The pair of filmmaker Priyadarshan and actor Akshay Kumar is known for bringing some of the most loved entertaining films, including Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan, etc. Recently, news was out that the two have joined hands yet again for a horror-comedy titled Bhooth Bangla. The film also stars other favourite actors of the filmmaker, like Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav and Asrani. Priyadarshan got talking to us about his new film and his partnership with Akshay Kumar.
You are back with Bhooth Bangla with Akshay and all your favourite actors
Yes, Akshay and I are getting together after fourteen years. And all my other favourite actors, Asrani, Rajpal Yadav and others, are in it too. At this stage of the project, I can only guarantee the audience a laugh riot.
That’s what you are known for
Yes, in the Hindi belt. In the South I’ve done the other kind of cinema, which you like. The serious kind.
Priyan, everyone is talking about Bhooth Bangla
Are they? You tell me? You are the one who keeps track of all the happenings in the film industry. I don’t know how you do it from Patna. For me, every film I make is a new beginning. After almost a hundred films, I still feel the same excitement and nervousness I felt when I made my first film.
Have you seen the old Bhoot Bangla with Mehmood?
No, I haven’t. Why should I? My film has nothing to do with that old Bhoot Bangla. I don’t know what that is about.
What is your film about?
Ah, it’s a new experiment in the comedy-horror genre. If you remember I had introduced the horror-comedy genre in Bhool Bhulaiya seventeen years ago.
Yes, and everyone including the makers of Stree is inspired by it
Ha ha, I am not saying anything. You are. I don’t look over my shoulders at what others are doing. In fact, I don’t even look at my own films. Once I finish making it, I move on. This is why I never did a sequel to Hera Pheri. Why should I do the same thing when there are so many stories to tell?
Akshay and you had last collaborated on Khatta Meetha fourteen years ago. He is currently going through a lean phase. Does that bother you?
Who hasn’t gone through a lean phase in his career? I have. Haven’t you? I have seen so many ups and downs, I am still here. I know there are people who want me to retire. I am sure many people would love to see you retire. But why should we? As long as I’ve the fire in my belly to make films, I will continue to do. Of course I’ve made bad films. And they’ve failed. But I’ve also made superhit films, in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi. People watch my old comedies when they want to cheer up.
Have you noticed any changes in Akshay Kumar since you last worked with him?
He is still the same. We are like two children with a new toy. Akshay has the indomitable spirit of a true hero. Nothing can keep him down. Both of us are very excited about getting together again. It is like old times again. Mohanlal and Akshay are two actors who trust me implicitly. Would you believe, Mohanlal doesn’t even ask for a script; he just says yes when I offer him a film. When it comes to Mohanlal and Akshay, my responsibility multiplies because of their trust in me.
What is Bhooth Bangla about?
You want me to tell you the whole story? I can’t do that. But yes, I will tell you this. It will be a new phase in the horror-comedy space. Bhooth Bangla is based on mythology and black magic. It is inspired by our Vedas and even the Mahabharat. But black magic is the dominant theme. It is a fun film. My audience which has leaned on me for entertainment for 42 years won’t be disappointed. This is the kind of cinema audiences want me to make.
What about the cinema that you want to make, like Kanchivaram?
There are two Priyadarshans: the one who makes the cinema he believes in, like the recent anthology of Vasudev Nair’s stories Manorathangal. Then there is the other Priyadarshan, who makes the films audiences want. I am equally proud of both. Bhooth Bangla gives me the leverage and courage to make the other kind of films. But Subhash, do you know what makes me happy?
Tell me
To stay relevant as an artiste, that’s the main thing. When Ektaa R Kapoor came forward to produce Bhooth Bangla, she offered me a huge amount of remuneration saying I deserved no less. It’s not the money that made me happy. It was the thought behind it.
How is your rapport with Ektaa R Kapoor?
Wonderful. She is a fighter, like you and me.
Also Read: Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan reunite with Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav and Asrani for Bhooth Bangla
More Pages: Bhooth Bangla Box Office Collection
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