Harshada Rege (BOMBAY TIMES; April 24, 2020)

He is an actor, who has been seen leading content-driven films like Madras Café (2013), Batla House (2019) and Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran (2018), as well as backing some of his projects. In fact, with Vicky Donor (2012), John Abraham was one of the first actors from the big league to produce a film featuring another actor (Ayushmann Khurrana). And, he always insists that as an actor, “it’s important to do all kinds of films.”

Talking to BT about it, John said, “When people see a film made by my production house, they should know that they will get to see something different. But as an actor, it’s essential to do all kinds of films. Movies like Pagalpanti (2019) and Satyameva Jayate (2018) are the ones that I want to purely act in, whereas films like Parmanu and Batla House are the sorts that I will produce and act in.”

Given the business of Bollywood, producers attempt to make films on a tight budget to ensure higher returns. So, when we asked John whether it would be profitable to produce all the movies that he stars in, he said, “I want to have a specific brand identity. It would be easy for me to rake in the moolah and be the producer for a film like Satyameva Jayate 2 (the first one worked at the box office). But I won’t do that, because the idea is to build your brand as an actor with some films, as a producer with others and as an actor-producer with some. I am very clear about what I want to do. I have been that way since the time I produced Vicky Donor (2012).”

The actor-producer has often spoken about how creating projects for other actors excites him. He added, “The thought is not to power a film with my presence, but to create something entirely new. My vision is to tell great stories through films, but not necessarily with me in all of them.”

Though John is keen to do all kinds of films, there’s one genre that the actor will never attempt, and another that he is eager to do, but hasn’t explored so far. “What I can never do is an adult-comedy, because I am not comfortable with it. It’s something I can’t act or even produce. What I would love to do is a horror film; that’s a space I am keen to explore,” he signed off.

John Abraham on how to ensure longevity in the industry and why he wants to go easy on workouts
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 10, 2020)

Mumbai Saga, Attack, Satyameva Jayate 2… Going by the line-up, 2020 will mark the return of John Abraham, the action hero.
Well, barring Attack, which is purely an action entertainer, the other two have elements of action but are not strictly in this genre. Satyameva Jayate 2 tackles social issues in an entertaining way, while Mumbai Saga is the true story of gangster Amar Naik. I wouldn’t say it works or is a safe bet, but it’s something I enjoy doing and with a lot of ease.

Apart from Tiger, no younger actor owns this space like Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Hrithik Roshan and you. What’s your USP?
Every action hero has a different positioning and I revel in the raw and real. People like to see me as this larger-than-life guy who bangs heads against the wall, lifts and smashes bikes and cars and takes down a lot of people at one time. And I enjoy playing to the gallery sometimes.

Satyameva Jayate played to the gallery and succeeded in its novelty. But will the exaggerated machismo, which is rooted in ’80s cinema, work a second time? The appeal seems to have waned with Marjaavaan...
While we will continue to play to the gallery in our quest for a larger audience SMJ 2 will be very different in its treatment. The original was primarily a film for the masses. This time, we aim to get the classes in, too, by tackling relevant issues. In the action, too, we are steering clear of what was done in Part 1 or in Marjaavaan. John Abraham will still do what someone believes he can, but I promise, it won’t be over-the-top, and it will be super-entertaining.

Buzz is, it’s going to be John versus John versus John. In short, you are playing a triple role.
I hope that’s true, but Milap (Zaveri, writer-director) is still in the process of developing certain characters and he might like me to play other roles, too. But that’s still up for a lot of discussion. So, I can’t say if there’s going to be one, two or three of me in the film.

While you evolved as an actor with films like Parmanu, Batla House and Madras Café, Pagalpanti pulled you down, which was disappointing for the audience.
It was disconcerting for me too. I’m not going to pass on the buck or get into postmortems. I enjoyed making Pagalpanti and I stand by it. The other three films were my productions and while, as an actor I want to entertain, as a producer, I want to make meaningful films. I consciously separate the two, but when they come together, it’s an explosive combo. I’m walking on eggshells with Attack, asking myself if the audience will accept it, but backing my debutant director, Lakshya Raj Anand all the way. It’s a risk, but I believe people are tired of the regular action films and I want to effect a change. I’m not afraid of failure. You are insecure only if you feel the pressure to succeed.

You gave two years exclusively to your own production, Parmanu. Then, just when everyone was beginning to believe you’d focus on one or two films a year, comes a spate of announcements. Have you gone back to being just an actor with the producer taking a backseat?
In advertising, I learnt that half of what you spend goes waste, you just don’t know which half. From all these announcements, I really don’t know which ones will finally go on the floors. I like to take my time with my films, my own productions are all curated over three-four years and are high on content. Nothing is a proposal. As an actor, I love the scripts of both SMJ2 and Ek Villain 2. I wouldn’t force a sequel just to make some money.

Many actors, who have turned producers, have confessed to doing certain films to raise funds for a passion project, a new house, a farm and such-like.
I don’t use money as an excuse to do a film. That would be disastrous in the long run. I believe if you treat money as a by-product and the film is the central issue, the probability of your longevity is higher. I do films because I want to. But I charge what I think I deserve. I’m not putting a gun to a producer’s head. If he feels I am not worth it, we go our separate ways, else we work together. Sometimes I make certain choices, like Pagalpanti, and I stand by them. If our film failed, it’s not the end of the world. Will I stop doing such films? No. If I get a script that I’m entertained by, I will do it.

The word ‘content; has made a comeback in our cinema…
(Laughs) Better late than never.

How does that feel for the man who gambled with Vicky Donor, Madras Café, Parmanu and more recently, Batla House?
I wish they had woken up to this 15 years ago or that I had come 15 years later. That way, I could have bypassed the earlier motions of filmmaking. Ten years ago, if you made a content-driven film and it failed, you would say, “Thank God, I’m making a commercial film next, maybe that will work.” (Smiles) Today, it’s the reverse.

True. Content films are commercial today…
And commercial films are niche. Content is the star. Typical proposals and formulae are not selling any more. We introduced Ayushmann Khurrana seven years ago, I will launch another newcomer and I will convince studios to put their money on young directors and different stories. Besides Attack, I’m working with Nikkhil Advani on Gorkha, which takes off next year. It’s one of the most hard-hitting films I’ve done. Then, there’s Ray with Abhishek Sharma which I can proudly claim is unlike anything you’ve seen before in Indian cinema. Appreciation for a film like Batla House means there’s a lot of pressure on me to perform better and choose the best. The audience today sees me as an intelligent producer and hopefully, an intelligent actor and not just John Abraham, the body (Laughs). That’s a relief; I can go easy on my workouts now.

