Showing posts with label Ranjit M Tewari. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ranjit M Tewari. Show all posts
I hate the goddamn camera-Mamik Singh
7:58 AM
After a starry debut, Mamik Singh reveals why he stayed away from taking up too many projects
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 23, 2021)
Actor Mamik Singh, who managed to make his mark with his debut film, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), soon disappeared from the silver screen, leaving his fans disappointed. While the actor did appear in a couple of TV shows, films and web series, his aversion to camera has always kept him away from taking up bigger roles. Opening up about his career, Singh tells us, “What I am doing now, or have done in the past is not something I am up to in life these days.”
Though the actor was offered several roles, he chose to do projects only if he felt like it. The 58-year-old explains, “Beech beech mein log mujhe bulate rehte hain, and people do come to me with offers saying, ‘sir aap aa jao, yeh karlo ya woh karlo’. And based on my mood, I go and do the projects.”
After his debut, the actor starred in TV shows such as Saahil, Maal Hai To Taal Hai, Aa Gale Lag Jaa, and Ssshhhh...Koi Hai. He was also a part of web shows such as Rangmanch, Scam 1992 – The Harshad Mehta Story and Who’s Your Daddy Season 2. But Singh insists that it isn’t his story anymore. He says, “I have been there, done that. Now, it is not my story.”
When asked why he feels that way, the actor is quick to reply, “Mere ko na phele shauk tha, na aaj shauk hai. I am not even interested in telling people about my upcoming projects. I never intended to do that when I started my career, and that is true even today. I was a very reluctant actor. I hate the goddamn camera.”
He asserts that if it wasn’t for his aversion, he would have done “150 films by now”. So how did he decide to be a part of actor Akshay Kumar’s BellBottom. He reveals, “The director (Ranjit M Tewari) came to me to play the role of Kumar’s brother. After some time, I agreed to be part of the film and left for Scotland with the team.”
However, the actor was miffed when many of his parts got chopped off during editing. “All the scenes about the relationship between the brothers didn’t make it to the final cut. I spoke with the director, asking him why he brought me to Scotland for such a small role,” he quips.
Now, Singh wants to shift his focus entirely and work for the greater good. “I am working on two things — an enterprise which will help animal and towards education, so everyone gets a fair chance to get ahead in life,” he signs off.
Right now, it is not about the collections; it is about getting the audience back to theatres, says Bellbottom director Ranjit M Tewari
8:15 AM
Akshay Kumar paves the way as Bollywood’s first theatrical release since second lockdown Bellbottom earns Rs 9 cr in three days; trade hopes more movies follow suit
Mohar Basu, Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; August 23, 2021)
Someone had to make a start after the slump that cinemas have been in since the second lockdown in April. In this case, Akshay Kumar did. Last week, Bellbottom became the first Bollywood film since April to pursue a theatrical release. All eyes have since been on the thriller to gauge if more movies can take the big-screen route.
With Mumbai and certain parts of Maharashtra yet to reopen their movie halls, Bell Bottom’s first weekend collections are understandably underwhelming. But trade analyst Taran Adarsh points out that in the current scenario, business is not the top priority, changing behaviour patterns is. “Hats off to Akshay and Vashu [Bhagnani, producer] for showing the confidence to release the film amid the pandemic! It will now need a continuous [supply of] fresh content, like Sooryavanshi, '83 and Thalaivi. The next big film is Amitabh Bachchan’s Chehre. It will take time for people to return to theatres because it’s no longer a habit,” says Adarsh.
He adds that the Ranjit M Tewari directorial venture has collected approximately nine crore in the first three days — a respectable figure, given the constraints. “We lost 30 per cent of the revenue from Maharashtra. Plus, there are restrictions in terms of show limitations. In a normal scenario, Akshay’s films earn around Rs 13 to 14 crore per day. But right now, it is not about the collections; it is about getting the audience back to theatres."
Trade analyst Ramesh Bala doesn’t share Adarsh’s optimistic view. “The film has performed below expectations. People aren’t going back to movie halls, or have assumed it will drop on an OTT platform soon,” he says, noting that the lack of urgency to watch a film is a sign of the changed viewing pattern. “The lack of results shouldn’t deter other directors. With KGF: Chapter 2 postponed to April 2022, filmmakers are waiting for the market to recover so that they can make the most of their projects.”
