The Ranbir Kapoor-Shraddha Kapoor starrer Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, which was recently released in cinemas, has been loved not just for its performances, music, plot and writing but also for showing the breathtaking locales of Spain. Very few films have been shot in this beautiful European country and that added to the film’s charm. Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to the Spanish producer of Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, Mark Albela, about how he provided help to director Luv Ranjan and his team during the Spain schedule.
When and how did you come on board for Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar?
Producer Ankur Garg, executive producer Ashish Kathpal and Mr Harish contacted me in 2020, before the pandemic. They wanted to check out the locations for a song shoot and an important track in the film. So we started the conversation. Suddenly, the pandemic came and everything came to a halt. Later, it was difficult for them to travel here. Yet, they made their way to Spain. It was a long journey. They had to undertake unconventional ways to come to Spain via other countries as Schengen countries were shut. They even undertook two weeks of quarantine. It was difficult for them but in the end, it all worked out.
They had a very long recce. We saw the Canary Islands, Madrid, Barcelona, Mallorca islands, and North of Spain; basically, we travelled around the whole of Spain. Luv and his team then came up with locations they thought were the best for the film. Then a couple of months later, they were here shooting.
Which year and which month did they shoot in Spain and how many days it took for them to film?
The film was shot in May and June 2022, for around 4 weeks. Shooting in Mallorca, Madrid and Barcelona was a challenge. After the pandemic, once the borders were opened, people went crazy and came in hordes to holiday. Getting the logistics, the hotels, etc, right was a challenge. But it was well worth it.
You have mainly worked in European and Hollywood films. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar is a Hindi film and a song was shot in the Spain schedule. How was your experience being a part of it?
I didn’t really shoot with them. We serviced productions for them. I had, however, also been a part of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011). It was majorly shot in Spain. They filmed here for nearly 13 weeks. That film had a song named ‘Senorita’. It became a huge hit worldwide, not only in India. So, we experienced the song-and-dance routine then. The difference with Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar was that several locations were used in the same song (‘Tere Pyaar Mein’) and were pieced together. For us, it was more of a challenge. But I must say we all enjoyed it. It was also a fantastic song. The extras and the people found it quite amusing (to see the song shoot)!
Did you get a chance to interact with Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor? They are quite popular actors in India…
Yes. They were very easy-going. They had a good time and they enjoyed their time in Spain. Some people from India did recognize them and came forward to meet them. But they were quite relaxed with the attention.
The opening slate of Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar mentions that the Government of Spain has provided a subsidy to the makers. Can you please tell us more about it?
It’s not really a subsidy. Spain has a rebate system like many European countries such as the UK, France, Italy, Germany etc. Spain is a little bit more aggressive with this system which makes it easier for foreign film crews. It's a pretty straight forward direct tax rebate and easy to claim.
In terms of percentage, how much tax rebate is provided?
A 30% tax rebate is provided when the producer spends 1 million euros, and then it’s 25% for the rest of the amount spent. And it’s capped at 10 million euros.
Was this rebate system in place when Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was shot in Spain?
No. It came into effect in 2015.
Only three films have been shot in Spain – Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Pathaan and Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. Now that the rebate system has been implemented, do you feel more films should be shot in your country?
Oh yes, absolutely. After Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, the influx of Indian tourists in Spain grew exponentially, by almost 300%. I am sure after this film, there will be a similar effect. Ankur has become a friend and I know that he’s receiving calls from producers, asking where he shot the film. I have also received calls from Indian producers, enquiring about filming in Spain.
More Pages: Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar Box Office Collection , Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar Movie Review
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