Talking about physicality, the image of you coming out of the ocean in only a pair of trunks in Dostana is imprinted on the audience’s mind even after a decade...
If I had to give anybody credit for that film, it would be Karan Johar. He handled the subject with so much care and sensitivity. I went to hear it with absolutely no expectations and was laughing throughout the narration. By the end of it, I told myself, “This is really funny, it would be fantastic to do it.” Recently, on Abhishek’s (Bachchan) birthday, I posted a picture of us pouting. It was brave of him to give me a kiss.

And it was brave of you to reveal a lot more for the camera…
When I look back on my introduction scene, I think, “Ufff, how was I so brave to pull down my trunks!” But it was a light, breezy film. It wasn’t vulgar; we got away with it.

Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 30, 2020)

Anil Kapoor is a star who knows one shouldn’t get too attached to either success or failure. The actor has spent close to 40 years in films, with a higher ratio of the former, and always manages to look at the positive side even when otherwise. For instance, his last release, the multi-starrer Pagalpanti (2019), didn’t meet box office expectations, but instead of mulling over it, he’s putting all his energies into his upcoming film Malang with Disha Patani and Aditya Roy Kapur.

On what prompted him to take up this thriller, Anil says, “It was Luv Ranjan (producer) who introduced the idea to me. Then I met Mohit (Suri, director) and was blown away by his vision for the story. That’s all it took for me to commit to it!”

And he doesn’t shy away from talking about Pagalpanti either. “The thing is, you want every film to be positive. You take out so many good things from there. I’ve been that kind of person. Lots of good things happened, too. I became friends with a lot of people I haven’t worked with, like Arshad (Warsi), spent a lot of time with John (Abraham) and Anees (Bazmee, director) bhai... I feel for Kumar Mangat (Pathak, producer), he’s been associated with Ajay (Devgn) for many years now. He was really banking on this film. You win some, lose some. I think all of us involved in the film are those kind of people who have seen… We just move on to the next one,” says the 63-year-old, whose youthful looks and wisdom gained over the years make for quite a lethal combination.

Besides Pagalpanti, Anil has worked in many multi-starrers in the last few years, including Race 3 (2018), Total Dhamaal and Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (both 2019). Up next are Malang and Takht. Does he feel such films are tougher as expectations are sky high, owing to a star-studded cast? “That’s okay, it’s part of life na, and show business. Certain films have expectations... it’s got a lot to do with timing and kismet too,” is all he says.

For Malang, Anil had to lose weight and undergo a physical transformation. One wonders whether doing such prep at his age gets tough at times. He quips, “Preparing yourself mentally and physically to slip into a character, especially in an action movie, is tough and demanding at any age. I’ve always been keen on experimenting with different looks for different roles. But Malang was particularly challenging — not only did I have to lose weight for my character, I also had to train extensively to play action sequences as a cop. And I even got a tattoo done!”

John Abraham weighs in on risks of being in a character for long, says box office collections key
Nishad Neelambaran (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 18, 2020)

He has worked in a variety of films, but John Abraham has always been identified with his macho characters. Films such as Dhoom (2004), Force (2011), Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran (2018), Satyameva Jayate (2018), Romeo Akbar Walter and Batla House (both 2019), have only carved a niche for him. The model-turned-actor, who ended the last year with Anees Bazmee’s Pagalpanti, talks about how actors need to be socially responsible, why it is fair to judge a movie by its box office collection, and more. Excerpts:

How do you switch from a serious role to a lighter one?
It’s tough. I did Pagalpanti after Batla House. I remember in the first few days of Pagalpanti, I went to Anees, and told him I need time. It took me two to three days to find my space. It is easy to impress people with action sequences... something I can do in my sleep. But making someone laugh is all about comic timing. Fortunately, I learned it early in my career.

As an actor, do you like to live with the character?
I do take the character home if I am doing an intense film. Like ACP Sanjeev Kumar, in Batla House, I lived with that character for a very long time. There is a fear of losing your identity at times, it’s scary.

It is 18 years since your debut, how has the journey been?
It’s been interesting. The best part is that I’m a very secure person. The language and audience of the films have changed, and today’s audiences accept the films I do.

Does the actor in you still get nervous before the release date?
Not at all. When I give the first or second shot of a film or when I sign up for it, I know the kind of business it will do. At times, I know it will be a sub ₹50-crore movie, but I’ll still do it.  

Will we see you in the digital space any time soon?
I would find it, at least at this point of time, a little difficult to move into the digital space. I’ve made it very clear to people that John Abraham means large screen.

Do you think it is fair to judge a movie by its box office collections?
A film has to be commercially viable and that’s how the trade gauges you. But more than the money it makes, let me use the right term — return on investment (ROI). If I make my film for ₹30 crore and it makes ₹100 crore, it’s fantastic. But if I make my film for ₹200 crore and it makes ₹200 crore, it’s not really fantastic.

As an actor, how important is it to be socially responsible?
It is extremely important. We are a country where 60-65% of our population is below the age of 40. You are not just a model, you are a role model here. Say the right things and shut up if you don’t know what to say.

Do you feel the way women are portrayed in Bollywood has changed over the years?
Satyameva Jayate had an item song. Sometimes you have to do things according to what the film demands. I want to make socially relevant films, but we’re yet to come to a time when studios won’t say, ‘The numbers on this film are going to be this much if it’s a woman.’

Actor has teamed up with National Award-winning action directors Anbumani-Arivumani to showcase some ‘brutal and raw’ stunts
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 11, 2019)

John Abraham, whose 16-year filmography is replete with action films, is kicking it up a notch with his next. For the gangster film Mumbai Saga, produced by Bhushan Kumar and Sanjay Gupta, who is also directing it, John teams up National Award-winning stunt choreographers Anbumani and Arivumani (credited jointly as ‘Anbariv’) for the first time.

Sanjay reveals that he roped in the duo after watching their work in KGF Chapter 1. “I liked the way action was executed in it. Bhushan was also keen that we have the best team on board,” he says. While John plays a gangster in the film, Emraan Hashmi will be seen as a cop for the first time on screen. Set in the 1980s Mumbai, the film also features Kajal Aggarwal, Suniel Shetty, Gulshan Grover, Rohit Roy and Mahesh Manjrekar.

Sanjay shares that the idea was also to keep the action as real as possible. “It’s not about the hero hitting the villain and the latter doing 20 summersaults as a result. John has some hand-to-hand combat sequences, in which the action is raw, hardcore and brutal. There are also gun fights and bike chase scenes,” he reveals. The film’s team has used the least amount of cable-work and the actors have done most of the stunts themselves. “There are hardly any stunt doubles used,” says Sanjay, adding that the sequences are “stylised, with high-end cameras and lenses.”

The director goes on to reveal that once, John continued to shoot despite an injury. “He had suffered a ligament tear during Pagalpanti and didn’t tell us about it. After the scene, he was holding his arm. When suggested that he take a break, he said he would manage. But we re-designed the next scene to ensure he didn’t exert his injured arm.”

