With Shahenshah, Satte Pe Satta, among others, B’wood ready for new wave of Bachchan remakes
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 14, 2020)

After Don, Agneepath, Zanjeer and Sholay, among others, 2.0 versions of several yesteryear hits featuring Amitabh Bachchan are under consideration. An industry source tells Mirror that Tinnu Anand, who directed the 1988 vigilante-drama Shahenshah, has been approached by many for the remake rights of the film. “He is yet to part with them. Another one of his directorials, Kaalia, is also a strong contender, with a lot of industry insiders keen to put a modern-day spin on the action-entertainer,” informs the source.

Meanwhile, we hear negotiations are underway for the rights of Prakash Mehra’s 1982 comic-caper, Namak Halaal, which featured the Big B, Shashi Kapoor and Smita Patil. “It’s a timeless comedy and multiple producers are in talks. If the deal is locked, one of them is looking to approach a top actor-star kid, whose forte is comedy, to step into Bachchan’s shoes,” the source shares.

Bhushan Kumar had announced a remake of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Dharmendra and Bachchan-starrer classic, Chupke Chupke, with Rajkummar Rao as botany professor Parimal Tripathi, who masquerades as chauffeur Pyare Mohan to hoodwink his wife’s (Sharmila Tagore) protective brother-in-law (Om Prakash). The actor, who will step into Bachchan’s shoes to play literature professor, Sukumar Sinha, is yet undecided.

Rohit Shetty is bank-rolling a Satte Pe Satta remake, with Farah Khan in the director’s chair. The 1982 original was top-lined by Bachchan in a double role—as Ravi Anand, who lives with his six brothers, and the antagonist, Babu. Farah was keen to have Hrithik Roshan step in for the Big B for the second time after Agneepath. After several rounds of discussions, the actor walked out, reportedly due to differences over the script. The director then approached Salman Khan, who was skeptical about playing a character previously essayed by the veteran actor. Buzz is, the makers are now in talks with Ajay Devgn for the part.

“It’s challenging to get such a huge ensemble in place. An official update on the film is expected once the Coronavirus pandemic subsides,” adds the source.
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OTHER REMAKES

SHAKTI
A few years ago, a filmmaker was planning a remake with Bachchan Sr. playing DCP Ashwini Kumar, originally portrayed by Dilip Kumar, and Abhishek Bachchan stepping in to play the son, Vijay Kumar. Sanjay Gupta was to direct the film which was shelved before reaching the rewrite stage.

DO AUR DO PAANCH
In the 2010s, Vashu Bhagnani was planning to revamp the Rakesh Kumar-directed comedy, which also featured Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini and Parveen Babi. After the success of Karan Johar’s Dostana, the producer approached John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan but the film, to be directed by debutant Akshai Puri, never saw the light of day.

Hrithik Roshan wants to continue exploring uncharted territory after a terrific 2019
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 26, 2019)

At the beginning of 2019, no one would have thought how big an impact Hrithik Roshan was going to make with his films. First came Super 30, which saw him strip all the sexiness that one associated with his Greek God image. His portrayal of a mathematician from Bihar, who trains underprivileged IIT aspirants, won hearts and the box office alike. And then, he flexed his muscles to deliver a monster hit with the action film War, which has emerged as the highest grosser of the year. Clearly, 2019 couldn’t have ended on a better note for the 45-year-old. Excerpts:

Super 30 must have been an emotionally tough journey. Before it released, did you have any clue about what fate it will meet?
The journey of Super 30 wasn’t particularly easy because of some tough but important calls that we had to take. As for its fate, of course I had major doubts whether it would work at all, yet I had no choice but to do it because I felt so much emotion and love for this film. Every day on set, I was living life at its best. I was stimulated, passionate and woke up with infallible conviction in my heart about the day’s work. Step by step, it started becoming something so inspirational and moving. And then, the magic that a film like Super 30 created at the box office was heartening to witness.

And you were back in your macho avatar in War. What did its success mean to you?
The success of War, Super 30 or any other movie teaches you only one thing — following your heart and working hard is the best way to work. It reaffirmed my faith in my instincts. Professionally, it has been a celebratory year. We had a small celebration with the team of War after it crossed ₹300 crore. And for Super 30, I had a lovely dinner with Anand (Kumar, the mathematician on whose life the film is based) sir and my family.

Is the box office a deciding factor for you when you sign a film?
Well, by now, I know which characters and traits work at the box office, so I could easily open shop and keep selling them one by one. Or I could keep exploring extremes and unchartered territory as I’ve been doing. As an actor, with my last three films, I’ve found a certain composure now in front of the camera. So, in fact, it would be a great time to explore even more with newer worlds and characters to see how I’d approach them.