Hopefully, BellBottom will pave the way for future theatrical releases including Sooryavanshi-Akshay Kumar
8:23 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; August 21, 2021)
He was one of the first actors to take the leap of faith and start shooting a movie soon after the first lockdown ended in 2020. In his bid to adapt to the new normal and find a way to work around it, Akshay Kumar completed the shooting of BellBottom in record time and today, has a long slate of films — some ready for release and some in various stages of production. In a chat with BT, the actor spoke about his first theatrical release this year and more. Excerpts:
You have previously worked on films that have had a real-life context. What was it about Bell Bottom that got you hooked on it?
BellBottom is also a story based on true events, and personally, I’m really intrigued by real-life context. So, I pick such content. The intrigue and thrill increase tenfold when you find out that an extraordinary incident actually took place. I love real-life stories. Before making this film, I also didn’t know about this chapter in history. I think a lot of people don’t know much about it as it is based on a RAW agent and a covert operation. Things like these are usually classified information. BellBottom is set in the 70s and 80s when India faced the challenge of multiple hijacks. During one such incident, a RAW agent whose code name is BellBottom sees through the plan and begins India’s first covert operation.
The trailer of the film reminded the audience of films like Special 26 and Baby, which were headlined by you. So, they naturally expect a similar degree of thrill and entertainment from BellBottom, too. Knowing your level of involvement in each of your projects, do these expectations play on your mind when you are choosing films?
Honestly, I don’t think so much, I look at a character as a character, and the film as a whole. If I like the script and screenplay, I go ahead with it. Whether it’s a hero’s role or a villain’s part, a 10-day shoot, or a month-long schedule... if I know it is something I’m going to enjoy playing, I do it. The above-mentioned films were successful, so, yes, in a way, it is like setting a benchmark for yourself and then crossing it.
Before the shooting of the film, the country went into an unprecedented lockdown owing to Coronavirus. What gave you the confidence to start work when no one was planning film shoots?
It was actually very spontaneous. Our producer Vashu ji (Bhagnani), who shuttles between the UK and India, at that time was in the UK. I remember I was talking to him over the phone. It had been probably a month-and-a-half since we were in lockdown and restlessness had started to set in. It was probably the longest time I’d gone without facing the camera. And I randomly suggested to him that we shoot abroad in a bio-bubble. I kid you not, within 30 seconds, he said, ‘Yes, let’s do it.’ It was all him, he believed he could pull it off and he did. Ours was the first film in the world to start and finish shooting in the midst of the pandemic, and now, we are the first Hindi film to unlock theatres after the second wave, despite losing out on Maharashtra. From the start till the end, it has been Vashu ji, and of course, his children, Jackky and Honey, who have made this impossible mission possible.
While the theatres in Maharashtra have not opened yet, theatres in other parts of the country and the world are slowly opening up. It’s the first time that a big-ticket Hindi film will be released, leaving out one of its biggest markets — Maharashtra. How did the team and you arrive at such a decision?
I think this decision, and rightly so, belongs to the person whose money is riding on it. So, even in the case of BellBottom, it was Vashu ji’s decision to go ahead with the theatrical release of the film and we all respected that. Of course, it would’ve been a more favourable scenario had theatres in Maharashtra opened up, because anyway, as per the norms, it would’ve been 50% occupancy, so you’re already losing out a huge chunk. And now, with Maharashtra territory not opening up, which accounts for nearly 30% of the business, it is going to be a tough battle. But Vashu ji is a brave man, he’d made up his mind that come rain or sunshine, this time, we wouldn’t budge from the planned release date.
Sooryavanshi was ready for release when the first lockdown was imposed in 2020. Is that film likely to release in theatres, given that we have heard of so many release dates being announced in the past and the momentum it had gathered is slowly burning out?
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — with regards to Sooryavanshi’s release date, there are only two people who can answer your question. One is God and the other person is Rohit Shetty. Even I want to see Sooryavanshi on the big screen. As for the audience and my fans, I’m really grateful that despite such a long wait, they are asking about updates on its release. Hopefully, BellBottom will pave the way for future theatrical releases including Sooryavanshi.
Do you think people have managed to get over their pandemic fears to watch a movie in a cinema hall?
I think so. Living with COVID is the norm now. The recent India vs England match is a good example, if you saw how many people turned up in the stadium. After all, for how long can people stay cooped up at home, not go to work, to the mall, stadiums, theatres and restaurants? I think the audience is also hungry to watch films on the big screen, one just has to wear a mask and move on.