Bhushan, who is reuniting with John after Satyameva Jayate, Batla House and Pagalpanti, says, “John is a dedicated actor and ensures that he gives more than 100 per cent to his work. Audiences love him in action and in Mumbai Saga, he will take it to another level altogether.”

Another combat portion, in which John fights 10 men, will be shot later next month. “We’ll shoot at a real location in Mumbai. That’s also the last schedule of the film,” sums up Sanjay.

Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 23, 2019)

Urvashi Rautela, who started her career with Singh Saab The Great (2013), believes that her histrionic skills are still untapped. Her upcoming movie, Pagalpanti, she believes, is a stepping stone to the bigger picture. “With Pagalpanti, you’ll see me in a new avatar. I hope things keep getting better from here on out,” she says.

The comic caper has been a learning curve for Urvashi. She shares, “I saw Pagalpanti as a learning opportunity without thinking about what I’m doing in the film. With time, I’ve learnt that life is short and it’s important to maintain friendships with everybody. I developed a good bond with all my co-stars in the film.”

When asked about speculations surrounding director Anees Bazmee recreating a yesteryear track for her in the film, she says, “It’s great if you heard that,” adding, “In the past as well, directors and producers have incorporated songs only for me. It feels great to know that they believe in me. When Anees ji told me he would be remaking an iconic song from ChaalBaaz (1989), which featured Sridevi ma’am, I was overjoyed. Not many people know that I’m a big fan of hers. It’s a tribute to her from me.”

Talking about working with Anil Kapoor, she says excitedly, “He fills up the entire set with so much positivity. Every actor should work with him at least once in their lifetime. You get to learn so many things from him. He’s an amazing human being who supports upcoming talent. My younger brother is a pilot and lives in Portugal. He was overjoyed when he found out that I had signed a film with Anil sir.”

Urvashi says she wants to be known as an established comic actor as humour comes naturally to her. “Apart from gymnastics and action sequences, they’ll see me doing comedy for the first time. I want to be like Sridevi ma’am, Madhuri (Dixit Nene) and Juhi Chawla. I believe I’m a comedienne in real life. I love making fun of myself. And making others laugh makes me happy. I love bringing joy to people’s lives,” she says.

So, what’s next for this actor? “I want to break Anil sir’s record of doing 13 films with Anees ji,” Urvashi signs off with a hearty laugh.

Pagalpanti starts off on a decent note. The jokes are not that funny but they manage to raise some laughs and keep the interest going. There are lot of characters but justice is done to them (or so it seemed) and the interval point promises that the second half would be even better. But the opposite happens! The writers and director lifts scenes from other famous comic capers and it spoils the show. There’s also a patriotic track and it looks very forced. John Abraham is fine but he has done better job in other comedy films like Garam Masala, Housefull 2 etc. Arshad Warsi is a natural and a pro at such roles. Pulkit Samrat fails to create the desired impact. Anil Kapoor gives his best but is mostly sidelined. Kriti Kharbanda gets to play an interesting character and does justice. Ileana DCruz is okay while Urvashi Rautela is hardly there. She however dances very well. Saurabh Shukla and Brijendra Kala play their parts well. Inaamulhaq is superb as Niraj Modi. Mukesh Tiwari, Zakir Hussain and Ashok Samarth are over the top. All in all, Pagalpanti is strictly an average fare and watch it only if you are really dying to go to theatres and are not interested in any other films!

My rating - ** ½ out of 5!

WILL PAGALPANTI EMERGE A HIT LIKE TOTAL DHAMAAL AND HOUSEFULL 4?

An interesting trend noticed this year is that massy films across the action and comedy genres like Total Dhamaal, Saaho, Housefull 4 and even Marjaavaan have emerged as a success. These films got terrible reviews from critics and yet, the audiences flocked to the theatres. In fact there was a clear distinction with the social media along with critics bashing the film left right and centre while audiences, especially in single screens and hinterland, enjoying it. As a result, a lot of expectations are there from Pagalpanti as well, which releases tomorrow.

Pagalpanti, as the name suggests, is a madcap comic caper with an ensemble cast comprising of John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Pulkti Samrat, Ileana DCruz, Kriti Kharbanda, Urvashi Rautela and Saurabh Shukla. It is directed by Anees Bazmee, known for making multi-starrer comedies. The first trailer promised a laugh riot but some of the jokes didn’t work. However, the second trailer is funnier and it seems like the film can make for a great watch. All actors seem to be in nice form. John, who has seen done many serious roles off late, seems entertaining in this space. As for music, the remixed version of ‘Tum Par Hum Hai Atke’ has worked well. 2 days back, it came to light that this film is not just a mindless comedy. It is inspired a bit from Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi. Also there’s a patriotism touch that should be interesting if played well.

On the flipside, the film has too many actors and it’ll be a challenge to give justice to each of them. The title song of the film has the same tune as the title song of Anees Bazmee’s earlier film Welcome. It seems like an attempt to cash in on an older super hit film. The buzz is there but not very strong. But such multi-starrer comedies always get audiences. Earlier, Total Dhamaal too was dubbed as not-too-exciting and yet it had an opening of Rs. 15.91 crore! Pagalpanti might not open so well but it surely would have a double-digit day 1. If reports are good and family audience accepts the film, then it’ll be a great ride as next week there’s hardly any competition. But if word of mouth is negative, then the film will crash in the weekdays.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE PAGALPANTI AND WHY? DO LET ME KNOW!

John Abraham discusses why he followed up his hard-hitting offerings with a laugh riot in Pagalpanti, makes a case for mindless comedies
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 21, 2019)

Pagalpanti almost immediately stands out in John Abraham's resume — after all, the actor seemed to have found his niche in patriotic films that included Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran (2018), Satyameva Jayate (2018) and Batla House. Tell him it's surprising to see him in a comedy, and he says the Anees Bazmee-directed venture was a much-needed change for him.

"As an actor, I needed a break from serious cinema," begins Abraham, alluding that difficult projects such as Batla House take an emotional toll on an artiste. "That's why I wanted to do a film that would make me as well as the audience happy. With Pagalpanti, the idea was to make a movie that would be suitable for all age groups. It doesn't have double meaning jokes, exposure or bloodshed."

At a time when the emphasis is on content rather than stars, isn't he apprehensive about being part of a mindless comedy? "I am sure films like Total Dhamaal and Housefull 4 got a lot of negative reviews and criticism. But the audience saw them, and both fared well commercially. So, I believe there is space for all kinds of films today," he says, adding that cracking the genre isn't as easy as one might believe. "I had just wrapped up Batla House when I started shooting for this film. So the first two days were difficult for me. I had to shift gears completely as comedy is the toughest genre in the business. But Anees bhai and the entire cast was supportive."

