 3, 2023)
There is something about gangster dramas that fascinates Gurmmeet Singh. It led him to helm Mirzapur, a gory tale of gang wars, greed and power. Now, the director has another gangster story up his sleeve, Paan Parda Zarda.
The series sees him team up with Mrighdeep Singh Lamba of Fukrey fame, and Shilpi Dasgupta as they tell the story of opium smuggling in central India. Mona Singh, Tanve Azmi, Rajesh Tailang, Priyanshu Painyuli and Tanya Maniktala star in the crime drama that rolled on September 27.
Singh, who serves as the showrunner and co-director, says that the Jio Studios’ production goes beyond guns and gore to explore family dynamics. “It has elements of love, action and family drama. Developed from an original story created by Shilpi Dasgupta, the interwoven relationships are key to this series,” he says.
Paan Parda Zarda is worlds apart from Lamba’s comedy franchise, Fukrey. The director is eager to try his hand at this genre as he says, “It’s a labour of love that has been created after years of research.” Writer Suparn S Varma adds that creating the show’s “romantic and violent world” was liberating.
Teaser and announcement clashes seem to have become the newest concern for makers
3:21 PM
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 8, 2023)
The announcement of actor Ranveer Singh reportedly replacing actor Shah Rukh Khan in the Don franchise was supposed to coincide with Singh’s birthday (July 6). But, the teaser launch of actor Prabhas’ Salaar led Don 3 makers to push their plans. There has been no news of a new date yet. While box-office clashes are common, teaser and announcement clashes seem to have become the newest concern for makers.
“When two teasers are released simultaneously, the audience’s attention gets distributed,” says director Anees Bazmee. Producer Ramesh Taurani says while marketing a film, his team “tries to figure out what else is coming out the same day to avoid the clash” as this also helps them “avoid any comparisons”.
Director Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, who postponed the release of Fukrey 3 to avoid a clash with another big-banner film, says social media plays a huge role here: “Social media is too crowded, as there are a lot of fan-made teasers. Hence, we avoid releasing a teaser in such a situation.”
Calling the teaser clash “sheer foolishness”, trade analyst Komal Nahta says, “It’s just a one-minute video. If two of them come out on the same day, heavens won’t fall.”
10 Years of Fukrey: Varun Sharma, Ali Fazal, Richa Chadha, Pulkit Samrat, Manjot Singh, Pankaj Tripathi go down memory lane
8:25 AM
The cast of Fukrey, which traces the story of four boys and their quest to make easy money, takes a walk down memory lane
HINDUSTAN TIMES (June 14, 2023)
Varun Sharma: My character, Choocha, brought me acceptance
By Sugandha Rawal
Fukrey clocking 10 years calls for a double celebration for Varun Sharma, who debuted with the film. “It’s one of the biggest blessings to have debuted with a character like Choocha,” the actor says, adding, “This film and my character brought me acceptance among the audience and the film fraternity. So, it will always hold a special place in my heart... Everything I have today is because of Choocha.”
While he has many special memories associated with the film, the one thing that stands out for Sharma, 33, is featuring in a poster for the first time ever. He recounts, “I called my mother and told her. There was pin drop silence for a moment, after which she blessed me. I realised, then, the true meaning of the phrase - silence speaks a lot.”
Ali Fazal: Fukrey got me noticed in Bollywood
By Kavita Awaasthi
A set full of pranks, fun BTS moments and lots of Dilli ka khana are some of the things that Ali Fazal associates with filming for Fukrey. The actor, who played Zafar, believes the film brought about a “fresh change” in Bollywood. “It was something unique that we were part of. It was revolutionary,” he tells us.
The 36-year-old is not only thankful for the film, but also for the “great friends” he made as well as for meeting his now-wife, actor Richa Chadha: “That is the best thing (laughs). Fukrey, to me, is more than just a film.”
Fazal credits the film for putting him on the map “in a big way”. “I did more meaningful films in Bollywood and not to forget, Mirzapur (web series), with Fukrey’s producers (Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani). It has been special,” he concludes.
