Showing posts with label Priyadarshan interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Priyadarshan interview. Show all posts
There were no ego problems between Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan-Priyadarshan
11:22 PM
Filmmaker Priyadarshan opens up about how young actors approach multi-starrers differently than the stars of the ‘90s and 2000s
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 6, 2026)
Filmmaker Priyadarshan reunites with actor Akshay Kumar for their upcoming film Haiwaan, also starring Saif Ali Khan, but the genre marks a shift for the duo known for their iconic comedies.
Talking about taking the different route, Priyadarshan says, “Films should not become repetitive. I believe that when you see films like Pad Man, Rustom, and all those films, you see Akshay Kumar is capable of doing other kinds of movies also, not only comedy and those films are successful. I was not planning to do this film with Akshay, but Akshay himself insisted that he has never played a psycho. I thought he was kidding, but he said I'm serious about it,” he says.
Having two actors of such stature together is a casting coup in today’s time and the filmmaker agrees it couldn’t have been possible in the actors of today’s generation.
“Yes, that is true. I have worked with Akshay and Govinda, Ajay Devgn and Akshaye Khanna, but there were never any issues because there were no ego problems between them. They both knew that they have a lead role and they have enough meat for themselves. But the new generation is very insecure. They always want to know what the other person is doing. They don't want to know what they are doing,” he says.
Haiwaan marks Priyadarshan and Akshay’s ninth film together. Ask him about how their equation has evolved over the course of these films, and the filmmaker says, “It is about our trust in each other. He never questions me. He will just come to the shot and ask what you want me to do and just do it. I am also very careful about what I am doing with him. I think this is what has worked for both of us. He has got a blind belief in me, and it gives me the responsibility that I should not let him down.”
The film also becomes poignant for Priyadarshan to break an image as his name has become synonymous to the comedy genre.
“I started my career with serious films like Virasat (1997), after Hera Pheri (2000), this comedy brand came on my head. But at the same time, fortunately, I have been making serious movies too in the South. Something unusual is always attractive, so I thought, this time let me try something different. Haiwaan is not a dark film and there's enough for you to laugh in between too. But it is a very emotional film. I always prefer films for family, so a family can watch Haiwaan together too,” he ends.
I approached Bobby Deol for Akshay Kumar's role in Haiwaan; also thought of Akshaye Khanna-Priyadarshan
9:27 AM
Priyadarshan gets candid about approaching Bobby Deol and Akshaye Khanna as Haiwaan's antagonist, it was later that Akshay Kumar joined the film instinctively
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 20, 2026)
Last week, Priyadarshan unveiled the first look of Haiwaan, showcasing Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in gritty avatars. After four back-to-back comedies, Kumar portrays a menacing antagonist in the movie. But what if we told you that the superstar wasn’t originally meant to be a part of Haiwaan? Priyadarshan revealed to mid-day that his original choice for the villain was Bobby Deol.
The filmmaker recalled, “When I narrated the film to Saif first, he asked me who would play the antagonist. I approached Bobby Deol, who wasn’t happy about his role, but I cannot blame him for that. I thought of Akshaye Khanna and told him that I wanted to narrate a story to him. He invited me over to meet him. I thought that if he refused, I would go to Suniel Shetty. [Before I met Akshaye], I mentioned the film to Akshay casually while shooting for Bhooth Bangla. After I narrated the story to him, he told me, ‘Why can’t I do the movie?’”
Priyadarshan hadn’t initially considered Kumar as he felt the role would go completely against the superstar’s current image of a humorous, happy-go-lucky guy. But the actor was certain that he wanted to bet on the role. The filmmaker added, “Akshay loved the character. While we were shooting, Saif told me, ‘By doing this role against me, Akshay has given me the best gift’.”
Comedy may be the filmmaker’s forte, but with Haiwaan, he is glad to shift gears. He said, “Some people have assumed Haiwaan is a comedy; it’s not. It’s about a cat-and-mouse game between the hunter and the hunted. I am returning to an action thriller after 16 years, and it’s one of the slickest movies I have ever made.”
I could’ve made Hera Pheri 3 bigger than Dhurandhar-Priyadarshan
9:09 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 3, 2026)
Much anticipated, but seemingly jinxed — that’s Hera Pheri 3 for you. The comedy franchise’s third instalment, which was announced in January 2025, faced a fresh blow earlier this week when producer Firoz A Nadiadwallah announced that Priyadarshan would no longer helm the Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal-starrer; something that was further confirmed by the director. So, what caused the filmmaker to exit a project that he was deeply invested in? Legal tangles and Nadiadwallah’s behaviour towards him, he said.
In an exclusive chat with mid-day, Priyadarshan revealed, “Firoz told Akshay, ‘You have the rights to make Hera Pheri 3, but never make it with Priyadarshan. That’s my only request.’ He has insulted me so many times — he told me that my cut of Hera Pheri [2000] looked like a poor man’s version, that he had to edit my five-hour movie. I initially agreed to do the third part with Akshay because I thought I could make one of this country’s biggest franchises. If I had directed it, I could’ve made it bigger than Dhurandhar. Akshay, Suniel, and Paresh requested me to make Hera Pheri 3. When I narrated the story to them, they were all excited.”
According to Priyadarshan, troubles began right in 2025. “When Hera Pheri 3 was announced, I got a call from Seven Arts Films’ G P Vijayakumar that if we ever do the film, it will be a violation. I didn’t know what to do. This is why I said that Hera Pheri 3 may never see the screens with the same characters. You will never see them again as it has too many legal issues. According to me, Hera Pheri [2000] was born, Phir Hera Pheri [2006] became sick, and Hera Pheri 3 will be dead,” said the director.
Earlier this year, South Indian producer Vijayakumar claimed that Nadiadwallah didn’t own the rights to the Hera Pheri franchise and questioned his transfer of third instalment’s rights to leading man Kumar. Vijayakumar further claimed that in 2022, he had bought the entire franchise’s rights from Adithya Films, the makers of the Malayalam original Ramji Rao Speaking (1989), on which Hera Pheri was based.
