“F.A.L.T.U is completely commercial, raw, real and faltu” – Jackky Bhagnani

By Devansh Patel -

June 11, 2010 - 3:08 PM IST

His last film failed to pull the audiences to the theatres. His last film was promoted and marketed with full gusto. His last film had some professional mess up's too. Now in his second film, this young protege has let go of it all - his inhibition, his ego, his notion, etc. After meeting him in his vanity van on the sets of F.A.L.T.U somewhere near Bandra, he came across as a changed man. A man knowing what he is doing next, a man in control of things, a man who has learnt but is still a learner and a man who is not willing to bow down. But more importantly, I met a man who has understood that understanding an audience isn't important; it's all about understanding your film at the end of the day. UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent Devansh Patel meets Jackky Bhagnani, a changed man....because change is inevitable.

“F.A.L.T.U is completely commercial, raw, real and faltu” – Jackky Bhagnani

Preconceived notions

I have couple of preconceived notions from the first film I did. Nothing negative. Apart from that, I've squeezed everything out from my system. That's why it was a long break than what it should be.

Second strategy

A script and a film make the star a superstar. It's never the other way

I did chat with my father about how to go about things in my second film. The only thing we discussed was how to make a good film. If I make a good film, everything falls in place even though I'm the ugliest looking guy on earth or the worst actor around. If my film works, I work. A script and a film make the star a superstar. It's never the other way. In the past five years, good films, good roles and good scripts have come out to be the only way to climb the ladder of success. In the past, we could predict that a certain celebrity would deliver a hit. But in today's time, you cannot guarantee a hit even from India's finest actor. So what are we talking about?

Reality

It's the time of 'openings'. If a film works from Friday to Sunday, it's a good opener which then only needs to sustain for a few more days. On the contrary, even a Saturday, sometimes, proves fatal. The word of mouth is so fast that you can see the results in 24 hours. That's the real picture.

Vashu Bhagnani

My father has been in the business for years and years, and this line will never get tougher for him because he has come from the worst era. Films were then made on abrupt basis. Today, our audience has become intelligent. You cannot take them for granted. The person who accepts it and moves with the generation will understand films.

F.A.L.T.U

F.A.L.T.U is completely commercial, raw, real and faltu. This is Remo's first Hindi film. He has already made his debut film in Bengali with Mithun. Knowing Remo, everyone is under the impression that F.A.L.T.U is going to be a dance inclined film but it's not. It is the coming of age story with lots of music. The film caters to all audiences because it is commercial.

Knowing Remo, everyone is under the impression that F.A.L.T.U is going to be a dance inclined film but it's not

Remo

I spoke to him when my last songs for my debut film were being shot in New Zealand, Bangkok, Thailand, etc. We both discussed an idea that we should be doing a film together. He really liked it. Remo said that I will direct my first Hindi film with you and we'll do this and that. When dad came to know about our idea, he supported us and who better than him to produce it as we have a production house. Remo involved me in the scripting process too.

Real

Remo and I had this constant argument with dad as to what scenes should be etched and all. My dad wanted certain things which we both thought were not required because it didn't make sense and it didn't look real. He is a person who wants larger than life things. But we were adamant on the fact that wherever required, we will have those elements. So if a scene requires me to wear chappals, I'll wear it because it looks real. And that's how most of the kids go to college.

Special appearances

Remo and I had this constant argument with dad over what scenes should be etched

We have one character in the film which isn't a guest appearance. It is a fully fledged role. We have approached three to four big stars for that part. Whoever gets confirmed, I will be the first person to disclose the name to the Press. But it isn't a special appearance. The character demands someone with a strong public image.

Lead actress of F.A.L.T.U

I wish I could romance Jessica Alba. But that isn't possible. So we have confirmed on Pooja Gupta, who makes her debut in this film. We also tried to approach Jacqueline Fernandez but she was busy with other films. It could've been Jackky versus Jacque (laughs).