So when the decision to release BellBottom in theatres was taken, was it driven by monetary prospects or the need to change public perception about going back to theatres and bringing back a sense of normalcy?
Definitely the latter. Despite a huge territory like Maharashtra not opening up, we still went ahead with Bell-Bottom’s release, because someone has to. Now, we have vaccinations in place, theatres are sanitised and following all safety protocols, their employees are vaccinated and people are masking up. Given the circumstances, everyone is putting their best foot forward and trying to make the experience of watching a movie in a theatre normal and safe again.
Ranjit M Tiwari is a relatively new filmmaker. And you have always enjoyed teaming up with newer filmmakers. What is it about a new filmmaker that you find likeable?
After BellBottom, I’m now shooting my second film, tentatively titled Cinderella with Ranjit. You know, earlier I used to work with new directors because big directors didn’t take me in their films (laughs!). But the reason I continue to do so even now is that although new directors lack experience, they make it up with their greed to do more, passion to do better and that is something I like surrendering to. I know while I may be working on multiple projects at one go, this person has only this one opportunity to get it right and he will give it his all.
It’s reported that you insisted Lara Dutta should be cast as Indira Gandhi in the film. How did she come to your mind for the part?
I wouldn’t say I insisted, but yes, I did suggest Lara’s name for the role. For some reason, she was the first person who came to my mind. I remember calling her up and telling her about this film that I was doing and that we were casting for the role of Indira Gandhi in it. I wanted her to consider it. And she started laughing and refused to believe I was seriously asking her to consider it. For the longest time, she thought I was playing a prank as she saw no similarity between the two whatsoever. But then I explained to her what the role entailed and why I felt she could do justice to it. And she, along with the brilliance of make-up artist Vikram Gaikwad and his team, did exactly that.
I am such a quiet person that either I come across as arrogant or a snob-Vaani Kapoor
8:05 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; August 20, 2021)
Vaani Kapoor started shooting for BellBottom after the lockdown was lifted in 2020. The film, which released yesterday, is the first big movie to hit the theatres post the second Coronavirus wave. Though she has a small part to essay in the thriller, Vaani is content as she gets to team up with Akshay Kumar in a film set in the 70s and 80s and is based on a true incident. In a conversation with Bombay Times, the actress talks about the kind of work she wants to do, the importance of being a part of commercial films by big banners and her film’s release amid the pandemic. Excerpts
BellBottom is your first film set in the retro era and also based on a real-life incident. Tell us about the kind of prep that went into playing the character.
My character was pretty much clear on paper. I play the wife of a spy (played by Akshay Kumar). Yes, the film is very interesting and intriguing as it is set in a certain time and derives from real-life events. To prep for my role, I went through some movies and looks as references from that time. I saw films starring Parveen Babi and Rekha. The director (Ranjit M Tewari) and I drew certain references that I could incorporate in my looks. What I like about this character is that irrespective of being from that time period, she is a working woman, a level-headed and centered individual.
The film was shot post the first lockdown in 2020 and is the first big film to release in the theatres after they have reopened in several parts of the country. The shoot itself saw reduced crew members and protocols that are the demands of the new normal. What was this experience like for you?
We began shooting right after the first lockdown was lifted. So, there was that paranoia as you were stepping out after being locked up at home for months. I was living all by myself in Mumbai and taking all the precautions necessary. Cut to, I fly to Glasgow with the team for the shoot where I am suddenly in the company of so many people, with no masks on in front of the camera — romancing and dancing. I think we just bounced back to normalcy as it felt safe in the bio-bubble that the team set up there.
A multi-starrer film like BellBottom is likely to offer limited scope for you as an actor. In these times when the thrust is on content-driven roles, what drove you to give your nod for the project?
I feel that sometimes it’s okay to be a part of a big, good film, even if you are only a small part of it. A movie like this brings credibility and visibility. At times what happens is that you could be a good actor, but you are a part of a project that doesn’t somehow reach the maximum audience, but it doesn’t usually happen with commercial movies like these. I think to be cast opposite Akshay Kumar in BellBottom is a big deal. Every actor wants to do a great part in a great film. That’s the ultimate goal. Whether it is a two-hour or a 10-minute role, I am happy to do it as long as I make an impact or a difference by being a part of the film. And honestly, an actor can only choose from whatever they get. There are times when I say, ‘I wish this film came to me or that director had thought of me for this project.’ But these are only desires, and ultimately, you pick the best from what comes to you.