Even after the success you’ve achieved, is there something that still intimidates Hrithik the star?
Self-doubt, fear, and uncertainties go hand-in-hand with growth and happiness. These are just signs of living an inspired, stimulated life.

Has your stardom ever come in the way of you portraying any character?
No, because I’ve never let stardom overpower the actor in me. It’s too fickle for it to be taken seriously.

You’ve been voted as the sexiest Asian male of the decade in a UK poll. How do these ‘sexy’ tags given to you repeatedly make you feel?
It’s embarrassingly flattering. However, I see such tags and titles as a compliment and am thankful for them. It’s also encouraging as it makes me feel like I must have done at least something right!

There is speculation about War being turned into a franchise…
Well, it does have the scope, but you should ask this question to Adi (Aditya Chopra, producer) and Sid (Siddharth Anand, director). They are the best people to answer this.

What is the update on the Satte Pe Satta remake and Krrish 4?
I think we should wait for official announcements and stop speculating.

The actor, who has had two successful films this year, says they encourage him to follow his instincts
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 15, 2019)

His latest release, War, is roaring at the box office and just goes on to prove that Hrithik Roshan and action films are a perfect fit. Most of his films in the genre, such as Krrish and Dhoom 2 (both 2006), Agneepath (2012), Bang Bang! (2014) and Kaabil (2017), were well received.

“This success has been the sweetest for me. As for action films and me being a match made in heaven, I’d love to believe it too as it is the genre I enjoy the most,” shares Hrithik.

So, does that mean he will now focus more on similar films? “As an actor, I’ve never stuck to one genre and I don’t want to,” says the 45-year-old, adding, “It’s thrilling for me to experiment, take on challenges and follow my instincts when it comes to picking up projects. So, I want to do everything that excites me, action film or not.”

And a Hrithik fan would know. For the actor hasn’t just remained the romantic heartthrob of Kaho Naa Pyar Hai (2000), but has a wide spectrum of roles to his credit such as in Fiza (2000), Koi Mil Gaya (2003), Guzaarish (2010) and this year’s Super 30. The last film was based on the life of mathematician Anand Kumar. Together with WAR, it makes 2019 a particularly fruitful year for the actor.

“Professionally, it has been a very special year for me. Both the successes have been so empowering. It has only motivated and encouraged me to keep following my instincts and work hard,” he shares.

Since the two films were so different, preparing for them was equally challenging. In fact, Hrithik had to transform from dad bod to Greek God, which wasn’t easy especially as the actor had sustained a slip-disc injury. “It was one of the toughest things I’ve done, physically and emotionally. When I look back at the journey now, I don’t know where that power came from. With a slipped disc and very little time in hand, a bit of hope and a little bit of fear (of not getting back in shape) is what kept me going,” he says.

Though the actor admits the pain has been excruciating, he adds, “I’d be happy to do this all over again”.

And Hrithik is yet to take a call on his next project. Reports say he’s starring in the remake of Satte Pe Satta (1982). If he does indeed join the project, it will be the second time that he will star in the remake of an Amitabh Bachchan film after Agneepath. “I am a huge fan of Mr Bachchan. He has been a great influence on me since my childhood. But I am yet to finalize my next film. I barely got any time with both Super 30 and War releasing back to back,” he says.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 25, 2019)

After impressing audiences with his turn as a scruffy-looking Maths professor from Bihar in Super 30, Hrithik Roshan is all set to return to action, literally and figuratively. The actor will be seen doing some daredevil stunts in his upcoming action entertainer, War. The trailer has already created a buzz, and his face-off with Tiger Shroff in the film has piqued interest. Here, the superstar tells us how he has always maintained a variety in his roles, sharing screen space with the younger hero and if he will now do more films now or stick to his style of doing a few movies.     

After playing a heartland character with dishevelled hair and shabby beard in Super 30, you will be seen flaunting your physique and muscles in War. Was it deliberate?
Not at all. When I signed Super 30, there was no War or a script for it. Super 30 was an extremely important project for me because there was a lot of talk about me not being able to fit into that kind of a character. People felt that I was too westernised and it was wrong casting. I read that throughout the year. So, having a success in Super 30 has reaffirmed my belief in myself in a big way. I do very few films, and because of that, I need to know that my instincts are in the right place. I could lose a lot of years and a long duration on the film if one’s gut feeling goes wrong. So, it’s encouraging that my instincts are going right.

What did you like about War?
The script. I’m a fan of action and love doing films in this genre. Unfortunately, I haven’t read very intelligent scripts in this genre. Dhoom 2 was one and Bang Bang, which I loved, and now War. I’ve been looking for this kind of action entertainer, but never found one till I read this script. Also, Sid (Siddharth Anand, director) and I have an equation from Bang Bang. I know how he sees the film. So, it became easy for me to know that this is the kind of movie I’d want to do.