Richa Chadha: The entire cast knew about me and Ali
By Syeda Eba Fatima
“You know how we listen to old Hindi songs because they give us a feeling of comfort and bring us together without us realizing? That’s what I feel about Fukrey,” says actor Richa Chadha, who won hearts as Bholi Punjaban. Talking about her role, she adds: “At the time, negative characters for women were mostly restricted to saas-bahu dramas. I always felt Bholi Punjaban was very unusual.”
But, the film changed her life in more ways than one — it was also the beginning of her love story with now-husband, actor Ali Fazal. “My relationship with Ali happened very organically. I’d converse a lot with him on set. We became really good friends and a few years later, we started dating,” she shares.
Was it difficult to keep the relationship under wraps? “The entire cast was pretty close. They all kind of knew,” says Chadha, 36.
Pulkit Samrat: We are all Fukras on the set
By Sugandha Rawal
Pulkit Samrat is “very proud” to be associated with the Fukrey franchise. But the actor, who played Hunny, admits nobody thought it would receive adulation of such magnitude.
“When we started, none of us thought Fukrey would be such a huge hit that we’d end up making it a franchise,” he says, adding, “As an actor, it is one of the greatest feelings to be a part of the team... Fukrey is life.”
Samrat, 39, feels the casting was on point and that was a big plus. “We are all Fukras on the set. Somebody is goofing up or bringing the house down. What you see on screen is exactly what is going on. Manjot is very jovial; one would always find him around food stalls. Varun is just like Choocha... Also, we all have a common Delhi connect,” he says.
With all eyes now on the third part, set to release later this year, Samrat says the soul of the original will remain intact. “We can promise that Fukrey 3 will be the biggest and best part,” he signs off.
Manjot Singh: Said yes without even reading the script
By Navya Kharbanda
Manjot Singh had already made his mark in showbiz with Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008). But Fukrey, he says, is what gave his career an impetus. “This was the first film where I was one of the leads,” says the actor, who played Lali. “When I got a call for the role, even before listening to the script, I asked, ‘Main poster par hounga na?’ Our director, Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, said all four leads would be on the poster. So, I signed the film without reading the script,” he says.
Interestingly, Singh, 30, was cast even before the script was completed. “Mrigdeep knew I was his Lali. I was locked in his mind while he was still writing the script,” he reveals, adding that he’ll always be grateful for having landed the movie: “Yeh pehli film hai jisne humein bada banaya.”
Pankaj Tripathi: Mere character ne apni ladai khud ladi
By Rishabh Suri
Pata hi nahin chala kaise nikal gaye — this is Pankaj Tripathi’s reaction on his film, Fukrey, turning 10. The actor, who played Pandit, recalls how he did not have much to do in the first part; but as the story progressed, so did his character.
He tells us, “Fukrey franchise aur meri growth badi similar hai. Mere character ne apni ladai khud ladi, so much that the writers had to write more in the second instalment.”
Pandit, today, is remembered for his quick wit. But, the English lines he said were not part of the script! “Ek din set pe jab lighting chal rahi thi, someone said something, to which I replied, ‘He’s so vulgar’. Everyone started laughing. The director said, ‘Isko rakho film mein’,” chuckles Tripathi, 46.
My mother is the only in the world who is proud ki unka beta ek fukra aur chhichhora hai-Varun Sharma
8:42 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; October 15, 2022)
In the last nine years, Varun Sharma has explored various shades of comedy through some prominent films that he’s been a key part of. And yet, he’s not done with the comedy genre yet. While he’s more than willing to explore other elements of entertainment, he continues to be a hardcore comedy loyalist. The Fukrey actor believes, “It’s a genre that can never reach a saturation point.” In a chat with BT, he explores what makes humour a serious business and more. Excerpts:
In the last nine years, you’ve explored comedy with numerous filmmakers. Given that the brand of humour and its presentation changes completely with every filmmaker, how have you adapted yourself constantly in this space?
Every filmmaker is different and their style and approach towards humour or comedy are also unique to them. As actors, our job is to tap into their vision and make it come alive. The basics for an actor will always be the same. But you have to find your rhythm and your connection with the material in hand. You rely on the same set of tools but in varying degrees, depending on what a filmmaker wants. I think directors have a big role to play in how a comedy shapes up. It’s their medium, they know best what they want, and they will always extract the best from you. I’m fortunate to have been able to adapt to so many different directors and their styles of humour — like Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, Rohit Shetty and Nitesh Tiwari — they’re all so unique. Working with each one opens up a new door to learn and grow.