As an audience member, I was stunned watching films like NH10, Thappad, Piku and Badla. Today, there are such incredible films being made, but then you also have those many actors who have proved themselves. I hope that my upcoming movies, like Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui and Shamshera, do that for me. After all, every actor needs to chart a different course in this industry. I am choosing parts that I feel will add more value to my work. I can’t compare myself to anybody. I am happy that I got to work with actors like Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor in such a short period. I get to learn so much on a set while working with them.
In a span of eight years, you have been a part of only a handful of films. Are you happy with the pace you have set?
I follow my gut instinct, stick to it and never regret my decisions. During a lull phase between Befikre and War, it wasn’t like I wasn’t offered projects. It was just that I wasn’t content with those and so I chose not to do them. I would rather sit at home than do something that takes me five steps back in my career. I would prefer to wait it out and pick up a project that satisfies me as an actor.
Aren’t you worried that long gaps between films can result in an out-of-sight-out-of-mind situation, considering the fact that you aren’t extremely active on social media and neither do you ever talk about your personal life?
That is a huge risk I am taking. It is not easy because that way you make less money. Plus, I am not privileged. I am an outsider and I have to provide for myself. My team members, folks from the industry, or friends often make me aware of the out-of-sight-out-of-mind situation. They ask me to do movies in bulk for survival, but that is not what I am looking for. In terms of my personal life, you don’t hear much about it is, because I am a very private person and an introvert. I like my space. Even at work, I barely talk to anybody. I am such a quiet person that either I come across as arrogant or a snob.
One reaction since the first look trial was that of shock, says Vikram Gaikwad on Lara Dutta's look in Bellbottom
8:41 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; August 12, 2021)
When the trailer of Akshay Kumar’s BellBottom was launched in Delhi, Lara Dutta Bhupathi turned out to be the surprise package in it. The actress plays former prime minister late Indira Gandhi in the spy -drama set in the 80s. The movie revolves around the hijack of an aircraft and a covert mission to rescue passengers. Lara’s make-up, loaded with prosthetic elements, did the trick for her. Talking about it, National Award-winning makeup artist Vikram Gaikwad, says, “It’s a humongous responsibility to design the look of characters for a film set in a specific period. And it’s an even bigger responsibility when you are recreating the personality of a powerful figure like Indira Gandhi.”
Elaborating on the process of putting together Lara’s look, Vikram says, “BellBottom is a period film, which means all the characters in the movie belong to a certain era and have to look a certain way. For Lara’s look, we researched pictures and videos of Indira ji. She has three prominent features —eyebrows, nose, and a face cut, along with a particular hairstyle. We changed the shape and style of Lara’s eyebrows to make them look more dominant. We got prosthetics done on the nose and the wig was worked out in fine detail. Also, the wrinkles were created with a lot of shading work. It took the team around two to three trials before the shooting started. Each make-up session took about 3 hours. Make-up like this cannot happen without the dedication and cooperation of the artiste.”
Talking about the reactions to Lara’s look, Vikram says, “There is one reaction that has been consistent from the beginning — shock! During the first trial when Lara saw herself in the get-up, she was unable to find her old self. She was convinced about the look and that was very important for me. Everyone associated with the film was surprised. Even people close to Lara could not identify her.”
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Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 12, 2021)
People are going absolutely gaga over how actor Lara Dutta Bhupathi has transformed into late politician Indira Gandhi for the upcoming thriller BellBottom. And major credit for it goes to makeup expert Vikram Gaikwad. Calling it a “humongous responsibility”, the three-time National Film Award-winning makeup artiste says, “The result you see is the outcome of a very thorough process. I read the script, then the casting and direction team informed us that Lara is going to perform as Indira Gandhi.”
Thus began the challenge, as Gaikwad felt that there’s no likeness between their faces. “However, Lara is a brilliant actor, so I had to do my best to deliver the look,” he explains, adding, “We’ve changed the style and shape of Lara’s eyebrows and done prosthetics on her nose.”
Two-three trials were done before the shooting began, and each makeup session took three hours. And the end result “shocked everyone” to say the least, according to Gaikwad. “There’s one reaction that kept coming since the beginning, and that was of shock. The most important thing is that Lara, Akshay (Kumar), Ranjit (Tiwari; director) and Jackky (Bhagnani; producer) trusted me and my team,” he adds.