But action films have been a regular staple in Bollywood...
Yes, but they are straightforward and boring for me. The kind of action film I desire to do is intelligent and in the James Bond space. For that, you need a lot of focus on the character like the one I played in Dhoom 2, Bang Bang and now War. They are not the same but they are close to that world — intriguing, mysterious, suave and intelligent. I get a lot of positive feedback when I do those. He’s the guy who never gets perplexed, he is always in control, smooth, witty, and composed. That kind of composure and intelligence is hard to come across in a script here.

War is a two-hero film and you are sharing screen space with Tiger Shroff...
(Cuts in) That was my condition. I said I will do this film, but make sure Tiger Shroff stars in it. That was important for me because I was coming from a Bihari space, I was out of shape, I was not conditioned. And the idea of Tiger standing in front of me was something that could drive me to develop that passion again, to get to my best shape, ever. I wanted somebody who was better than me so that I would do and be at my best.

How challenging was the physical transformation, especially on the back of Super 30?
It was difficult. In fact, that transformation is kind of a film in itself that I have shot. It’s actually become a content piece. I will share that with all my fans at some point. Going from the Bihari world of Super 30 to that of Kabir in War was difficult. They didn’t even give me much time, only about two months. So, I did a lot of crazy things to try and get into shape and finally I managed, but it was painful. The most important thing is to get up and restart — get back to your diet and avoid all the foods that you become used to. Initiative, discipline, sacrifices — those are the hard things. Otherwise, everything else becomes easy.

How difficult was the action in this film?
It was painful, but I enjoyed it because it looks good. Somehow for some reason, I feel I look good when I do action and, that’s my curse because it hurts.

How was the experience of working with Tiger?
Tiger is one of the most disciplined actors I’ve worked with. I’ve also developed a lot more fondness and admiration for him. He is somebody who works without any ego. That’s how I like to work. And I think we’ve done well in this film — both of us have helped each other to be honest.

Usually, when there are two-hero films, there are insecurities about the role or the character. Didn’t you have any such problems on or off the set?
I don’t think I will ever have that because I’m not from the school of wanting to be better than somebody else. I just have to do my best. I’m tuned to that. That skill has developed inside me well. I will never have a problem. In fact, my problem is that I have to make sure that others are at their best so that it’ll drive me to do even better. Whenever I am doing a two-hero or three-hero film, I make sure that everybody else is at their best, if I can help them be better I will do that. Then I will see how it drives me to be better for myself. All the actors who work with me will be happy because I make sure they are better than what they can be.

Any anecdote that you can share from the sets?
The only anecdote that I have probably is the fact that Tiger and I were basically starving! Sid is somebody who is interested in food, so, he used to pile a mountain of food on his plate, while Tiger and I would sit with salads. That was sad, but I had company. Normally, I am on that diet starving all by myself but Tiger was there and we shared a lot of tips on diet and exercise.

Comedy films are in vogue. Will we see you doing any?
I’m extremely keen on doing comedy. I love a certain type of comedy, which is situational and not slapstick. I like straight-faced humour. Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to do that as well. I really enjoy Ben Stiller, Steve Martin and Jerry Lewis’ comedy, they are my favourites. In Hindi, Angoor and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron are the classics that I enjoy.

There is news about you doing Satte Pe Satta. Is that true?
There are choices on my plate and Satte Pe Satta is one of the options, but I haven’t made up my mind. Once War is out of my way, I will take a call.

You are known to work on one film at a time and don’t do too many movies. Are you planning to change that since content-driven movies are being made more?
No, this is my style and this is how I do my best work. If it takes someone 10 films to reach somewhere and if I can reach there by doing three good films, it’s fine. As far as content or variety is concerned, you will find it in my trajectory. From playing Akbar (in Jodhaa Akbar) to Koi Mil Gaya or Kaabil, in which I played a visually-impaired guy, Anand sir in Super 30 or War, which has me in a cool, sexy image, there is a variety in my movies and characters.

Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 7, 2019)

While Hrithik Roshan is in talks to reprise Amitabh Bachchan’s character in Farah Khan and Rohit Shetty’s Satte Pe Satta remake, Shakti Kapoor, who played Mangal Anand in the 1982 Raj N Sippy directorial, feels his son Siddhanth Kapoor would be the apt choice to play his part.

“I would like to see Siddhanth essay the role I played in the cult film,” the actor says, adding, “No one can play that character better than him. But I don’t know. It’s up to Farah and Rohit.”

When asked if he has spoken to the filmmakers, Shakti said, “I’m in touch with Farah but I haven’t spoken to her about Satte Pe Satta remake. She is a good friend and she knows Siddhanth very well too. If she feels he fits the part, she will call him. It’s her call as a director. She is an amazing writer and has a great sense of comedy, emotions, entertainment. And she’s got a wonderful producer in Rohit. I’m sure they’ll make a fantastic film.”