Pagalpanti director explains why macho man John Abraham is best suited for laugh riots
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; November 19, 2019)

It is difficult to dissociate John Abraham from the action hero image that he has built over the years. Yet, director Anees Bazmee — who has reunited with him for the upcoming Pagalpanti, after Welcome Back (2015) — believes that the actor is as much at home in a laugh riot as in an action fare.

"People may have a certain image of John, but after seeing the way he handled the scenes, I realised he takes comedy as seriously as I do. John has made himself comfortable in the genre over time. I have seen his growth as an artiste. There are several big actors who are brilliant, but they are not comfortable doing comedies. John has managed to carve his space in the genre," asserts Bazmee, heaping praise on his leading man.

The laugh riot also features Anil Kapoor, Ileana D'Cruz, Pulkit Samrat, Kriti Kharbanda and Urvashi Rautela. Handling an ensemble comedy is no mean feat, but Bazmee's penchant for multi-starrers is evident in his filmography. "I make sure that each actor has a significant part to play in the film. It is a challenge to bring so many stars together. I always start out with the idea of working with one hero and one heroine, but keep adding to the cast as the story develops. The more the merrier for me!"

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; November 19, 2019)

John Abraham and Bhushan Kumar are in a happy space as creative collaborators. After Satyameva Jayate (2018) and Batla House, their third outing together, Pagalpanti, is ready to hit cinemas this week. Ahead of that, they spoke to BT about what makes their equation work and why, despite two hectic years ahead, they believe that they will not reach a point of burnout. Excerpts:

In the last 18 months, you have collaborated on two films — Satyameva Jayate and Batla House — and Pagalpanti is the third in line. There are half-a-dozen films more in the offing, too. What do you think has cemented your equation as partners?
John Abraham: Bhushan has been extremely forthcoming and he has the desire to be involved creatively with projects. He has transitioned from being the baron of a music label to a creative producer, who is not afraid to take risks and back films that are daring and unique. Batla House is a case in point. People would have thought a thousand times over about backing it, but he went right ahead, and put his money where his mouth is. Our association has been organic because we never set out with a plan. Today, if I find something that I want us to do together, I reach out to him. If it doesn’t work for him, we leave it there. There’s no compulsion, ever.
Bhushan Kumar: I feel very comfortable working with John and he’s right when he says that ours is an organic relationship. He gives the producer his due space. Actors who are also producers often take over the project completely and don’t allow producers to have a say. Here, we are on the same page. After Pagalpanti, we have Mumbai Saga, Satyameva Jayate 2, an untitled film with Arjun Kapoor and Rakul, Attack and another one that we will announce soon. This can happen only when you build an equation of trust and respect.

One places trust and respect in any equation only after it has stood the test of time. How did you guys go about winning each other’s trust?
John: I think you can place trust and respect in the other person, especially in a work equation, when he or she displays transparency at all times. Bhushan has been in the industry for longer than I have and we both have been cheated on several occasions. Transparency is something that I insist on, and I respect immensely. If there’s an issue, he’s always there to back me up. When we make a commitment, we stand by it. He has displayed the courage to back a creative producer like me who only goes after tricky subjects. I don’t have the power to propel a project like Bhushan, but his sensibilities as a producer match mine. He helps me secure that new space that I’m trying to tap into in the best way possible. Studios are about balance sheets, board of directors and paperwork, but I have a one-to-one relationship with Bhushan. If I tell him why our project will be slightly more expensive, he will hear me out and we will find a way to make things work.
Bhushan: John takes my word for it because I’ve always lived up to my word. He believes me and has shown faith in my work. This industry works on relationships and no relationship can survive without mutual trust. John is a straightforward guy and he gets really upset when someone breaks his trust. Our comfort level grew over time, it didn’t happen overnight. And the kind of comfort I have while working with John is different from what I have with other actors. He’s an actor-producer, and he understands what viability of a project is. Other actors would probably see that as us trying to cut corners for the sake of it. John knows the math, and he understands how and why we’re trying to work around our costs.

Is this the reason you wanted your wife Divya Khosla Kumar to make her acting comeback with John?
Bhushan: Not entirely, but yes, my equation with John is one of the reasons I was happy for Divya to make her comeback with him in Satyameva Jayate 2. She’s also very comfortable with the team, she knows Nikkhil Advani and his family. She knows John very well. She knows how Milap Zaveri works. Everyone was happy to have her on board. As her husband, Divya’s comfort is of prime importance to me.

John, you’ve had a fairly long spell of serious films and they seem to be working for you. Why did you decide to then digress into a comic caper with Pagalpanti? Bhushan, did you ever have second thoughts about his decision?
Bhushan: Once the audience accepts an actor for his comic timing or for his serious outings, it makes life easy for a producer. John has been accepted in both. It’s like Akshay Kumar, who does a lot of serious films, but he balances it with a comedy film. He can do that because he is accepted in both spaces. John has done that, too. So, I am not at any risk. I’ve seen Pagalpanti and I think the title is apt. Anees Bazmee has made a full-fledged comedy. I was actually excited about it from the time John told me about it. I called Kumar Mangat ji, and joined forces with him on this one.
John: It’s true that I have been doing serious films for a while. I really wanted to give myself a break from that and I am also a big Anees Bazmee fan.

Comedies are often accused of lacking a credible story and the narrative relies mostly on one-liners and the actors’ comic timing. Was that ever a concern here?
John: Not at all. Pagalpanti has a relevant plot, apart from being very entertaining. Fugitives have escaped our country after looting our banks and robbing thousands of middle-class people of their savings. Our film uses this as the core story. In an entertaining way, we are giving out a message to the audience. When you see characters running around the streets of London in circus outfits, you can’t figure out what’s going on. But it’s a good story, which in a weird manner, is patriotic.
Bhushan: I was game for all this craziness. It’s not a tricky film for a producer to back. It’s a well-rounded film with so many elements and such good actors. After backing Batla House and Kabir Singh, this film feels pretty cool.

Over the next two years, you already have films like Mumbai Saga, Satyameva Jayate 2 and Attack lined up. While churning out one film every quarter, do you fear that your equation might reach a state of burnout?
John: We approach each other only when we find something really striking. Both of us are not in a hurry to bring out projects. Our films are getting green-lit pretty organically. He believes in my process and he knows I will not approach him because I want to create a slate of films with him.
Bhushan: Luckily, even though we have a string of projects together, we’re doing some very cool films, which are all in different spaces. There’s no room for monotony and so, I don’t see a burnout situation, ever.

Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 19, 2019)

After essaying glamorous roles in films such as Devadasu (2006), Kick (2009), and Julayi (2012) down South, actor Ileana D’Cruz, broke the mould with her Bollywood debut. In Anurag Basu’s Barfi! (2012), the 33-year-old played the role of a sari-clad demure Bengali girl, which garnered appreciation from critics and audience alike. However, the actor feels that she is only changing the “formula, now and then”, and hasn’t yet cracked the art of choosing the right script.