He also alleged that Nadiadwallah had only bought the Hindi remake rights of Ramji Rao Speaking, and then flouted the contract by making the sequel. “It is a legally complicated battle of copyright,” stated Priyadarshan.
In May 2025, Paresh Rawal had briefly exited ‘Hera Pheri 3’ only to return later. In the interim, producer and co-star Akshay Kumar sued him for Rs. 25 crore, while reports indicated that Rawal was apparently unhappy with the compensation and his character arc.
Over a year later, Priyadarshan offered a different version of events. “At that time, Paresh Rawal got a legal notice from Firoz A Nadiadwallah saying that while Akshay has the third part’s rights, Nadiadwallah had not sold the three main characters, including that of Baburao [Rawal’s character]. Paresh panicked and wanted to take a legal opinion on it. Hence he left the film. Money was not an issue,” said the director. "Hera Pheri is one of my favorite films so whatever may be the outcome and whoever the producers are, let Hera Pheri live long, by entertaining the people who love it."
In politics and cinema, there are no permanent enemies-Priyadarshan
9:49 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; February 26, 2026)
Filmmaker Priyadarshan, known for some of Hindi cinema’s most loved comedies, is clear about what he concerns himself with – making films and moving on. In a chat with us, he addressed rumours around his films, the culture of sequels and what excites him about his current slate of work.
‘Bhooth Bangla was never supposed to be Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’
The release of his next film, Bhooth Bangla, headlined by Akshay Kumar, has been brought ahead, and it will now arrive in cinemas in April. Talking about it, Priyadarshan says, “I have no idea why that was done. It was entirely the decision of the makers (Akshay Kumar, Ektaa Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor). As far as I’m concerned, the film is ready. We were originally planning to release it in May, but the makers said that some big films were releasing at that time. Then suddenly, I got a call from Ektaa asking if we could release it earlier. I said okay because once I am done with the film, I don’t get involved in those matters.”
Recently, speculation suggested that Bhooth Bangla may have once been conceived as a sequel to Bhool Bhulaiyaa (directed by him and starring Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan), but the filmmaker dismisses that outright. “This is not true because neither I nor the producer (Bhushan Kumar) discussed a second part,” he says.
‘Saif has so many questions to ask on set’
Priyadarshan also spoke warmly about directing Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan and Paresh Rawal in his upcoming film, Haiwaan. “Akshay, of course, is someone I’ve known for years. But this is the first time I’m working with Saif. He is so committed to what he does, and I enjoyed working with him. He comes to the set with so many questions, always wanting to understand every detail. So we’ve developed a great equation — I answer, and he keeps asking,” he laughs.
‘Hera Pheri 3 is not going on floors this year’
On the long-running string of controversies surrounding Hera Pheri 3, Priyadarshan says the project is entangled in disputes over franchise and music rights. The third instalment recently ran into fresh legal trouble after producer G P Vijayakumar approached the Madras High Court, claiming that he – and not Firoz Nadiadwala – holds the copyright to the franchise.
“There are a lot of complications around that. Even when part three was announced, certain people said they have the rights to the film, while others claimed rights to the music. Even Bhushan (Kumar) published a public notice stating that the music of part three belongs to his label. So there are many complications that need to be sorted out. Only then can we think about part three,” he says. So will the film go on floors this year? “Definitely not this year,” he says.
Many months ago, Priyadarshan had also spoken about his disappointment when Paresh Rawal decided to walk out of Hera Pheri 3 without informing him. After the friction surrounding Rawal’s initial departure was smoothed over, he returned to the project.
Addressing the current state of their relationship, the filmmaker said, “We have nothing against each other. I’ve been working with him for a long time. In the film industry, if you share a good relationship with someone, it endures. I’ve also seen people fall out and then work together again. I don’t think there are permanent enemies in politics or cinema.”
‘I was offered to direct the Bhagam Bhag sequel’
While he remains uncertain about Hera Pheri 3, one of his other films, Bhagam Bhag, is getting a sequel. Priyadarshan has consistently expressed his disinterest in sequels, viewing them as attempts to extend the goodwill of the original.
“I’m never interested in making sequels because I feel that once the first film ends, the next one often tries to capitalize on its goodwill. None of my films have been made into sequels by me. If others want to make sequels, I have no objection. But I always believe the first is the best,” he says.
Revealing that he was offered to direct the sequel to Bhagam Bhag, the filmmaker says “They asked me to direct it, but I said no because I wasn’t interested... When discussions about the sequel began, Akshay informed me that he was doing the film. I told him, ‘Go ahead and do it. I have no problem with that.’”
The film will reportedly see Manoj Bajpayee replacing Govinda. On this development, he says, “I have no idea what they are doing or what the subject is.”
What excites him, however, is his next project with Pankaj Tripathi. While he remains guarded about the details, he confirms that it is a full-fledged comedy. “I don’t want to reveal much about it. It’s a film starting in June and is an out-and-out comedy,” he says.
Priyadarshan on Rajpal Yadav's arrest: "He fell for the wrong advice"
10:27 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; February 15, 2026)
Director Priyadarshan addresses Rajpal Yadav’s recent legal trouble, after the actor was jailed in a case related to unpaid debts. The filmmaker said he was aware that Yadav had been dealing with financial strain but chose not to discuss it publicly.
Speaking about their last conversation and Yadav’s situation, Priyadarshan who’s first film with the actor was Malamaal Weekly (2006), shared, “We never spoke a lot about all these issues, but I knew about the problem. He told me he is repaying the debt as the money comes in.”
Priyadarshan said, “Rajpal is in my films, Bhooth Bangla, Haiwaan, and in my next with Pankaj Tripathi. I have even asked the producers of that film to up his remuneration so that will help the situation. That’s the best thing we can do for him at this point.”