Comedy, particularly, works on a fine balance between great writing and an actor’s spontaneity. How do you achieve that balance?
When people say that ‘Comedy is serious and tough business’, it is true. Comedy looks easy, but it’s extremely tough to make people smile and laugh. Log aasani se nahi hanste. Even in our everyday lives, things have changed so much. Humour is changing with the times. The jokes, punchlines and timing that worked five years ago won’t work now, and what works today won’t work two years down. Because our sense of humour and what really puts a smile on our face or brings out a chuckle or two is rapidly changing. We have a different attention span, patience levels and slang. Films often try to adapt from real life it could be characters, gags or instances. They are drawn from something or someone that exists. Spontaneity is important, but I believe in preparing a lot as well. You have to get your structure perfectly; it can be enhanced spontaneously. Comedy as a genre works when people work in tandem. Comedy is not a one-man show. Woh ek akela aadmi aapko nahi hansa sakta. A punch becomes funny because of the reaction someone gives. It gets enhanced with the background music or the scene’s treatment on screen. The entire team has to be in sync for that to work.
Over the years, most of your contemporaries have switched genres and tried different spaces. You’ve been a comedy loyalist, exploring every hue it has to offer. What makes you do that?
I love comedy and I genuinely love to make people laugh. It’s a blessing to be able to do that and to go into a theatre and watch people reacting with laughter at a punch you delivered. Believe me, I used to do serious stuff like Anton Chekov’s plays in theatre. Auditioning for Fukrey was the first time that I tried comedy. When I started shooting, I started getting cold feet. I wasn’t sure if people would laugh. I have to credit Mrigdeep Singh Lamba for drawing out Choocha from me. When I saw people laughing in the theatres, I started crying because I was so overwhelmed. Koi khush hua mujhe dekh ke, koi hansa mere punch pe. So, even though I want to explore other genres, I will keep exploring comedy, too. So many people have warned me that I might get typecast. But I don’t want to jump into another genre unless I am excited with the content offered. I’m happy exploring what I love comedy. This genre has given me everything I have today. It would be unfair ki isko rok ke kuch aur attempt karun for the heck of it. And who says there’s only so much to comedies? I’m still learning. I feel that I don’t know if I can act. The day I start believing that I can act, I’ll be in deep trouble. As for trying something different, hopefully, next year, I will be doing something very different from what I’ve done so far.
Like every other genre, even comedy’s benchmarks have been upped, thanks to OTT channels. Plus, in Bollywood, it was a comedy that worked when nothing else did. Do these new benchmarks for comparison with your upcoming work scare you?
Honestly, as an industry person, I want everything to work. It’s important. Comedy as a genre doesn’t have a saturation point really. Like horror-comedy was not a genre that was explored much until a few years ago with Stree. It worked. It was an experiment that got mainstream acceptance. To me, it doesn’t make a difference. I feel we should do our work with complete shiddat, and not overthink these things because there’s no guarantee of what will work in future and why. Art is subjectively loved by people.
You recently completed the shooting of Fukrey 3. In nine years, this is the third time you’re playing Choocha. How do you reconnect with a part like that, especially when you’ve experienced so much in life and are in a different space as a person?
When people say things like, ‘Fukrey toh cakewalk hai, tumhare toh blood mein hai,’ I feel like telling them, it’s not that! Fukrey is the closest to my heart, and Choocha is a character that laid the foundation of my career here. The fraternal acceptance, more work, my house, my expenses, my life it’s a gift of that character. This film is the starting line of so many people’s careers. It’s a special feeling to revisit that space. When we started out, I remember all of us were so raw, and some of us so inexperienced. We were just happy that we would get to see ourselves on the big screen. Nine years later, we have become more aware, experienced, mature and evolved. I had to unlearn everything to be able to do Choocha again.
Can you ever outgrow Choocha?
I have an emotional attachment to the role. It’s a part of my life and my everything. For five years after my debut, people didn’t know my real name. In the last four years, Sexa from Chhichhore is the only other name that people have known me as. Otherwise, I’m Varun for them. I often tell my mother that she’s probably the only mother in the world who is proud ki unka beta ek fukra aur chhichhora hai. I don’t think and I don’t know if I can outgrow Choocha’s character. It’s too close to me.