So, how does her next film, Pagalpanti, fit into her film choices? “Films are art, and they’re subjective. Not everyone would love [Pablo] Picasso’s work. Films like Pagalpanti are genuinely funny and are meant to entertain you.They don’t require too much of your head, as they act as stress busters,” says Ileana. The film has an ensemble cast with actors like John Abraham, Arshad Warsi and Anil Kapoor in it. Excited to have worked with Kapoor, Ileana says, “AK is my favourite co-star. On the set, he’s always encouraging people. It’s so rare to come across people who are so passionate about their work, and that rubs off on to you. He’s like a kid in a candy store. He has been working for so long, but works as if it’s his first film. I love him.”

Lack of visibility doesn’t rattle Ileana, who is happy to take things slow. She says, “I don’t want to jump into being visible. I don’t want to sound cocky, but I know that I have the qualities of a good actor. I know there’s always room for improvement, but I don’t have the fear of missing out. A film isn’t a day’s commitment. So I wouldn’t do something that doesn’t have my heart in it.”

The actor, who has spent 13 years in showbiz, still believes that she isn’t cut out for the world of glamour. “I can’t go to every party. I need to be with people I’m comfortable with. I’ve seen some girls who can do that, and that’s great. I’m an introvert. Initiating a conversation is difficult for me. I was once sitting with Robert De Niro (actor) and Martin Scorsese (filmmaker) and though I wanted to talk, all I could manage was smile and say, hello,” she recalls.

Seven years after Barfi!, Ileana’s excited for another detour. She says, “The idea of doing a hard-hitting solo heroine film is appealing. I want to do something that challenges me, which has raw emotions. I want to do a film where the focus will not be on my looks.”

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; November 19, 2019)

It has been over a year since she appeared on any public platform. Except for being papped outside her gym occasionally, Ileana D’Cruz has maintained a low profile. While rumours of her break-up (with Australian photographer Andrew Kneebone) has been hitting the headlines over the past couple of months, the actress says that she deliberately stayed away from the spotlight, as she needed to work on herself. Now, however, she is back where she is the happiest — in front of the camera. Ahead of her next release, director Anees Bazmi’s Pagalpanti, Ileana speaks to BT about moving on from her relationship of many years, bringing life back on track and making wise career choices. Excerpts...

After Raid (2018), you vanished from the scene, only to reappear as the finale showstopper at BTFW 2019, which took place last month. What was that phase of absence like?
It felt great to walk the ramp. I am always nervous before a walk; I wonder how the models do it. But something about that night was so right. And, when you are feeling great overall, it just shows. Lately, I have been having trouble accepting the way I look. Over the last year or so, I was on medication; there were even days when I had 12 pills in one go. I went off the radar after Raid because I had to undergo tests every few weeks. The tablets made me put on weight, which I worked hard to knock off. The paparazzi photographs can be unflattering; there were times when I wanted to hit the gym, but would get papped outside and the pictures were quite bad. Now, of course, I have lost a lot of weight because I am off medication, am looking after myself a lot more and am feeling nice. But, in my head, I am still that fat girl (laughs!).

You gave your nod to Pagalpanti during that tough and dark phase. Did being around familiar faces and working on a light and breezy film like this help?
Yes, it helped a lot. Pagalpanti is a crazy film. John (Abraham) plays a guy with bad luck and my character gets into trouble because she is in love with him. It was an amazing bunch of actors to hang out with. I made friends with Arshad (Warsi), who has a great vibe. It was also a lot of fun working with John.

Talking about movies, in the last few years, the focus of cinema has shifted from stardom to acting prowess. As an actress who has straddled both kinds of cinema — massy entertainers and content-driven ones — are you happy with the way things function now?
At the end of the day, if the audience doesn’t enjoy your experiments with cinema, it’s not going to help. The good part is that the audience is open to the variety in content, now. Gritty films like Badla can co-exist with massy ones and they’re all doing well. Even off-beat subjects are doing decent business. So, it’s a plus if you can act. I’ve worked in about 30 films in 13-14 years, which I feel is a good number. Initially, I was like Akshay Kumar, doing four films a year. Then, I felt that maybe, I need to slow down. Today, I don’t feel like I have missed out on anything. Sometimes, things have not worked out for some unusual reasons, but I have no regrets. I’m sure something better is around the corner.

At the moment, apart from Pagalpanti, there’s only The Big Bull in your kitty. Do you feel that being so selective is a good idea, especially when there’s a burst of new ideas, new faces and filmmakers with fresh concepts?
I was always conscious about what I chose and I still am. After Barfi! (2012), I received many offers to play a Bengali girl, but why would I do it again? With me, it’s always about instinct, even if something sounds great on paper. I am fine with being more selective about what I do. Yes, there are a lot of newcomers, but I don’t feel the need to rush. At the end of the day, a film is for posterity. You have to be sure about it because it can’t be erased. So, instead of rushing in and choosing 20 films, I’d rather do fewer films and stay relevant. Besides, why bombard the audience with too much of you? A little mystery is always good.

Clearly, in your 15-year-career, you’ve not followed industry norms. Did that make things tough?
I’m a wild child, a rebel who has never stuck to norms. I’ve made my own rules and lived by them, but of course, it comes at a price. Once, during the initial days of my career, I asked a choreographer why people thought I am snooty and difficult — is it because I don’t agree with everyone all the time or because I speak my mind? She told me, ‘Just be yourself and everyone will get used to it’. That has stayed with me. It’s easy to get caught up with things and lose yourself. Losing sanity is a far bigger price than losing a career. Though I am myself, I don’t think I am hated for it. I do everything keeping in mind that at the end of the day, I need to sleep with my conscience clear.

On the personal front, speculations about your break-up with Andrew Kneebone surfaced when you unfollowed each other on social media, followed by a couple of cryptic messages on your Instagram account...
I have always kept my personal life away from the spotlight, as it’s not fair to the other person. Now, I can just say that I loved the experiences I had. Every bit of every year that we spent together has made me grow as a person. Today, I am in a better space, working on myself, which I didn’t give as much importance previously, and that was my own fault. It’s about time I took care of myself. There’s no point kicking up dirt when it’s not needed.

While you have every right to remain silent about your personal life, it can also give rise to more rumours and speculations...
Well, people talk, irrespective of what you do. At the end of the day, I am not answerable to anyone beyond my family. Life goes on. Today, I am talked about, it will be someone or something else tomorrow. All I can say is, some of my posts were lines from some poems, and I shared them because they were actually conveying what I was feeling. You will lose family along the way and the very thought terrifies me, but it’s inevitable. The only person who will be with you in all of this is you. Every time I went in for therapy, I was told that I have to make the effort to heal myself. That’s stuck with me. When you are with someone else, you’re busy looking after them and managing your career, and in the process, your well-being takes a backseat. You know what? It’s not so bad to be a little selfish sometimes.

