Hrithik – Preity in ‘Mantra’?

By Bollywood Hungama -

July 27, 2004 - 12:00 AM IST

The grapevine is buzz with the news that Hrithik Roshan has signed Vishal Bhardwaj's new film MANTRA, co-starring Preity Zinta once again [the duo were teamed in KOI MIL GAYA and LAKSHYA in the past]. A few sources insist that Hrithik has said 'Yes', but it's all hearsay. No confirmations! But this writer spoke to Rakesh Roshan about MANTRA and also about Hrithik's policy of going slow on new films. Here's the official take Over to Rakesh Roshan: It's true that Vishal has approached Hrithik for MANTRA, but Duggu hasn't signed the film yet. The project is still in the negotiation stages. We haven't confirmed anything. Nothing is on paper. Hrithik has decided to go slow vis-?is signing new films because nothing exciting seems to be coming his way. No point in accepting a film for the sake of being in news. Why should he do it at this stage of his career? He doesn't need to. But if something exciting comes up, he'd gladly accept the offer without even batting an eyelid. I am still in the process of finalizing the right script. Believe me, I haven't found one yet. I've attempted practically every genre in my career. From KHUDGARZ to KHOON BHARI MAANG to KISHEN KANHAIYA to KOYLA to KOI MIL GAYA. What do I make next? I don't want to jump into a script just because I need to start a film. I can afford to wait! Times are changing and it's getting increasingly difficult for a film-maker to choose a subject that would excite not just those associated with the film, but even those who spend their hard-earned money on buying a ticket. The business is highly erratic these days. The biggest of films are biting the dust, at times not even fetching a face-saving initial. Even otherwise, the business is clearly divided; certain films fare well at single screens/smaller centres, while some are strictly for multiplexes. A film-maker has to walk on a tight rope.