While people were stunned with Dutta’s look, hair stylist Sapna Bhavnani tweeted her disappointment: “Such a bad wig though, can see the lining. But of course, you wouldn’t as you’re not a hair person...” Point this out and Gaikwad says it is not “worth commenting”.
Akshay Kumar-starrer Bellbottom is a hijack drama
8:09 AM
Akshay Kumar plays a spy from the ’80s who’s racing against time to save 212 Indians on board an ill-fated flight in an espionage thriller currently being shot
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 9, 2020)
On August 21, Akshay Kumar, Lara Dutta and Huma Qureshi kicked off the shoot of their espionage thriller, Bellbottom, in Glasgow, the first Bollywood unit to venture outside India, since the shoots resumed after the Coronavirus-induced lockdown. The makers have recreated the ’80s and the marathon schedule will go on till September-end. The shoot commenced with a 10-day indoor schedule, before the team stepped out. Mirror has learnt that the Ranjit M Tewari directorial is inspired by real events, set against the backdrop of a hijack. Akshay’s character, a flamboyant spy, races against time to save the 212 Indians on-board the ill-fated flight, who have been taken hostage.
Confirming the news, Jackky Bhagnani, who is producing the film with father Vashu, Deepshikha Deshmukh and Nikkhil Advani, says, “Our film is an espionage thriller revolving around a hijack. We’ll be shooting at multiple real locations across Scotland, including the airport, which is a vintage structure and blends well with the setting of our film.”
Akshay turns 53 today and it will be a working birthday for him. However, Jackky confides that they’ve planned a special surprise for the actor.
The team flew to the UK on August 6 and used the mandatory 14-day quarantine period to continue with their prep and finalise last minute details in place. “This shoot is special because it’s been a while since we were on a film set. It’s a relief to be back in action. We have a Covid officer on the set all the time and sanitisation, masks, and other SOPs are being followed strictly,” informs Jackky, adding that over the next few weeks, they will be filming on the streets of Glasgow.
While Lara has shot her scenes, Vaani Kapoor, who plays Akshay’s leading lady, joined the unit in Glasgow recently. Huma is there too. The film is scheduled to open on April 2, on the Good Friday weekend.
Bellbottom team to shoot the first, and promises to provide the safest experience
6:05 PM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (July 27, 2020)
With months of meticulous planning behind them, Pooja Entertainment is Bollywood’s first production house off the block to shoot a complete schedule of its big-budget spy thriller, Bellbottom, with actor Akshay Kumar in the lead. Vashu Bhagnani’s production house is chartering a full flight to fly the entire unit with top-grade medical facilities to go to United Kingdom for the shoot. The team is set for an extended shoot, which is set to begin soon. Besides medical-grade masks and face shields, after consulting medical experts, the production house is making it mandatory for the entire cast and crew to wear a wrist watch that will constantly monitor their oxygen levels, body temperature, blood pressure, stress levels and pulse. A centralised dashboard will constantly record the parameters of the entire unit and keep a check for any changes in the readings.
Commenting on this, producer Jackky Bhagnani says that the health of his unit is of utmost importance. “I am truly grateful to Akshay sir without whom this film and this shoot would not have been possible. He is a rock and our guiding light. It is only after every department and individual was assured of the measures taken that we decided to embark on this journey. From a doctor on the set at all times, to keeping the entire set disinfected throughout, safety first is our mantra. It’s a challenge but it makes Bellbottom even more special for all of us,” he says.
Kumar says, “The new normal has made us realise a different way of working that none of us could have imagined. As much as I’m happy to be back on the sets, it’s also important for us to take care of everything around us. Pooja Entertainment has laid down a safety plan for our shooting schedule abroad. We hope these measures help us accomplish a smooth and safe shoot.”
Bellbottom’s on-set guidelines will also include maintaining social distancing of no less than 6 feet wherever possible; hand sanitising stations will be made available on the set, and all surface areas and equipments will be disinfected frequently using alcohol-based sanitisers before and after shoot.
Bellbottom, a retro drama with Kumar, Vaani Kapoor, Huma S Qureshi and Lara Dutta, was announced late last year. Pooja Entertainment took the decision to shoot a start to finish stint keeping the global health crisis in mind. Director Ranjit M Tewari adds, “It is going to be a challenging shoot given the circumstances, but I am confident of the health and safety protocols put in place by Pooja Entertainment. Every member of the Bellbottom family is exhilarated and geared up to kick-start work.”