Ali Fazal drops out of Fukrey 3 due to date clash with Vishal Bhardwaj's Khufiya?
7:54 PM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 4, 2022)
Fukrey is special to Ali Fazal for several reasons. While the comedy marked one of his first hits, it was on the film’s set that he had first met his now-fiancee Richa Chadha. Surely then, dropping out of the third instalment of Fukrey must be a tough decision for Fazal. Sources say that the actor, who is shooting for Vishal Bhardwaj’s Khufiya, is hard-pressed for time and has no option but to let go of Mrigdeep Singh Lamba’s directorial venture, which will go on floors next week.
The makers’ plans to kickstart the comedy — first in March 2020, then in February 2021 — were disrupted twice over by the pandemic. A source reveals, “Ali was busy till early February with the shoot of Kandahar, and promotions of Death On The Nile. Keeping his commitments in mind, Vishal sir lined up Khufiya for February. Meanwhile, Mrigdeep Singh Lamba got the combination dates of Richa, Pankaj Tripathi, Varun Sharma, Pulkit Samrat and Manjot Singh, and is eager to roll Fukrey 3. It’s an unfortunate turn of events, but Ali won’t be a part of it as he is busy with the thriller till March-end.”
We hear another actor won’t be roped in to play his character of Zafar. “The story will be tweaked to justify Ali’s absence. He won’t be replaced,” adds the source.
Aamir Khan is my biggest inspiration. I am also inspired by Farhan Akhtar’s boxer avatar in Toofaan-Pulkit Samrat
8:07 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; September 23, 2021)
Pulkit Samrat often shares inspiring fitness posts on social media. While the actor has always been a fitness enthusiast, he’s been working hard on getting his body in shape for his upcoming roles. The actor tells us, “For Suswagatam Khushaamadeed, I am sporting six-pack abs, but for Fukrey 3, I have to look leaner. I was to begin the shooting in February for the latter, so I had to let go of my muscles and start becoming lean. I had already begun my physical transformation, and we were just 10 days away from starting the shoot.”
Pulkit says, “The plan went for a toss due to the second wave. Now we know that Fukrey 3 might begin by the end of the year.”
Meanwhile, the actor is soon to start shooting for the pending portions of Suswagatam Khushaamadeed for which he has to slip into his muscular avatar once again. “I am working hard towards getting the chiselled body back for which I am following a strict regime and I am posting it all on social media,” he says.
Ask Pulkit if this constant body transformation takes a toll on him, and he says, “I won’t call the process taxing, but challenging instead. If Aamir Khan can do it at his age, then why can’t I? When it comes to body transformation, Aamir is my biggest inspiration. Lately, I have been inspired by Farhan Akhtar’s boxer avatar in Toofaan. Working out is like meditation for me. It helps me clear my head out, I feel as if this is an outlet to sweat out all the stress.”
While he awaits the next schedule of Suswagatam Khushaamadeed to roll soon, he is also eagerly looking forward to catching up with his Fukrey buddies. “We were just an inch away from beginning the shoot of Fukrey 3, and now waiting for so many months for the project to roll again is so painful. I can’t wait to spend time with the gang on the sets. From Varun Sharma, Manjot Singh, Ali Fazal, Richa Chadha, Pankaj Tripathi to the director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, we know each other so well and are thick friends. We are so close-knit that we can complete each other’s sentences during a conversation (laughs!).”
We will begin shooting for Fukrey 3 by the year end-Mrigdeep Singh Lamba
2:07 PM
With the second wave of pandemic disrupting his plan of rolling Fukrey 3 in April, director charts the way forward
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 28, 2021)
Last September, Richa Chadha had posted a clip of a virtual reading session with Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Pulkit Samrat, Manjot Singh and Varun Sharma, thus confirming that Fukrey 3 was in the works. Almost a year on, director Mrigdeep Singh Lamba has still been unable to take the comic caper on floors. The director says that he would have kicked off the next adventure of Bholi Punjaban and the four good-for-nothings in April, if it weren’t for the Coronavirus pandemic.