Are you trying to say that your relationship took up a lot of your space?
Relationships do take a lot of your time, and you make them a priority, but it should not be a burden. Trying too hard to make it work is not a great sign. Also, you should not forget yourself in a relationship. It’s not anyone else’s fault, but yours if that happens. It’s not others’ responsibility to make you happy, but, unfortunately, that happens in many relationships.

What went wrong with your relationship? Did distance and the fact that you have different professions cause the rift?
Not all all. I could probably be with an actor and it would seem monotonous talking about the same things at work and at home. It’s great for a couple to follow different professions. Also, people say that long-distance relationships are hard to maintain, but distance never really matters. You can be miles apart and still be together, while sometimes, under the same roof, you could be miles apart. It’s not the best time to talk about what really went wrong. Right now, I just cherish what I had with Andrew and I look back with great memories and a smile. I’m at peace with myself.

While talking about her relationship with Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora had told BT that second chances are difficult to come by, and when that happens, you should grab it with both your hands. Would you give another relationship a chance in your life?
I’m not looking to be in a relationship right now. It doesn’t matter if you look like chalk and cheese to others, what’s important is how you two feel together. There’s a reason Malaika and I get along so well. We think alike. Malla and Arjun were in a public space where they were okay to speak about their relationship, while respecting each other’s privacy. I like that about them.

Are you still friends with Andrew?
(Long pause) I can’t really answer this right now.

John Abraham books August 14, 2020 as a release date, promises to raise the bar with every film he produces, explains the need to do the occasional comedy
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 18, 2019)

After films like Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran and Batla House, one had expected to see more of the serious, intense John Abraham. So, the upcoming laugh riot, Pagalpanti, is a surprise. What’s the plan as an actor and producer?
As an actor, I needed a break from intense roles. So, being a fan of Anees Bazmee’s brand of cinema, which I enjoy as a viewer, I accepted Pagalpanti after hearing just one line of the story and laughing all through the narration. As a producer, I have three films lined up—Gorkha, which will be directed Nikkhil Advani, Ray helmed by Abhishek Sharma who’s made Parmanu and Rensil D’Silva’s next. Hopefully, they will raise the bar set by Vicky Donor, Madras Cafe, Parmanu and Batla House, which gained acceptance from both, the media and the audience. Ray, for instance, is a genre you have never seen on the Indian screen. A love story, and yet drastically different. As a producer, I want to go into areas no one has explored. (Smiles) I believe higher the risk, the greater the profit.

Are we referring to the Gorkha regiment here?
Yes, Nikkhil and I are jointly co-producing this film. He will be directing me in it.

During Batla House, you had announced that you will have an Independence Day release in 2020 as well. Will that be Gorkha?
No, it’s Attack, which rolls on January 4 and opens on August 14. I’ve come to believe that the day belongs to me, not just because it’s a national holiday but also for the feelings it brings forth. Attack is an apt Independence Day release, patriotic without being jingoistic. It will be directed by Lakshya Anand, who assisted Kabir Khan on New York and Ek Tha Tiger, and Siddharth Anand on Bang Bang.

What happens to the period football film, 1911, which you and Nikkhil were to kick off early next year?
We are still developing that script, but the film will happen for sure. I believe football is the new cricket in India.

Rensil D’Silva’s movie is about motorcycle racing…
It’s also about family and love. A beautiful emotional story which, if I had to pick an analogy, would be an Indianised Rush. We have been developing the script for two years, it goes on the floors in early 2020.

While on the subject of Hollywood films, I believe you have been approached for desi adaptations of The Departed and The Transporter too?
Not The Departed, but the makers who have the rights to The Transporter have approached me. It’s not a literal translation but in an interesting space.

A couple of years ago, one believed that the action genre was dead. But films like Satyameva Jayate, Baaghi 2 and recently War have resurrected the genre. Action is back with a vengeance.
Yes, action is alive and that’s one more reason I’m so excited about Attack. I enjoy that space and I truly believe that the two actors who do action differently are Tiger (Shroff) and me. He is more technical while I am more real, breaking down doors and walls. There is a huge vaccum in his age group and mine that we fill.

And so Mumbai Saga?
Mumbai Saga, I believe, is Sanjay Gupta’s best work in light years. We have done Zinda and Shoootout At Wadala earlier, he is one of the few directors who handles me well. We have completed around 60-65 per cent of the film and we have created a very different language for this kind of gangster drama. Emraan Hashmi is fantastic!

Given how confident you are of action, where did you go wrong with the spy thriller Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW)?
I still believe it’s one of my best films. And Robbie (Grewal) is a gifted director and a fantastic human being with whom I am doing two more projects. The problem with RAW was the screenplay, which, I think in retrospect, was a little slow before the interval. The pace picked up in the second half but by then, the audience, which is looking for instant gratification, had disconnected. Had I made the film today, I’d have made it more fastpaced, added a few more action scenes. But those who saw it on the digital platform loved the film.

That’s because the digital audience is different from the one that goes to theatre, something many of our makers have yet to understand. That audience is more attuned to international content, which is edgy, out-of-the-box and about stories.
I agree. We are still creating projects and selling them when the days of proposals are over. That’s why I’m spending a couple of years developing a screenplay, even when people tell me I don’t need to ponder so long and so hard. Eventually content sells. That’s why I am attempting a film like Ray which no one can even imagine. I’ve seen enough failure to not be afraid anymore.

Your Vicky Donor, Ayushmann Khurrana, has gambled his career on ‘different’ films and today, after seven years, he is reaping the benefits of his ‘brave’ choices.
Ayushmann is a good boy and no one can be happier or prouder for him than me. He’s chosen well and today, when a ‘different’ film comes to a producer, they automatically gravitate towards him. More power to him.

Satyameva Jayate worked last year because it was a novelty in that it brought back ’80s-style action and herogiri. But will it work a second time?
I promise you that the sequel will not be anything like what we belted out in Satyameva Jayate. It deals with relevant issues of today and will strike a chord with not just the masses, but the classes as well. You can’t go down the ‘80s road again, it is important to move with the times. The only time I let myself loose is with Anees Bazmee, whom I trust as a director and a writer. There is no vulgarity or doublemeaning dialogue in his films; his world is inhibited by harmless, innocent beings and even the bad guy is cute.

So, there is an audience for such comedies?
Yes, the genre has a wider acceptance if released at the right time. Personally, I enjoyed doing Housefull 2 with Akshay (Kumar) and Sajid (Nadiadwala), and Pagalpanti was a blast too. There is an audience for all genres if you provide quality cinema.