Production Designer Amit Subrata says, “It is a challenging time to shoot a film, but I look at it as a creative challenge — to manage all that is going on around us, keep protocols in place, and despite that, to help and create a special feel for this film.” Sushant, head of spot boy team for Bellbottom, says, “All spot boys and technical staff have been taken through the best practices to be followed on set. We are well-versed with the processes now. And everyone is excited to get back to work.”
While the actors are excited to resume shooting, they are also relieved that their health is in safe hands. The Bellbottom team is expected to take off any time now.
Pooja Entertainment presents, in association with Emmay Entertainment, Bellbottom, produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani and Nikkhil Advani. Bellbottom written by Aseem Arrora and Parveez Shaikh is set to release on April 2, 2021.
Bellbottom brings Bollywood back to business
8:25 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (July 6, 2020)
As the Coronavirus lockdown in the country and across the globe is gradually easing, makers of the high-end espionage film, Bellbottom, are ready to take their film on the floors. The much-anticipated thriller, starring Akshay Kumar, Vaani Kapoor, Huma Qureshi and Lara Dutta, is the first film to commence shooting after the long lockdown. The schedule of the movie, written by Aseem Arrora and Parveez Shaikh, begins one month from now, and the entire team will be heading to the United Kingdom for the same.
Over the past few months, the film industry has come to a halt, whether in India or other countries. The need of the hour is to adapt and evolve with the times. Keeping the new normal in mind, a thorough precautionary plan for the shoot has been laid down by the filmmakers. The film’s shoot not only gets the artistes back on the sets, but also all the people involved in the process of filmmaking. Bellbottom resuming work is a step forward to normalise the current working situation in Bollywood and bringing the industry back to business.
Sharing his thoughts on starting the shoot for the film, Akshay Kumar says, “We are glad to be able to start shooting for Bellbottom after the long lockdown. The team has made special plans and taken precautions, keeping the current situation in mind. I am looking forward to the industry to begin doing what it does best and entertain the audiences again.”
Producer Jackky Bhagnani adds, “There are a number of people dependent on the film industry starting up again. We wanted the film to take shape the best way possible, but at the same time keeping the safety of the crew as our top priority. All our activities will be minutely monitored to make sure no one is at risk, and we’re following all the issued guidelines. The cast and crew are on board and offering full cooperation. It’s time!”
Director Ranjit M Tewari, who is eagerly waiting for the shoot to start, shares, “I am immensely thankful and happy to start filming. Even during such trying times, we strive to give our best and make this film a success.”
Pooja Entertainment presents in association with Emmay Entertainment, Bellbottom. Produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani and Nikhil Advani, the film is set to release on April 2, 2021.
Pooja Entertainment ropes in Vaani Kapoor to star with Akshay Kumar in Bellbottom
8:40 AM
Producer Jackky Bhagnani has got actor Vaani Kapoor on board for his upcoming espionage thriller, Bellbottom.
Kapoor will be playing the leading lady alongside actor Akshay Kumar in the film, set in the ’80s, which is inspired by true events. This marks her first film with Kumar.
Directed by Ranjit M Tewari, the movie tells the story of one of India’s forgotten heroes and is scheduled to go on floors this year. It is written by Aseem Arrora and Parveez Shaikh.
For Bhagnani, it was the film’s script that made him opt for a completely fresh pairing. He says, “Vaani is an intelligent actor and I have loved all her performances. The female lead in Bellbottom has to be in sync with Akshay sir’s screen persona. The role is meaty and I am confident that Vaani will ace this one.”
Sharing her excitement about the film, and especially at being paired with Kumar for the first time, Kapoor says, “I am elated to share screen space with Akshay sir. I am also thrilled to partner with Pooja Entertainment who have already made me feel at home, right at this initial stage of our film. I’m hoping that this excitement will translate beautifully on screen.”
Talking about Kapoor’s onscreen character, Tewari says, “Vaani’s character in the film is extremely intriguing. She has a certain flair and we’re all very excited to have her on board!”
Pooja Entertainment presents in association with Emmay Entertainment, Bellbottom. Produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani and Nikkhil Advani.
Bellbottom to release on April 2, 2021.
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