When asked if he ever tried guiding Yadav financially, the director admitted he doesn’t consider himself qualified to advise on investments. “No. Even I am bad at investing money, so I am in no place to advise someone. Sometimes people give you wrong advice, and I believe Rajpal fell for that. Once the damage is done, you somehow have to get out of it,” he said.
Priyadarshan also clarified that Yadav did not reach out to him before his jail term. “He never called me because I have sent him the shoot dates. That’s all I remember. And he said, ‘I’m doing the film’. Then all this happened,” he shared.
On a parting note, the filmmaker expressed hope that the situation resolves and that Yadav returns to work. “I hope he is released soon. I have a very good role for him. It will be difficult for me to get someone to replace him because I kept him in my mind and wrote the part,” he said.
Yadav surrendered in Tihar Jail on February 5 after the Delhi HC declined to grant him more time in long-pending cheque bounce cases. According to Yadav’s lawyer Bhaskar Upadhyay, the actor has paid Rs 2.5 crore in the Rs 9-crore cheque bounce-case.
Priyadarshan recalls mentoring Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar: "He is one of my loyal boys"
10:49 AM
Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan recalls mentoring ‘Dhurandhar’ helmer Aditya Dhar from his assistant direction and dialogue writing days to blockbuster glory
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 11, 2026)
In an industry where relationships can turn seasonal, filmmaker Priyadarshan and Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar have kept their bond steady for over 25 years. The veteran filmmaker, who worked with Dhar long before the latter’s glory days, gets nostalgic about their journey — and doesn’t hide how “proud” he feels about his former student.
“Do you know who wrote the dialogues for the Ajay Devgn and Akshaye Khanna-starrer Aakrosh (2010)? It was Aditya. He also wrote the dialogues for Ajay, Anil Kapoor, and Kangana Ranaut-starrer Tezz (2012),” shares Priyadarshan, who worked with Dhar for three years.
“He is one of my best disciples and assistants I’ve ever had. Aditya is one of my loyal boys; he takes my blessings for everything,” smiles the senior director, adding that he recently watched the Ranveer Singh and Khanna-starrer, and “loved it.”
In 2006, it was Aakrosh’s screenplay writer Robin Bhatt — who wrote it with Akash Khurana — who introduced Dhar to Priyadarshan. “Aditya [became my] assistant director. He also sat on the script with me,” remembers the filmmaker.
“It was during the shoot of Tezz in Scotland that Aditya told me that he was a budding cricketer, in the under-19 team, but he didn’t get in because the son of a top Indian cricketer beat him to it. [Seeing his] depressed state, his friends took him to watch my film Gardish [1993]. That day he decided to quit cricket and become a filmmaker.”
Priyadarshan says Dhar still gives him the same respect. During the shoot of Bhooth Bangla, Dhar dropped by the sets to show him the trailer of Dhurandhar. “That’s the kind of relationship I share with him — a guru and shishya.”
Recalling how Dhar, despite writing a couple of scripts that became big hits, “never got his due credit because the directors took his research, hard work, and talent but kept him aside”, he says, “I am very proud of him; he has made it so big.”
On Akshaye Khanna
“In my first film with Akshaye Khanna, ‘Doli Saja Ke Rakhna’ [1998], everybody had discouraged me from signing him on. They said he is difficult and moody. But I fell in love with him from the first film itself. I never found him difficult. If I called him at 5 am, he would be there on time. He is a darling and we’ve never had a bitter moment together in [the six films we did]. He is least bothered by criticism.”
Did you know?
Aditya Dhar has been a lyricist in the movies ‘Kabul Express’ (2006), ‘Haal-e-Dil’ (2008), and ‘Daddy Cool’ (2009)
Priyadarshan reacts to Arshad Warsi's claims of bad experience on the Hulchul set: "Deeply hurt"
11:28 PM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 6, 2026)
Remember the scene where Arshad Warsi’s character hangs from a tree after sneaking into Kareena Kapoor Khan’s house with Akshaye Khanna, only to fall into boiling homemade glue and then into a pile of dried leaves? It left audiences in splits. That was Warsi in Priyadarshan’s comedy Hulchul (2004) — a character the audience loved.
However, in a recent interview with Lallantop, the actor described his time on the film as a “bad experience”, largely because the role promised to him was allegedly much bigger than the one he eventually played.
While Warsi did not directly blame the filmmaker, his remarks have hurt Priyadarshan, who is currently busy with post-production work on Haiwaan, starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan.
Reacting to Warsi’s claims of being tricked into playing a smaller role in Hulchul, the director says, “I was very upset [when I read what he said]. I could be wrong and maybe it has been misinterpreted, but if he has [complained], I am shocked.”
Stating that Warsi’s character, Lucky Bhalla, was loved by both audiences and critics, Priyadarshan says he is surprised the actor never voiced these concerns earlier.
Recalling a phone call with Warsi after the film’s release, he says, “After the release, he called and told me, ‘Priyan sir, I never thought that I would get this kind of appreciation.’ Hulchul was a big hit, but Arshad said it was a flop film. That has pained me; why would he say that when it was one of my hit films?”
Noting that viewers continue to rewatch the Jackie Shroff, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Arbaaz Khan, and Shakti Kapoor-starrer, Priyadarshan adds that while Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) marked a turning point in Warsi’s career, Hulchul strengthened his comic timing. “People loved and appreciated his performance in Hulchul. I am very upset and deeply hurt by these accusations from Arshad. He had no reason to complain.”
Asrani was in such pain that he couldn’t stand-Priyadarshan
8:53 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 25, 2025)
Sixteen films over 32 years is a rare and fruitful collaboration. And if Priyadarshan had his way, he would continue to cast Asrani in every Hindi movie he made. In fact, the filmmaker’s upcoming movie Haiwaan marks the veteran actor’s last work before he passed away on October 20. “I shot with Asrani sir just a week ago. It was his last shot,” shares Priyadarshan.
Over the last week, the director was filming Haiwaan with Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. Asrani had a prominent role in the action thriller, like he did in most Priyadarshan movies — from Malamaal Weekly (2006) to Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) and the upcoming Bhooth Bangla.
