Ankur Pathak in Mumbai
"Get inside the theatre, have a fun time, and come out refreshed".
These words aren't exactly something you'd hear from a film-maker who, in the past has attracted the audiences with his thought-provoking, topical, women-centric drama's that non-voyeuristically peep into punitive reality.
But that's Madhur Bhandarkar for you. The man who rose to an unexpected prominence with his experimental yet firmly commercial films like Corporate, Traffic Signal, Page 3 and Fashion, is ready to catch you off-guard and make you chuckle with his first romantic comedy, Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji which he unveiled in Mumbai over the weekend.
The film -- which deals with three men who cope with modern women and contemporary liaisons resulting in a fun, roller-coaster ride of emotions -- stars Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Omi Vaidya, Shraddha Das and Shazahn Padamsee.
"This is the first time I am making a slice of life romantic comedy and I hope as people have loved my earlier films, they will definitely accept this movie too. The way DTBHJ is shaping up I am sure it will be a treat to watch," he says of his latest enterprise.
So what triggered such a departure from his previous works?
"Nothing in particular, I just wanted to make a feel-good funny film that will have people laughing as they come out of the theatres,'' he says.
"Even though I've created fiction, it is within the parameters of reality, as is the case with my films. You'll like it," he candidly pours his heart out adding, ''I've been fortunate to achieve critical as well as public acclaim and I hope I maintain that trend.''
Ready for Madhur Bhandarkar's latest experiment?
Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar
On working for the first time with Bhandarkar, Ajay Devgn who is uncontestably going through an exciting phase and is being tagged as Mr Box Office says, "There are three men in this film and their thinking are different to a very large extent.
"As the caption of the film goes, "Love Grows, Men Don't", I think it is perfect for Madhur," he laughs. "It was fun working on this film. I never enjoyed working so much, and it is a very different type of a comedy since it is very situational."
Back in what is clearly the precise role for him is Emraan Hashmi (Abhay) who once again portrays the character of a womaniser.
"So aur Sone Do (sleep and let sleep). Let's hope that a certain board doesn't find it a little hard to digest," says Emraan.
"I don't really understand rom-coms. But when Madhur narrated the script to me, I was totally sold-out on the idea. I've always been a big fan of his work -- the intense cinema that he specialises in making. He has stepped out of his comfort zone this time and has given a new dimension to rom-coms as we know them.
"He has added his slice of realism in this film. Moreover, his perspective and vision is one of the biggest reasons for me to do this film," says the actor.
Ready for Madhur Bhandarkar's latest experiment?
Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar
One of the film's leading ladies is Shazahn Padamsee who will be seen as Ajay Devgn's love interest, June Pinto.
Enthusiasm reflecting noticeably in her voice, she acknowledges Bhandarkar for her presence in the film, "I thank Madhur sir for being a gem of a person, for picking me for this wonderful role and encouraging me throughout."
Wasn't this the girl who's just popped out from her blithe teenage years kind of alienated among the men?
Laughs Shazahn, "No, I definitely was the kiddo on the sets so everybody teased me a lot, but at the same time they've been greatly supportive and encouraging. I never understood how we finished the shoot so comfortably. It was so quick and so much fun. Madhur sir is simply the best we have."
Another lovely presence in the film is Shraddha Das who enacts the role of Gungun -- a pragmatic girl who is also highly ambitious. "I'm extremely lucky to have such a performance oriented role in a film with a great star-cast and the country's best director. I couldn't have asked for more," she concludes.
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