“We were supposed to take it on floors on April 15, but the lockdown [disrupted our plan]. Now, we will begin shooting by the year-end. We want things to settle down; people should feel safe and mentally ready before going on the set,” states Lamba.
Though several Hindi films are currently in production, the filmmaker says the prevailing uncertainty keeps him from calling ‘action’ on the laugh riot. “We don’t know what will hit us next. I don’t want to start [the project] and then stop midway. I’d rather start and finish in one go.”
Given Fukrey’s fan following and his experience in the OTT world, has he considered turning the franchise into a web series? “Fukrey is my fixed deposit. It was conceived as a film, and people like to view it in theatres.”
I wanted to bring a younger perspective to Chutzpah-Mrigdeep Singh Lamba
8:14 AM
Making his web debut with Chutzpah, creator Mrigdeep Singh Lamba explains why he didn’t helm the Varun Sharma-Manjot Singh comedy
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 14, 2021)
With 'Chutzpah', Mrigdeep Singh Lamba has reunited with his Fukrey actors Varun Sharma and Manjot Singh. If the comedy franchise was set in the gullies of Delhi, the creator-writer has delved into the frenzied world of the internet with his maiden web offering. “We all know the importance of the internet in our lives. It was about time we told stories about [how it has influenced] us,” says Lamba of the Sony LIV show that also features Tanya Maniktala, Elnaaz Norouzi and Kshitij Chauhan.
Even though he has developed the material from scratch with co-writer Amit Babbar, Lamba consciously decided against wielding the directorial baton, instead giving the responsibility to Simarpreet Singh. Elaborating on his decision, he says, “Initially, when we were planning the show, the third part of Fukrey was falling in place. That was one of the reasons [I stepped back from directing the series]. But more importantly, I wanted to bring a younger perspective to the show. I knew Simar’s previous work and felt he is the right person to bring the [energy] that I may be missing.”
Lamba, who has showcased the everyday adventures of the youth in 'Chutzpah', hopes it strikes a chord with the target audience. “I have learnt this from rappers Badshah and Yo Yo Honey Singh — they say that they keep their ear to the ground to understand what the youth likes. I too keep myself updated and try to see how normal life can be brought to the screen.”
Varun Sharma reunites with Manjot Singh and Fukrey director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba for Chutzpah
8:04 AM
While 'Fukrey 3' shoot is delayed due to pandemic, Varun Sharma aka Choocha reunites with Manjot and director Mrigdeep for web series Chutzpah
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 3, 2021)
Last year, director Mrigdeep Singh Lamba gave fans a reason to cheer as he announced that the third instalment of Fukrey is in the works. However, 'Fukrey 3', like many other projects, has not got off the ground due to the pandemic. In the interim, Lamba has reunited with the Fukrey boys — Varun Sharma aka Choocha and Manjot Singh — for the web series, 'Chutzpah'.
Sharma is hoping to recreate the magic of the laugh riot with their latest outing, as he says, “Mrigdeep sir is my lucky mascot. He has been a source of support whenever I have tried to explore a new genre. Working on Chutzpah was like homecoming.”
The Sony LIV offering — which also features Tanya Maniktala of 'A Suitable Boy' fame and Elnaaz Norouzi — depicts how social media influences and dominates the lives of youngsters. “The success of the 'Fukrey' franchise made Varun and Manjot household names. I am glad to work with them again on this cracker of a script,” says Lamba.
I want to try my hand at other genres, but not at the cost of comedy-Varun Sharma
8:00 AM
All set for the release of Roohi, Varun Sharma on why he loves the genre and the challenge of keeping it different
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 11, 2021)
“Roohi is Stree’s crazier sister,” starts off Varun Sharma with a zany laugh, as we sit down for a chat ahead of the release of the film, which opens on big screens today. Accepting that the film was a challenge to prep for, the Punjabi boy says, “We have based it in a fictional town, but the accent is Moradabadi [twang from the UP-MP belt]. On the surface, it seemed simple, but it wasn’t easy to get the lehza right. I had to unlearn my [Punjabi accent]. This is the first time I got to explore a new language. Mrigdeep sir [Singh, writer], Gautam [Mehra, writer] and I worked for months together to get the authenticity right. Since the audience now is exposed to varied content, there’s no scope of cheating. It helped that I had Rajkummar Rao to complement me on screen.”