“Two days before [his demise], he had come on the sets and told me that he was in such pain that he couldn’t stand. He had travelled to Indore by car, and the roads were so bad that he got back pain. I told him to rest that day. Next day we shot, but he was still in so much pain that I kept a chair for him in the shot. He completed his shot very well. Then we had only one day’s work left with him, where he had to sit at the police station. But we couldn’t shoot it,” rues the director.
Priyadarshan first heard about Asrani’s demise from his leading man. The director says that Kumar was shattered by the news, having developed a strong bond with the senior actor over so many movies.
“Akshay was so depressed. He called me and said, ‘Sir, I worked with Asrani sir recently in two films, and I can’t believe he is gone.’ Akshay was in tears. Every time we shot with Asrani sir, he’d sit with him. One day [during the shoot], Akshay, Rajpal Yadav, and the others called me over; they were all listening to Asrani sir’s advice. He told us, ‘As an actor or a director, never produce a film. I made that mistake and lost a lot of money. Decide what you’re good at and stick to it.’ Akshay took care of Asrani sir and made sure he was comfortable in every shot.”
The filmmaker had first seen Asrani in Mere Apne (1971) and the performance stayed with him. When Priyadarshan made Gardish (1993), he roped in the veteran actor, beginning a union that would last many years. “Asrani sir was never a comedian, but a complete actor. I made 16 films with him, which is more than Hrishikesh Mukherjee did with him. He’d tell me, ‘Other filmmakers are forgetting me. So every time you sign me for a film, [they remember me] and I get five more offers.’”
Akshay Kumar had tears in his eyes when he asked me, ‘Why is Paresh Rawal doing this to us?’-Priyadarshan
9:15 AM
Shocked and hurt by Paresh Rawal’s abrupt exit from Hera Pheri 3, director Priyadarshan says producer and actor Akshay Kumar right in taking legal action against co-star
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 22, 2025)
To Priyadarshan, the events of the past few days have been “a mystery”. The filmmaker was in his hometown Thiruvananthapuram when he heard that Paresh Rawal had announced his exit from Hera Pheri 3, the highly anticipated instalment in the cult comedy franchise starring him alongside Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty. Things quickly spiralled since with actor and producer Kumar reportedly suing Rawal for Rs. 25 crore for leaving the project midway. Even as a cloud of uncertainty looms over Hera Pheri 3, what has hurt the filmmaker is the nature of Rawal’s exit.
“I am very hurt and shocked as Paresh didn’t inform any of us. He could have picked up the phone and told me before telling the media because we’ve been friends for years. Until last week, we shot Bhooth Bangla together with Akshay,” says the director, before adding, “[After his announcement], Paresh sent me a message saying, ‘Priyan sir, I have nothing against you. I have a lot of respect for you, but I have my reasons for not doing the film.’”
In a recent interview to mid-day, Rawal stated that the director had tried to convince him against leaving the project (Priyadarshanji tried to change my mind, May 20). However, Priyadarshan insists nothing of the sort happened. “I didn’t try to stop him because he never told me that he was leaving the project. When I tried calling him, he texted, saying, ‘Please don’t call me. This is my decision and it has got nothing to do with you.’ He also wrote that we should work together again.”
For fans, it’s almost impossible to imagine Hera Pheri 3 without Rawal’s Babu Bhaiyya joining Kumar’s Raju and Shetty’s Ghanshyam in their misadventures. The buzz suggests that there were creative differences over the three lead characters’ arcs and prominence. Priyadarshan denies it, stating, “With me, Akshay has never cut down anybody’s roles. He does not interfere with a director’s vision at all.”
There was also speculation that Rawal may have been unhappy with his remuneration — something that was denied by the actor. Priyadarshan too asserts there is no truth to this rumour.
“All our contracts were signed. Ten days ago, Suniel, Akshay, and Paresh shot a scene and the IPL [Indian Premier League] teaser. It was only after we unanimously agreed to do Hera Pheri 3 that Akshay bought the [franchise’s] rights. Akshay had tears in his eyes when he asked me, ‘Priyan, why is Paresh doing this to us?’ Akshay shouldn’t suffer financial losses because Paresh walked out on a whim. I understand that he will have to take whatever action is required.”
With inputs by Mohar Basu
Marakkar: Lion Of The Arabian Sea would have done better in theatres, had it not released on the digital platform-Priyadarshan
7:43 AM
Priyadarshan disappointed that Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham is premiering on OTT just two weeks after big-screen release
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 17, 2021)
Priyadarshan’s magnum opus Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham (Marakkar: Lion Of The Arabian Sea) drops on Amazon Prime Video today. But the filmmaker is unhappy about the multilingual’s digital release, convinced that his passion project is better suited for the big screens. The Mohanlal starrer — set in the 16th century Calicut and based on the fourth Kunjali Marakkar, the admiral of the fleet of the Zamorin — had a theatrical release on December 2.
It may be recalled that the producers, in November, had initially announced a direct-to-web release for the period piece. At the time, cinema owners in the south appealed to Mohanlal to pursue a theatrical run. “Then, it was mutually decided [between the cinema owners] and producer Antony Perumbavoor that the film will be released in the theatres for two weeks, as they had committed to the OTT platform,” recalls Priyadarshan.
He is disappointed that the film, which won three National Awards even before its release, was given only a fortnight’s run at the marquee. “The film would have done better in theatres, had it not released on the digital platform. Such movies shouldn’t be seen on mobiles or small screens at homes, but only in the theatres. I wish we could have shown it at the theatres for longer before releasing it on an OTT [platform].”
In 2017, Malayalam superstar Mammootty had announced Kunjali Marakkar IV, a project on the same subject. The filmmaker claims that the social media war, which broke out between Mohanlal and Mammootty’s fans on the day of the release, also hampered the collections of Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham. “While the superstars were hugging each other, their fans were abusing each other and the [negative word of mouth] initially damaged the film’s box-office collections. Fortunately, the figures picked up later. The south film industry is insistent that [such fan club wars] should not [gain ground].”
