Saif & Priyanka in Siddharth Anand’s adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s ‘2 States’

By Nikhil Ramsubramaniam -

October 14, 2010 - 12:00 AM IST

Saif & Priyanka in Siddharth Anand’s adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s ‘2 States’

By now its common knowledge that after Anjaana Anjaani, the producer-director team of Sajid Nadiadwala and Siddharth Anand are collaborating together on another project. While not much was known about this project, it's now revealed that the film will be an adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's popular book '2 States'. What's more, the makers have managed a coup of sorts by getting Saif Ali Khan and Priyanka Chopra for the lead roles.

Confirming the news to Bollywood Hungama, Siddharth Anand said, "Yes...my next film is an adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's book '2 States'. It's being produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and stars Saif and Priyanka. I was actually having another script in mind with Saif when Adi Chopra asked me to read '2 States'. He felt I could do justice to the book. I am not much of a reader but since Adi insisted, I began reading the book and honestly it made for such a great read that I couldn't put the book down. I immediately spoke to Chetan Bhagat and we decided to acquire the rights to the book. We plan to take the film on floors sometime in March 2011."

Ask him how similar or different his film will be to the book and Siddharth replies, "As I said earlier, it's an adaptation of '2 States'. However, like in the case of any adaptation, there will be some changes to suit the cinematic experience. There may be certain portions which will be dramatized for cinema while some portions may not be included to keep the length at bay. So all in all there will be a few changes but the film will have the core essence of the book. In fact, we plan to shoot in the same cities in which the book is set namely- Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chennai and Goa."

Siddharth also adds that his actors were a bit taken aback when he first told them that he was making an adaptation of a book. "Saif was a bit surprised as we were planning on working on something else but when he too read the book, he felt that we should go ahead with this project. As for Priyanka, she is also going to read the book very soon."

Meanwhile author Chetan Bhagat too is excited about this collaboration. Says Chetan, "Among all my books, the maximum offers to make a film has come for this book '2 States'. Considering I am known as a mass writer, I wanted to make sure that it gets made into a big mass entertainer with a reputed banner. The platform that Sajid Nadiadwala's production house gives is a very big platform, they only do big films. Moreover, Siddharth too is a nice, upcoming director whose films have found an appeal. So, I guess it was the perfect combination this time around."

Considering that last time Chetan had a bitter experience with the makers of 3 Idiots over due credit, is he making sure that he gets all the terms and conditions clear this time around. "Well...just because you have a fall playing football once, it doesn't mean you completely stop playing football right? The question of credit doesn't really arise in this case as from the very first day, they are announcing the film as an adaptation of '2 States'. I am very happy and satisfied with what I've been offered by Sajid Nadiadwala and Siddharth Anand in terms of credit and the whole contract. I must add that they made an extra effort to make sure that the writer is happy and gets due respect for his work which is really great on their part. I am really excited about this project."

Quiz him on whether he would be actively involved with the screenplay of the film and Chetan says, "It's still too early and Siddharth is yet to decide on who would be writing the screenplay. But I am available to them if they require my assistance on that front too."

Incidentally, Chetan's 3rd book '3 Mistakes Of My Life' is also being made into a film by Abhishek Kapoor of Rock On fame. Speaking about its status, Chetan says, "Abhishek, Pubali and I have almost finished scripting the film. I think Excel Entertainment is yet to take on a call on when and how to slot the film considering they have a couple of projects on floors already. They have to even begin casting for the film. My guess is that the film based on '2 States' will go on floors first though one can't really tell as of now."