Comedy has been a stronghold for the actor since he played Choocha in the Fukrey franchise. Since then, he has often been cast as the comic relief in ensemble films. Ask him how difficult it is to up his ante and Sharma says, “There is constant pressure to prove yourself. Roohi should be different from my last film, Chhichhore and that’s been an ongoing process.”
At a time when people believe last names matter, Sharma claims he is happier to be “known by my character names”. “That will be my biggest win. It’s a tough job to put a smile on anyone’s face. It’s doubly difficult to do it differently every time.”
But has he been deterred by the overt stereotyping? Sharma, whose next project is Ranveer Singh’s Cirkus, has often been told to take a break from comedy. “I don’t understand why I should stop doing what I am good at. I want to try my hand at other genres, but not at the cost of comedy. If someone casts me in a serious role, I will give it my all.”
In 2021, why would we make a film without a message?-Mrigdeep Singh Lamba
8:48 AM
Proud to choose theatrical run over OTT premiere for Roohi, creators say Rajkummar-Janhvi’s horror comedy has feminist undertones like Stree
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 17, 2021)
In a town where abducting women for marriage is customary, two men kidnap a woman, unaware that she is possessed. One falls in love with the woman, the other, with the witch who has possessed her. When writer Mrigdeep Singh Lamba approached Dinesh Vijan with the concept of Roohi, the producer was thrilled at how the story perfectly fit into his plan of creating a horror comedy universe. “When Mrig came to me, we were yet to release Stree [2018]. Over the next year-and-half, we worked together to find an end that justifies the film,” says Vijan, tracing the genesis of the Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Sharma starrer.
Like Stree, Hardik Mehta-directed Roohi too has feminist undertones. “In 2021, why would we make a film without a message? When people take the elevator after watching the film, they will discuss the laughs, the scares and the message at the end of it,” states Lamba, who has previously helmed the Fukrey franchise.
Over the next five years, Vijan intends to create a Marvel-like universe, only that his world isn’t dominated by superheroes but by ghosts that do more good than harm. “Soon, we’ll go on floors with Munjha [prequel to Stree]. The film will explain the motivations of Shraddha’s character in Stree. In January 2022, Amar Kaushik will direct the Stree sequel.” The universe will include Bhediya, the monster comedy that stars Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon.
Slated to release on March 11, Roohi is the first big-ticket film to pursue a theatrical release after the pandemic. Though admittedly tempted by lucrative offers of OTT platforms, Lamba says it was movie hall-or-nothing for them. “Dinesh and I are products of theatres. Fukrey got so much love because of its run at cinemas. In a way, we owed this film to theatres.” Vijan adds, “We may make less money, but I want us to take the risk.”
Fukrey 3 shoot to begin in October?
8:45 AM
Even as the industry has ground to a halt, sources say Fukrey 3 in progress, Farhan-Ritesh ask Richa & Co to block October dates
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 25, 2020)
A sleeper hit on its release, Fukrey (2013) put the spotlight on Richa Chadha aka Bholi Punjaban and Varun Sharma. After the success of the two instalments of the comedy franchise, rumours are rife that the cast — which also includes Pulkit Samrat, Ali Fazal and Manjot Singh — is reuniting for the third edition.Even as Bollywood has come to a standstill, producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani have been apparently supervising the progress of Fukrey 3 and recently asked the actors for a chunk of dates in October for the shoot. According to an insider, the creative team is currently giving finishing touches to the script.
"The team, led by director Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, had previously written multiple drafts, but they did not appeal to Farhan and Ritesh. When this idea was presented, they lapped it up, and the writers' team soon sat down to develop it further. The production house has reached out to the principal actors, asking them to block their dates in October. Since the film requires combination dates of five actors, the studio felt it was best to sound them off in advance. The pre-production will kick off as soon as the current situation stabilises."
Lamba remained unavailable for comment.