I am happy to see my two favourite actors Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar in Aila Re Aillaa-Priyadarshan
8:19 AM
Priyadarshan credits Sooryavanshi director for showing him first edit of the song Aila Re Aillaa
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 7, 2021)
Remix king Tanishq Bagchi has yet again worked his charm to create Aila Re Aila for Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi, starring Akshay Kumar, and Katrina Kaif, with cameos from Ajay Devgn and Ranveer Singh.
Originally part of Priyadarshan’s Khatta Meetha, the 11-year-old track was composed by Pritam, penned by Nitin Raikwar, and had Daler Mehndi and Kalpana Patowary take to the mic. While that one was choreographed by Prasanna, this version, titled Aila Re Aillaa has been designed by Ganesh Acharya on a set created by Sabu Cyril in Ramoji Rao Studios in Hyderabad.
Priyadarshan, however, wasn’t aware that his dance track had been recreated. “I didn’t know that they were remaking it, but that is not my problem. We shot the song, but the film didn’t do well. Rohit sent me the first edit and said. ‘Sir, I have taken your song. It is yours. Please see it and tell me what you think about it.’ I thought that was sweet.”
The filmmaker says that he finds the new version refreshing. “Rohit bought the rights to the song and recreated it with his own vision and style. He made Ajay dance to it. Ajay is one person who doesn’t like to dance. Whenever we have discussed a project, he would always request me to make him do anything but dance. I am happy to see my two favourite actors, Ajay and Akshay in the song. They are my best friends and I feel good to have been able to contribute to it.”
Priyadarshan also credits Shetty for waiting for two years to release the film in theatres. “He had to pay interest, and may have lost money. I respect him for holding his ground, for his confidence and faith in the film. The film industry should be grateful to him for having the guts to release the movie at 50 per cent capacity. He is trying to save the cinematic experience for audiences and theatres.”
Priyadarshan hits back at Hera Pheri allegations; says has no influence in Bollywood
8:26 AM
Priyadarshan responds to the multiple claims made by Nadiadwala, who says that the director gave him a tough time during the making of the film and even long after that
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; August 16, 2021)
Over the years, the comedy, Hera Pheri (2000), directed by Priyadarshan has gone on to become a cult classic. The film starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, and Tabu, produced by Firoz A Nadiadwala, was the remake of the Malayalam film, Ramji Rao Speaking (1989). When the Hindi film was released in the year 2000, the characters of the film Baburao (Paresh), Raju (Akshay), and Shyam (Suniel) became hugely popular, and some of the dialogues and scenes from the film remain unforgettable even to date. In 2006, a sequel was made, titled Phir Hera Pheri, directed by the late Neeraj Vora (who wrote the screenplay and dialogues of Hera Pheri) and was backed by Nadiadwala. In the year 2015, Hera Pheri 3 was announced by Nadiadwala, with Paresh Rawal, John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan. The film went on floors briefly in June 2015, after which, it made little progress. Post that, Neeraj Vora’s health took a beating, and he subsequently, passed away. News about Hera Pheri 3 being in the planning stages surfaced again when Paresh Rawal and Priyadarshan were promoting a film last month.
While fans of the franchise have always been excited about another film in the series, in a recent interview, Nadiadwala made some startling revelations related to Hera Pheri. The producer claimed that Priyadarshan had left Hera Pheri incomplete, leading to a lot of stress. Bombay Times reached out to the producer and the director who shared their respective versions. Nadiadwala claims, “Priyan shot a three-hour 40 minutes long film. Usne copy hamare haath pakdadi, and he left. He was not there for the editing, background score, or for the final mix.”
Firoz says, “He was also not there for the dubbing, photo sessions, planning the publicity, or making the trailers. I sat for the edit with the late Neeraj Vora and the rest of the team. We cut down the film by one hour and 30 minutes. Today, when I look back, I am just thankful to Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Neeraj Vora, and Ahmed Khan (choreographer) because of whom we could complete the film.”
Reacting to Nadiadwala’s allegations, Priyadarshan says, “How could I make a film as long as three hours and 40 minutes? It is a remake of a Malayalam film, and so, I knew what I was making. All these claims are false. The whole film was made in Chennai. It was mixed in my theatre. I completed the film and I gave the final copy to him.”
Nadiadwala also claims that Priyadarshan had kept him in the dark about selling the Hindi remake rights to another filmmaker in Punjab. “Literally 10 days before the film’s release, we got to know that a filmmaker from Punjab had the rights to the film. I rushed to Chandigarh for the settlement. I had to pay him whatever he demanded. I have proof of all this,” says the producer.
Rubbishing these claims, Priyan says, “How can I sell the rights, when I never had them? It is the original writers of the Malayalam film (Siddique and Lal, also the directors of that film) who sold it. It was not written by me. It was written by Siddique, the one who directed Bodyguard starring Salman Khan. They sold the rights to someone else. Then, we started the film (Hera Pheri) and we were supposed to buy the rights from them for Rs. 5 lakhs.”
According to Nadiadwala, Priyan also tried to convince the actors of the film to refrain from being a part of the film’s sequels. He elaborates saying, “When we were shooting for Phir Hera Pheri’s Aye Meri Zohrajabeen song at Filmistan, Priyan landed on the sets. He started making fun of me in front of the cast and crew. He started taunting me by saying, ‘Don’t listen to Firoz, he is going to spoil everybody’s reputation.’ The camera has captured him on the set. At the beginning of the song, one can notice him in the background. All these years, I kept quiet out of respect, but everything has a limit. I was fed up with his claims that he has turned down offers to direct the sequels. Even during his recent media interactions, he mentioned that. He gave me such a hard time during the making of the Hera Pheri, why would I approach him for a sequel?”
