Abhay Deol turns producer; revives Junction

By Bollywood Hungama -

November 25, 2008 - 12:00 AM IST

Production bug has bitten Abhay Deol as well. He is turning producer with Junction and has named his production company as 'Forbidden Films'. "Why 'Forbidden Films'? Because it gets the point across about the kind of films I wish to make. So many times I hear statements like 'this kind of film won't work' or 'a subject like this is a taboo'. I want to make such films and show that they can indeed work. I like the name of my production house since it is not overbearing or stylish but rather quite nice and simple", says Abhay Deol whose Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! is all set to arrive this Friday. Junction would be the first film to arrive under Abhay Deol's banner. However, it's shooting would begin only in September/October 2009. The film was supposed to begin last year with a different producer, so how did Abhay come into picture? "A lot the factors were responsible for the delay in making the film; let's not get into that. However, I and Atul Sabharwal, the man who would be directing Junction, believed in the subject and wanted it to be made. During those times I too was in a phase where I wanted my film to be made and marketed in a particular way. Atul and I were going through these thoughts around how to get the film a right platform. We were thinking if it would be a good idea to get some big studios back the project. This is when I decided on turning producer myself", details Abhay Deol who would be working with seventh debutant director once Junction hits the floors. "Ask me", smiles Abhay, "In fact I had all but decided after working with six debutant directors on Socha Na Tha, Ahista Ahista, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd, Ek Chalis Ki Last Local, Manorama Six Feet Under and Meridian (unreleased) that my upcoming films would have established directors. I did get one for Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! [Dibakar Banerjee] but the moment Atul narrated the subject to me, I had to change my decision. I went like - 'Oh no, agaaaaain' (smiles)! But then to be honest, I have a lot of faith in Atul. He is a real cool guy and has written the film's script as well. I really like him." Elaborating on the trust that continued to build for Abhay, he details, "I couldn't help myself if Atul sounded promising even though he was to direct his first film. Meanwhile he also made a 20 minutes short film called Midnight Lost and Found. I was truly vindicated since the film was so amazingly made. The film has already traveled film festivals and winning accolades. I could afford saying to myself that I was bang on in my judgment about him and his work." What was it that impressed him most about his work? "It was not just the storyline that Atul came up with but the entire atmosphere that he managed to create in the narrative. Now that's the hardest thing to capture. All the debutant directors that I have worked with have been great and have moved on to bigger and better projects. Touchwood! I am sure Atul would meet the same fate after Junction. He is such a sorted out guy", says Abhay fondly. Junction was supposed to star the 'Chak De' girls Vidya Malvade and Shilpa Shukla. Do they stay on to be the part of the star cast? "As of now I know for sure that I am acting in it though nothing is concrete about the leading ladies. It's a wait and watch situation and things would get clearer in some time", signs off Abhay.