Fukrey 2 shoot continues despite heavy rains in Mumbai
2:43 PM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 1, 2017)
While Mumbaikars found themselves scrambling for shelter and altered schedules to remain indoors in the wake of Tuesday's torrential downpour, the resilient Bollywood industry continued to clock in hours on set. The team of Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar's Fukrey 2 battled all odds to continue filming at Andheri's Filmalaya Studios, a source from the production house tells mid-day.
"The shoot could not have been pushed back since Ali [Fazal, cast member] was set to leave for Venice on Friday to attend the premiere of his Brit film, Victoria ^ Abdul. Filming had already been deferred last week due to Ali's poor health. So, the team had to continue shooting on Tuesday," the source says.
That the unit was stranded within the studio due to waterlogging was also reason for them to continue filming. "There were frequent power cuts, so, they had to use alternate sources of power. Also, given that Varun Sharma [cast member] lives near the location, food was supplied from his home since restaurants in the vicinity were shut."
Shooting for the title track, which is also the promotional number, was underway, and was the last sequence to be canned to complete the film. To cheer the cast and crew after wrapping up the film, director Mrigdeep Singh Lamba threw an intimate bash.
Ali Fazal loses out Fukrey 2 due to Hollywood film Victoria & Abdul?
8:03 AM
After repeatedly postponing, makers start shoot without Fazal, who is working on aH’wood film in London
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 4, 2016)
The ensemble cast of Fukrey — Pulkit Samrat, Ali Fazal, Varun Sharma and Richa Chadha is set to return to the big screen next year. But, with Ali signing a Hollywood project, Victoria And Abdul, starring Judi Dench, the film’s shoot has constantly been delayed.
The first schedule was supposed to roll out in the beginning of this month, but had to be pushed back to mid- November to accommodate the actor’s dates. Now, Ali has made the makers reshuffle the schedule all over again. Tired of waiting for him, the team of Fukrey 2 has now decided to start filming without him.
A unit hand says, “Ali told them flatly that the prep cannot be done from the set of his current film for which he is shooting in the outskirts of London. A considerable amount of time needs to be spent on his look for Fukrey 2. This would have caused further delay and we couldn’t have begun shooting before November-end. Mrigdeep (Singh Lamba, director) and Ritesh (Sidhwani, producer) have decided to begin shooting in early November.
Ali can join the cast when he is back. ”Since Ali’s first hit, Fukrey, was under Excel Productions’ banner, co- producers Ritesh and Farhan Akhtar, and Mrigdeep have been thrilled about his Hollywood movie. But, at the same time, holding the film’s shoot for one person can lead to monetary loss. In the current climate, a film with that budget cannot stretch shoot period,” adds the insider.
Despite repeated calls, Mrigdeep and Ritesh remained unavailable for comment. Ali’s spokesperson, however, confirms, “There were some changes, but now things are back on track. Ali had to manage his dates between both films which had extensive schedules. He returns to India by mid-November, after which he will start shooting for his part in Fukrey 2. ”
I was told to date a cricketer so I'd be 'visible' in the media-Richa Chadda
7:46 AM
Richa Chadha has penned a satirical short film on what the aam aadmi expects of a Bollywood actress
Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 14, 2015)
After Alia Bhatt's self-mocking Genius of the Year, Richa Chadha, along with writer-lyricist Varun Grover and Fukrey director Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, has penned a spoof on the life of a Hindi film actress. The short satirical film, directed by Lamba, will be shot next month in Mumbai.
Richa told Mirror that she had the idea before Alia's video made by All India Bakchod went viral. "An actress meets a lot of people whose only job is to dole out advice. They tell you to do item numbers, dance at weddings and sign up for the 'right' kind of endorsements," she points out. What's the most bizarre 'gyan' anyone has ever given her? "I was told to date a cricketer so I'd be 'visible' in the media. Obviously, I didn't take the tip," she laughs.
The actress wants Anurag Kashyap and Kalki Koechlin to play themselves in the film but admits that the duo are currently occupied with their upcoming releases, Bombay Velvet and Margarita, With a Straw. "But I'm sure that once they read the script, they'll be on board. It's a tongue-in-cheek take on what people think an actress does--from dating producers to attending rave parties. The layman's fantasies can sometimes shock you!" asserts the actress who having recently wrapped up her first Indo-US production, Three Stories, will now start shooting for Pooja Bhatt's Cabaret with Gulshan Devaiah.
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