In his defense, Priyan adds, “Yes, he never approached me for the sequels. When Neeraj Vora was approached to direct Phir Hera Pheri, he was working with me for a film. He asked me if I wanted to direct the film. I said, no. He asked me if it was okay if he directed it, and I said that I have no problem at all. What do I do when the media asks me if I am directing the sequel of the film? I don’t know why this upsets Firoz. I have nothing against him. See, I personally didn’t want to direct Phir Hera Pheri. And this has been my answer to whoever asked me this question. Part 1 was the remake of a Malayalam film. I wasn’t sure where the story of the sequel will lead. So, I didn’t want to do it. In fact, when I had met Neeraj Vora, I frankly told him that he didn’t do a great job with Phir Hera Pheri. The film had become a brand and so it worked. He accepted it. He even told me that they had drawn inspiration from a few films and joined it all together because they didn’t know how to take the story forward. I shared a great rapport with Neeraj and after that film, too, Neeraj and I did 2-3 films together (Tezz, Khatta Meetha and Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal).”
About Hera Pheri 3, Priyan says, “Suniel Shetty, who is like family to me, suggested that I should consider doing the film. So, we met Akshay Kumar, too, and I felt like giving it a nod. In fact, Firoz and I were supposed to meet as well, but that never happened. Then I heard that they had roped in Abhishek Bachchan and then finally, the film didn’t get made. I share a cordial relation with everyone, why will I ask anyone to not do the film? I continued to work with Akshay, Suniel, and Paresh on other projects. I have also met Firoz and we have had cordial talks before. I have nothing against anyone. During my latest film promotions when the media asked me if I was directing Hera Pheri 3, I said that I am not interested in directing it. I personally don’t believe I will be able to do justice to the sequel, so why will I even consider it? It is as simple as that! I don’t know what has irked Firoz. Maybe it is his anger and frustration at being unable to make Hera Pheri 3.”
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Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 16, 2021)
Filmmaker Priyadarshan has strongly denied allegations of him abandoning his film Hera Pheri midway and trying to bungle the plans for a sequel. He said he has no influence in Bollywood to even think of concocting such a conspiracy.
Recently, producer Firoz Nadiadwala made several claims against the director; from leaving the 2000 film midway to making a depressing version to try and convince the actors to say no to the sequel. “I’ve nothing against anyone. The so-called incident happened 20 years ago. Why are you talking about it now? And why should I say I didn’t do this or that,” the director shares, further adding, “I did that movie and went on to do many more films. I’m sitting on the 95th film of my career. If I had such behaviour, I wouldn’t have been in the industry.”
Talking about whether he convinced actors to not do the sequel, the 64-year-old asks if that would have been the case, then how have the makers made part two with the same actors? “And I have also worked with these actors after that movie. How can that be possible? I’m a small south Indian filmmaker, I don’t have any influence in Bollywood,” he reasoned. To the claim of making a depressing version, Priyadarshan reminds us that the film starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal, was a remake of the Malayalam film, Ramji Rao Speaking (1989). “It was made frame by frame. It can’t be that I made a depressing or overly long version. The original was a super duper hit, and that’s why a Hindi remake was made in the first place.”
Akshay Kumar said he hasn’t done a good comedy in a long time-Priyadarshan
8:05 AM
As Kumar and Priyadarshan’s shared love for laugh riots reunites them after 11 years, director says their next will go on floors in early 2022
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 27, 2021)
Earlier this month, Akshay Kumar shared a picture of himself with director Priyadarshan, thus confirming that the two are reuniting to do what they do best — tickle our funny bone. The bar has been set high with most of their previous collaborations hitting that sweet spot between box-office success and critical acclaim. The filmmaker hopes to recreate the magic as they join forces 11 years after their last outing Khatta Meetha (2010). “Akshay and I share a great equation, and have always stayed in touch. When he said that he has not done a good comedy in a long time, we decided to [team up for a film]. We have been planning this for long. The film would have gone on floors at the start of this year if the second wave of the pandemic had not hit. Now, the film will roll in [early] 2022,” says the director, eager to take the final draft from paper to the screen.
His filmography is proof that Priyadarshan doesn’t tire of comedies, doling out one after another. It is the rarity of the genre that draws him in. “There are so many thrillers and horror films nowadays, but humorous films are rare. It’s not easy to make a movie that cracks up the audience. I am a miser when it comes to laughter. When a certain situation makes me laugh, I am certain it will make others laugh too. That’s how I [go about crafting comedies].”
While his command over comic capers led to the creation of gems like Hera Pheri (2000) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), the franchises have been taken ahead by other filmmakers. Quiz him on why he did not helm the sequels, and Priyadarshan says, “I refused to do Hera Pheri 2 because I thought the first part was the best I could do [with the premise]. Similarly, I didn’t want to do Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 because I don’t think [the narrative lends to] a second part. But if the one holding the franchise [rights] wants to take it ahead, I am not against it.”
I am disappointed as Hungama 2 is a kind of film that people will enjoy watching together-Priyadarshan
8:14 AM
With Hungama 2 originally designed for a theatrical outing, director Priyadarshan is disappointed about the Shilpa Shetty-starrer taking the digital route
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 30, 2021)
Earlier this week, producer Ratan Jain announced that Hungama 2, the sequel to Priyadarshan’s 2003 laugh riot of the same name, will have a digital premiere on Disney+ Hotstar. While the Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Paresh Rawal and Meezaan Jafri starrer was originally designed for the big screen, the theatre shutdown across most states in the country has led the makers to take the web route.
The decision is disappointing for Priyadarshan, who was set to return to Bollywood after his last Hindi release, Rangrezz (2013). Speaking to mid-day from Chennai, the National Award-winning filmmaker says, “I am naturally disappointed as it’s the kind of film that people will enjoy watching together. It is my first Bollywood movie after eight years, and I was looking forward to it releasing in theatres. It is not meant for people to watch alone at home. But you cannot blame anybody. How long can a producer wait for theatres to open? There are about 70 films ready to release, so where will they get the platform? I am confident about the product. It’s a comedy entertainer, and I have made some good films in the genre, including Malamaal Weekly [2006], Hulchul [2004], Hera Pheri [2000] and Khatta Meetha [2010].”