Following Super 30 success, Hrithik Roshan in talks to headline four films, starting with Satte Pe Satta remake that goes on floors in December
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 3, 2019)

With Super 30, Hrithik Roshan ended his two-year hiatus from the big screen. Those who were missing the actor are in for a treat — known to cherry-pick his projects so meticulously that he doesn't give his nod to more than two films at a time, Roshan is apparently in talks to front as many as four films. mid-day has learnt that come September, he will announce four projects, including the Farah Khan-directed Satte Pe Satta (right) remake and father Rakesh Roshan's Krrish 4.

A source reveals, "Even before Super 30 released, Farah had initiated talks with Hrithik about the Satte Pe Satta remake. The two have been close friends over the years and were waiting for the right project to collaborate together. While Hrithik has already opened up about being part of it, he will soon sign on the dotted line. Currently negotiating with Rajesh Vasani of a movie marketing firm regarding the 1982 film's rights, Farah and producer Rohit Shetty are optimistic about the turn of events, and are hoping to roll with the redux version in December.

It appears to be raining remakes in Roshan's backyard. Buzz in trade circles is that Sajid Nadiadwala — who was one of the producers of Super 30 — has approached the actor for the remake of the Tamil hit, Veeram (2014). "That apart, another leading studio that recently collaborated with Hrithik is looking at a second outing with him," adds the source.

It will be only by mid-2020 that Roshan will don the superhero suit again to take the Krrish franchise ahead. "Rakesh Roshan is still scripting Krrish 4, and it will only go on floors by September next year."

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; July 22, 2019)

Hrithik Roshan is currently basking in the success of his latest release Super 30, which has him essaying a character inspired by mathematical genius Anand Kumar. Not only has he won rave reviews for his performance as the Bihari teacher, but the film also has done a business of approximately Rs 75 crore at the box office. Even as the movie is running in theatres, the teaser of his next, War, an action-entertainer, is out and the light-eyed actor’s beefed-up look has gone viral. Here, he tells us about the tough calls he had to take when Super 30’s director got embroiled in a controversy, the change in the release date, and how the outcome has brought him satisfaction and joy.

Is the success of Super 30 different for you than your other films?
The success of Super 30 somehow takes me back to the time when Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai had released. The emotions are similar to what I had felt back then.

Having said that, the success of any film will always be sweet and bring satisfaction and joy. The film went through quite a turmoil with controversy over the director, and later the release date. Did you get disheartened at any point?
There were some really tough calls that I had to take with regards to this film. Whether it was to put the film on hold when the #MeToo conversation came up for law to take its course or the decision to pre-pone the release date of the film. But I am glad that I took these calls. It is because of them that we are in a better place today. So, I would just say that all’s well that ends well.

How do you look back at the experience of shooting for the film?
Super 30 has been one of my most challenging films so far as the requirement here was to capture the soul of Anand Kumar. Before meeting him, I had a vision in my head of how he would be and I was hesitant to meet him at first because I did not want my idea of him to break. But, when I actually met him, I felt he only added beautiful colours to my vision. I had a great time shooting for the film with such talented people, especially, the 30 kids. They surprised and inspired me every day on set.

After this, you will be seen in the action-entertainer, War, in a beefed-up avatar. How much time does it take for you to change yourself physically for the character you play?
Fortunately or unfortunately for Super 30, I was allowed to cheat with my diet a little and the foodie in me loved every bit of it. Being able to have samosas, ice creams and everything that I was deprived of for years, guilt-free, was the best thing. But then came this whole phase where I pushed myself beyond my limits to get back into shape for the beefed-up character that I had to play for my other film. It took months of hard work and sacrifice to achieve that. It was definitely not easy, but I got to learn a little more about how much I can push myself.

Your look in War vs Super 30 has gone viral and sparked off several memes. Your reaction?
Some of the memes are actually very creative and funny. So, I enjoy them too.

Can you share your experience of working with Tiger Shroff?
I have had a blast shooting for this film with Tiger. Anything that I say about him will be less. My words won’t do justice to the kind of talent he possesses.

There are reports about you doing the Satte Pe Satta remake. This will be the second time you will step into Amitabh Bachchan’s shoes.
I am a huge fan of Mr Bachchan so whenever I will get a chance to step into his shoes, I’d be super excited. As for Satte Pe Satta remake, those are only reports as of now. When I sign my next film, I will tell the world about it. Until then, everything you hear is only a rumour.

What kind of film will you do next?
Right now, I am grateful and enjoying the sweet success of my film, Super 30 and gearing up for my second release of the year, War. But I will let you know about my next film soon.