Your character in Pagalpanti, Raj Kishore, is supposed to be the harbinger of bad luck. When was the last time you encountered bad luck on a personal level?
I equate bad luck with bad intentions and bad energy. That’s why I only work with good people. Period.

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 17, 2019)

Arshad Warsi, who has been a part of comedy franchises like Golmaal and Dhamaal, is all geared up for the release of yet another multi-starrer comic caper — Pagalpanti. “Working on multistarrers is like attending a party. When so many creative people come together, they bring a lot of fun to the table. I enjoy every bit of it,” says the actor.

While the actor is now happy that he’s a part of Pagalpanti, he was skeptical, initially. He shares his reasons, “I was apprehensive about working with Anees Bazmee (director) for the first time. As a director, he has worked with all the biggies, and I felt that he would tell his actors, ‘Do what I tell you to do!’ The other reason was that the film had a three-month schedule in London. The project has actors like Ileana (D’Cruz) Pulkit (Samrat), Kriti (Kharbanda) and Urvashi (Rautela), who I have never worked with. I was only familiar with John (Abraham), Anil (Kapoor) and Saurabh (Shukla). My problem was, when you are shooting with so many actors and that too, on a lengthy schedule abroad, it’s important to get along with everyone.”

However, to Arshad’s surprise, reality was completely different. “I enjoyed working with Anees, and I fell in love with Pulkit and Kriti. They are absolutely adorable,” says Arshad, whose friendly chemistry with Ileana was also evident during the promotions of the film. “Ileana is a sweetheart. We have gotten along really well,” he says.

Post Pagalpanti, Arshad says that he will be working on Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 5. He shares, “Discussion is also on around other franchises like Ishqiya and Jolly LLB.” Ask him when is the much-awaited Munna Bhai series rolling and he is quick to add, “Frankly, the scripting is taking a lot of time. We all want the third installment of Munna Bhai to happen. It is lovely that the audience is looking forward to seeing it. In fact, many people have asked me about it, too.”

Arshad, who played Circuit in the series, says that he is in touch with ‘Munna Bhai’ Sanjay Dutt and is happy that very soon, they will start shooting for another film together. “We’ll start shooting for it next year,” he says. The Sajid-Farhad project has Sanjay playing the role of a blind don, while Arshad plays his chaperon.

Through his movies, Arshad Warsi has often showcased his love for comedy. His costars speak highly of his comic timing, hilarious impromptu reactions and his wacky sense of humour. So, we threw a volley of silly questions at him to enjoy his wit.

Here’s how he fared:

What was the last text message your Pagalpanti co-star Anil Kapoor might have sent and to whom?
He might have sent a message to himself that reads, ‘I am rocking it. I am the best!’

If Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt had to attend a Halloween party, what look would they pull off the best?
I think they would look the best as The Addams Family!

How many bikes does your co-star John Abraham have?
Whenever I ask him, he says that he owns only about five-six bikes, but I am sure the number is close to 20!

If Shah Rukh Khan had to be represented by a thing, what would it be?
It would be the Eiffel Tower. He is someone, who you just want to look at and admire. Everything that he does is unbelievable. He is a wonderful person.

What’s the most stale item in your refrigerator right now?
The stalest thing in my refrigerator will be meat or fish. In my family, everyone has given up on non-vegetarian food. So, some salmon must be lying there, which needs to be thrown out.

If not an actor, what would Taimur Ali Khan be when he grows up?
Whatever he becomes, he will always be a good-looking dude.

If Katrina Kaif is to marry a cartoon character, who would it be?
I think she should get married to Batman. They will look good together.

Where is Karan Johar vacationing right now?
The way Karan is looking right now (fit and healthy), I am sure he is at some spa in Austria. I think he is probably living there because he is getting slimmer.

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 16, 2019)

Multi-starrers are not new for Urvashi Rautela. Back in 2016, she was seen in the adult comedy, Great Grand Masti. And now, she is part of the upcoming film, Pagalpanti, which too, features an ensemble cast. However, the actress says that this time around, her outing is on a bigger and grander scale.

Ask her if it was intimidating to share screen space with an actor like Anil Kapoor, and she replies, “Anil sir made me feel totally at home. He also he gave me a lot of tips and guided me throughout the film.” She adds, “He is a legendary actor. I have been a big fan of his. While growing up, I enjoyed watching his movies like Mr. India (1987), Ram Lakhan (1989) and Beta (1992). I also loved his performance in Slumdog Millionaire (2008).”

Urvashi bonded well with John Abraham, too. “I connected with John. I could relate to him as he has a modelling background. Also, like me, he, too, started off with a pageant. John, Anil sir and I are fitness enthusiasts. So, we all used to work out together at the same gym, during the shoot of the film.”

The comic caper also features Pulkit Samrat and Arshad Warsi, and Urvashi says that the boys were quite a riot on the sets. “They used to play pranks. Arshad was extremely funny and used to pull my leg a lot. He used to make fun of me in front of everyone. By the end of the shoot, I was used to it,” she recalls.

The actress, who is known for her dance moves and has been a part of songs like Daddy Mummy (Bhaag Johnny, 2015) and Haseeno Ka Deewana (Kaabil, 2017), is happy that she got a chance to groove to Bimar Dil in Pagalpanti. The song is the recreated version of the Sridevi-starrer, Tera Bemar Mera Dil from Chaalbaaz (1989). Urvashi says, “Sridevi ma’am has always been my idol. I am extremely thankful to director Anees Bazmee for making the song with me. I was already a part of the cast when he told me one day that he wants to do that song with me. It is a recreated version and the steps are different from the original. I hope that the viewers don’t compare me with Sridevi ma’am.”

While she is known for her moves, doesn’t Urvashi crave to be known as an ‘actress’? “I am sure things will change once people see Pagalpanti. I have some good comic scenes in the film. Today, acting is definitely my main focus. I am happy that with this film, I am getting a chance to prove my acting abilities,” she signs off.

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 12, 2019)

The past few years have not been easy for Pulkit Samrat. While he earned the reputation of being a brash actor, he hit choppy waters on the personal front. However, he now claims to be a changed person. “I realised ki mein yeh karne toh nahi aaya tha yahan pe (in Bollywood). Whatever sh*t happened, it changed things for me. I am really thankful to my family and friends, who helped me realise my mistakes and got me out of the pit,” he says.

These days, he is being linked to his Pagalpanti co-star, Kriti Kharbanda. As we talk to the duo, ahead of the release of the Anees Bazmee-directorial, Pulkit also thanks Kriti for bringing about the change in him. “She has been the biggest force in helping me get my act together,” he shares. Kriti proudly agrees, saying, “When the world was afraid to show him the mirror, I took up the responsibility. I told him, ‘Yeh galat ho raha hai. Tu chup chaap sudhar jaa warna main tujhe sudhaar dungi.”