The film’s post-production has been stalled due to the ongoing lockdown. “While the shoot and edit are complete, sound mixing and a bit of dubbing is left. I have shut down my Chennai studio. Hopefully, we can complete the post-production after a month,” says the director, who has recreated Shetty’s hit number, Chura Ke Dil Mera, in the comedy.
My next with Akshay Kumar is a comic thriller-Priyadarshan
9:21 AM
Priyadarshan is waiting for the situation to improve to shoot the climax of Part 2 of Hungama and also decide on release date of his dream project
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 11, 2020)
He makes a comeback in Bollywood with Hungama 2, eight years after his last directorial Rangrezz. “It’s my first sequel and like Hera Pheri, Hungama too is a strong brand,” he asserts. The upcoming comedy features Paresh Rawal, Shilpa Shetty, Meezaan Jaaferi and Pranitha Subhash and the director reveals that Paresh plays a husband who is always suspicious of his wife because of the age difference between them. “He thinks that every man is behind her, which leads to a lot of confusion and misunderstanding,” he explains.
Prod him on the new pairing of Meezaan and Pranitha and he reasons, “Meezaan comes from a family of great actors and can be easily moulded. When the actors look your character, half the problems are solved. Both of them are good students.”
Speculations are rife that he will helm Hera Pheri 3 with Akshay Kumar, Paresh and Suniel Shetty. He sets the record straight, “I am not involved with Hera Pheri 3, I have told the makers that I am not interested. A lot of people think I made Part 2 as well, but that too wasn’t my film,” he reminds.
Marakkar - The Lion Of Arabian Sea was set to release on March 26 but was pushed ahead following the nationwide lockdown. It features Mohanlal in the lead with Suniel in a pivotal role. The director points out that had the shutdown been announced five days after its release, the producer would have been on the road. “I am not worried about the delay. The film has tremendous hype and will bring in the audience whenever it releases,” he says confidently, adding that it has actors from across industries—Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. “It’s my dream film and the biggest challenge was to recreate the 16th century. It’s made on a budget of Rs 100 crore, the highest in my career. Half of it is about a naval war and set in the sea. The lead character is the first Indian Naval Commander and I’m happy with the result.”
Priyan believes that apart from Hungama, Hulchul is another film that has the potential to be spun into a franchise, but is waiting for the response to Hungama 2 before taking a step forward. “I am yet to shoot the climax of Hungama as I need around 300 to 400 people. I am waiting for the Coronavirus situation to improve and after it is done, we will decide on the release,” he signs off.
Nobody has ever seen S P Balasubrahmanyam angry-Priyadarshan
8:21 AM
As told to Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 26, 2020)
I have known SPB sir [SP Balasubrahmanyam] for more than 27 years and created over 40 songs in four different languages — Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi — with him. I recorded with him when songs were not composed in bits and pieces like now. Back then, songs were recorded in one shot. SPB sir once sang the song Mannil Indha Kaadhal from Keladi Kanmani [1990], without pausing for breath. A man who once sang in one breath is lying breathless today.
I first met him back in 1983 at his recording theatre, Kothandapani Studio, named after his guru, P Kothandapani. I remember waiting outside his recording studio when an old-time violinist approached him for financial help. [In gratitude], the violinist touched his feet and SPB got upset. It is probably the only time I have seen him without a smile. SPB shouted at him and said, 'Although I am elder to you, never touch anybody's feet except your parents or guru.' He had a childlike smile. Nobody has ever seen him angry or get into a squabble with anyone. During music sittings, he would joke, smile, sing with everybody, that is the kind of warmth he spread.
I have collaborated with Ilaiyaraaja and SPB sir on some great numbers for my South films. Music directors are strict with singers and don't give them the liberty to switch from the setting, but Raja sir gave SPB freedom with his composition. They created magic with their music. He sang from his heart, irrespective of the language he managed to connect with the audience. That's why his voice and songs are remembered till date. I would often go by his studio to catch up with him while he was recording. SPB sir had an amazing sense of humour.
Akshay Kumar's doors were always open for me, but I didn't go-Priyadarshan
8:44 AM
As Akshay Kumar backs Priyadarshan's next, director glad to reunite with the superstar after a decade
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; September 11, 2020)
From Hera Pheri (2000) to Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Akshay Kumar has delivered some of his most successful comedies with filmmaker Priyadarshan. After over 10 years, the two creative minds are reuniting on a laugh riot, although the superstar will remain strictly behind the scenes this time around, serving as the producer."Akshay and I were supposed to take the film on floors by December. But, due to the current crisis, my films have got delayed. This movie will roll by July or August," says Priyadarshan, adding that Kumar recently greenlit the final draft of the yet-untitled comedy.
With the actor filming Bellbottom in Scotland, the director is utilising the time to wrap up the shoot of Hungama 2. Soon after, the two will train their attention on their next, beginning with the casting process.
Despite their successful collaborations in the past, the duo stopped working post Khatta Meetha (2010) with reports suggesting that Kumar was keen to join forces with new directors. Ask him how it feels to team up with his long-time friend and favourite actor again, and Priyadarshan says, "All these years, I was afraid whether I had the right subject to approach him. His doors were always open for me, but I did not go to him. He is still the same, constantly in search of good content. I have had bitter experiences in Bollywood where I have found it difficult to [reach out to] certain stars. After doing so many films, I don't want to beg stars to work with me. I would rather work with people who like to team up with me."
Irrfan Khan wanted to do a comedy and told me to call him with a script-Priyadarshan
8:25 AM
As told to Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 30, 2020)
Irrfan was a dear friend. We worked together in Billu, and often spent the evenings together. He would talk about his struggles and [being apprehensive about] carving his place as an actor, in movies, because of his looks. He'd say he was advised to stick to theatre because he didn't have the qualities of a hero, but [would remind himself] that 'somebody needs [to see] somebody like me [as a hero]'.
He had told people that if he came back [following his treatment in London], they should keep scripts [ready] for him. But when he returned, he told me he [was easily] tired, and couldn't work for more than five hours. I spoke to him four months ago, and he said that though the treatment had made him weak, he [had been] cured. He wanted to do a comedy and told me to call him with a script.
Making a comedy film is like social service-Priyadarshan
7:43 AM
Flexcia Dsouza (BOMBAY TIMES; November 30, 2019)
At the masterclass at International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2019 titled Master of Multiple Genres, filmmaker Priyadarshan spoke about making comedy films, Hindi remakes of south films and more. Excerpts from the session that was attended by film critics, students and movie lovers:
‘MAKING COMEDY FILMS IS LIKE SOCIAL SERVICE’
With films like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Hungama and Khatta Meetha in his oeuvre, Priyadarshan was asked why he didn’t experiment with hard-hitting films in Bollywood. “In Bollywood, I am accepted for my comedies. There’s nothing wrong with making a comedy. I don’t think you’ll be taken seriously only if you make a serious film. The most difficult thing for a filmmaker is to make people laugh. In a world that has so many worries and problems, making a comedy film is like social service,” he says.
‘MOST HINDI REMAKES OF SOUTH FILMS FLOP’
Priyadarshan’s hit comedy Hera Pheri is a remake of his 1989 Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking. About being able to express himself in various languages, he says, “There are some things that we cannot translate situationally, especially the humourous parts. So, we had to change a lot of dialogues of Hera Pheri, since the humour is lost in literal translation. Most south films flop when they are remade in Hindi. The basic reason is, when you watch a remake, it still seems like a south film, not a Hindi film.”
‘MY NEXT FILM IS IN MARATHI’
Instead of just working with languages he is comfortable in — Malyalam or Hindi — he also makes movies in Tamil and Telugu. “There is no difference in language, cinema in one language. My next film is in Marathi. Maybe I’ll do one Bengali and Gujarati film also, because it’s nice working with other language actors and understanding the culture. We should have unity in diversity in cinema, too.”
About continuing his work in south as well as Bollywood, he says, “I got interested in films watching Amitabh Bachchan and Dev Anand. When I was watching films in school, I used to wonder why South actors don’t dress like Hindi film actors. Everything, except the content, was very bad. Today South films have improved a lot, so I don’t find any difference in working in either industry. My comfort level in highest in Hindi because of the bigger budgets they give us in Bollywood! But I enjoy making Malayalam films the most.”
To date Mohanlal has never asked me any questions about the film we set out to make together-Priyadarshan
7:49 AM
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 24, 2018)
I don’t claim to know Mohanlal but thanks to him I got to know that there’s a cinema down South that goes beyond formulaic Bollywood. His Bharatham opened my eyes to Carnatic music and sibling rivalry while Vanaprastham introduced me to Kathakali and the class divide. Stocky, simply dressed, looking like the gentleman-next-door, the Malayalam superstar impressed even as the cop in Ram Gopal Varma’s gangster drama, Company, and as the falsely implicated doctor in Priyadarshan’s Kaalapani and, over the years, his performances fuelled a desire to know him better. This year, in his birthday week — he turned 58 on May 21 — I connected with his frequent collaborator, Priyadarshan, to understand the man behind the ‘Phenomenon’.
“Lal and I have worked in around 46-47 films, the maximum he has made with any director, and 85-90 per cent of them were hits, including the last one, Oppam, in which he played a blind man,” said Priyadarshan.
He goes on to add that growing up, they lived in the same neighbourhood in Poojappura in Thiruvananthapuram and went to the same school. “Lal was four years younger, but we played on the same ground and for two consecutive years, when he was in the fifth and sixth standard, he was adjudged best actor, beating the ninth and tenth graders to the coveted award. Then, he suddenly stopped acting till his first film,” recalls the National-Award winning director.
They moved to Chennai around the same time and Mohanlal debuted as an actor in 1980 with the thriller Manjil Virinja Pookkal, playing the antagonist to perfection. He took his struggler friend, who was staying with him, to the shoot one day and introduced him to producer Navodaya Appachan, founder of Navodaya Studio and the visionary behind India’s first 3D film, My Dear Kuttichathan (later dubbed in Hindi as Chhota Chetan). Priyadarshan worked briefly for the company before turning scriptwriter.
“I wrote seven-eight films for Lal which, fortunately for us, worked. Then, his stardom helped me establish myself as a director,” acknowledges Priyadarshan whose first film as writer-director with Mohanlal was the screwball comedy Poochakkoru Mookkuthi in 1984. That was the beginning of a long and successful run. “To date Lal has never asked me any questions about the film we set out to make together. His confidence is an added responsibility and pushes me to give my best.”
Quiz him about Mohanlal, the actor, and he shares that though he has won five National Awards, whenever anyone asks about a particular performance, he looks perplexed.
“He tells me that he just did a scene the way I told him to,” laughs the director, admitting that his friend is one of the most spontaneous actors he knows, ready for innumerable rehearsals but will never agree to a second take because he believes his first take is always his best.
“Lal never uses duplicates and at 50-plus did his own stunts in Pulimurugan. He used to be a champion wrestler in his college days and was always big built.”
You wonder if Mohanlal has changed in any way over the years and Priyadarshan insists that apart from putting on some extra weight, he’s the same.
“He loves food and it is said in Kerala that after Lal has finished his meal, you don’t need to wash his plate because he has wiped it clean,” he chuckles, going on to reveal that his amazing down-to-earth superstar buddy is an extremely shy guy who is terrified of crowds. “Now, he can handle people better but crowds still frighten him.”
Another little-known trivia that he shares is that Mohanlal can write in both English and Malayalam, forward and backward, at the same speed. Now, I know how this Super M has always been on the ‘write’ track.
Clockwise from above: Mohanlal in stills from Oppam, Vanaprastham and Company; with long-time friend Priyadarshan (top)
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