While their camaraderie has become the talk of the town now, the two shared a different equation during Veerey Ki Wedding (2018), their first outing together. Kriti recalls, “Back then, we were not even friends. We were just like any other co-stars, who would come on the sets, work and go home. During the eight months between the film’s shoot and its promotion, we were not even in touch. I remember, I had called to invite him for the screening of my film, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana (2017), and he asked, ‘Who’s this?’ He didn’t even have my number.”

So, when did they start warming up to each other? Kriti replies, “It all changed when we met for the promotions of Veerey.... During the shoot, too, I had fallen very sick, and fainted as my sugar levels dropped to 46. He was the one who took me to a hospital. However, while our friendship became strong during Veerey’s promotions, we hit it off during the shoot of Pagalpanti.”

Talking about the changes she has noticed in Pulkit, the actress says, “He has started opening up to people. He used to be extremely reserved earlier, but now, he tries to talk to the cast and crew. It is so lovely to see someone come out of their shell.”

Interestingly, Pulkit, too, has changed Kriti. She says that for her role in Housefull 4, she wanted to sport a svelte figure, but dreaded hitting the gym. It was Pulkit, who instilled discipline in her. “I knew that I looked pretty, but I wanted to look fit as well. I started working out only because of Pulkit. He asked me to give him 15 days (for her transformation), and along with the trainer, worked on my fitness routine. Today, I enjoy working out,” says Kriti.

Pulkit adds, “I enjoy working out so much that I never miss it. If my call time on the set is 5 am, I will hit the gym at 3, workout and reach the set on time. Today, Kriti also does the same. During the shoot of Pagalpanti, there were days when she woke up at 4 am to hit the gym.”

So, is there any truth to the buzz of them being in a relationship? When Pulkit replies, “Bhai, main toh isse pata raha hoon,” Kriti is quick to retort, “Main jaldi patne walon mein se nahi hoon (laughs!). For now, we are best friends, but in the future, you never know.”

There are also rumours that the two are in a live-in relationship. Bring this up and Kriti clears, “Are you mad? Meri maa chakkar aa ke gir jayegi. We only live in the same locality.”

We did a quick five session with Pulkit and Kriti, and here’s what they had to say:

Between the two of you, who do you think will propose first?
Kriti: It will be him.
Pulkit: Yes, I think so, too.
Kriti: You better be the first, okay?

What would your ideal first date be like?
Pulkit: Under the blanket of countless stars in the sky.
Kriti: … and a shooting star, while we swing on a hammock.

What would be the perfect location for your love nest ?
Pulkit: It should be in Goa, located by the white sand beach.
Kriti: The other one should be in London (Laughs!).
Pulkit: Yes, by the countryside.

If you were to throw a surprise by cooking something special for each other, what would it be?
Pulkit: I will cook mutton rogan josh, keema without mutter, yellow dal tadka and butter chicken with ghee rice for her.
Kriti: I will surprise him by cooking fish wrapped in banana leaf. I will also make idli sambar and meetha dalia for him.

What’s the one thing you will never gift each other?
Pulkit: I will never gift her chocolates. She is one girl who’s not fond of them.
Kriti: I will never gift him an all-boys trip to Bangkok (Laughs!)

What’s the most annoying habit that you would like to change in each other?
Pulkit: She has this annoying habit of overthinking.
Kriti: I want Pulkit to be more expressive and talk openly about his feelings.

Ileana D'Cruz points to the success of Mubarakan as the reason behind collaborating with Anees Bazmee again
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 10, 2019)

Even though critical reviews can be testimony, Ileana D'Cruz doesn't have to look too far from home to be reminded of the success of Mubarakan. "My family, that predominantly watches English films, loved Mubarakan. They continue to watch it once a week. Every time I go home, I see them watching it," says the actor when highlighting why it was a no-brainer to give a go at the chance to collaborate with director Anees Bazmee again. "When Anees ji offered Pagalpanti to me, I knew I would agree because working with him is a great experience. It's rare to find a director who understands you. He makes entertaining films."

Even though it's not easy to make a mark in an ensemble film like this Anil Kapoor and John Abraham starrer, D'cruz is unperturbed. "[When it's about a comedy], the more the merrier."

Ready for his comic act in Pagalpanti, Anil Kapoor discusses how he gave inputs for his don character
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 8, 2019)

Months after he tickled the audience's funny bone with Total Dhamaal, Anil Kapoor will be seen as a don in the ensemble comedy, Pagalpanti. For an actor who has played myriad roles in a career spanning over four decades, it can be difficult to lend distinct traits to each part. But Kapoor insists he gives inputs for every character, thus making it his own. "I always create a back-story for my roles. I remember I had heard of a mafia king who lived in Malad. He was a Christian, but had inculcated Bambaiyya traits. So, when this character came my way, I told Anees bhai [Bazmee, director] to make him a Malad don instead of Mumbai ka don," laughs Kapoor, adding that his make-up artiste ended up inadvertently christening his character. "My character was earlier named Jugnu. My make-up artist [Deepak Chauhan], who has been with me for 36 years, and I wanted to make it different from Majnu bhai [his part in the Welcome franchise]. So, he suggested that we change my hairstyle and add a wi-fi logo on my forehead. I wasn't sure about it as creating the logo every day would be a taxing process. So, we decided to name the character Wi-Fi, instead."

Kapoor is one of the few artistes who can boast of such a long inning in the industry. The actor believes he has been fortunate that varied films came his way. "Our industry has done a fine job of balancing commercial and content-driven cinema. We are in the business of entertainment, and I love doing commercial cinema. Having said this, films with good content are making money at the box office because the audience has evolved more than ever."

Harshada Rege (BOMBAY TIMES; November 8, 2019)

Ever since Anil Kapoor announced the sequel to Deewana Mastana (1997) on the sets of Nach Baliye, film buffs kicked up a storm on social media. The actor had also said that John Abraham, with whom he shares screen space in Pagalpanti, will also be a part of the cast this time around. In an interview with Bombay Times, Anil said, “We have spread the word and put it out in the universe. Let’s see who comes up with an interesting story, and which director comes on board. The stars have already committed. Unless John backs out at the last moment (laughs!). In fact, Raveena (Tandon Thadani) has also shown interest. She had a guest appearance in the film. So, she has to be there!”

When we met John recently, we asked him whether the film is on the cards, and he denied it. “Not at all. I think Mr Kapoor was happy to meet Govinda and he said, ‘Hey, let’s make Deewana Mastana part two, and let’s get John on board’. So, I was a force fit in that (laughs!); there’s no truth to it. It’s something they said out of love and in that moment because they were really happy to see each other,” he concluded.