Riteish Deshmukh: I enjoy sex comedies

There's a reason why Riteish Deshmukh is stuck doing comedy films.

He's just so brilliant at it!

And we're not talking about onscreen only.

It's impossible to interview Riteish, without him constantly breaking into comic antics and jokes.

Yet, the actor claims he's tired and bored of comedies and sequels, and wants to change his image by doing thrillers and social dramas.

Until that happens, we get to enjoy Riteish's funny side on screen, in his latest film Kya Super Kool Hai Hum.

In this interview with Sonil Dedhia, Riteish speaks about his take on sex comedies and why the Indian audience has been receptive to bold content.

Kya Super Kool Hai Hum is the sequel to Kya Kool Hai Hum. Are you picking up from where you left off?

No, the story is different. After seven years, the humour is contemporary but at the same time, we are maintaining the naughtiness that was present in the first part. I would say it has increased a little!

The first time we were a little unsure how the audience would receive the film, but it did well at the box office.

What do you think of sex comedies?

I enjoy sex comedies. I have said earlier that I have enjoyed whatever I have seen. I don't watch too many comedies.

Do you think the Indian audience's perception of sex comedies has changed?

I believe we found our audience when we released Kya Kool Hai Hum seven years ago. If people at that time had not liked the film, we wouldn't have made the sequel.

Over a period of time, I think the audience has become receptive to shocking content. They enjoy something new that is offered, be it a film like Ragini MMS or The Dirty Picture.

What is that one thing that becomes really important when you are doing a sex comedy?

Do you think Indian people are too sensitive? Is there a thin moral line that cannot be crossed?

We have to tread carefully when we are making a naughty comedy. Certain lines are drawn. A citizen can vote from the age of 18 or a guy can marry after the age of 21, but the line for morality is a personal call and is different for everyone.

There are certain things that you enjoy watching on screen but it might be a little too much for someone else. Hence we have to figure out a way of showing characters in the film doing things innocently, not saying lines cockily which come across as if the person means it.

Are there any lines that you have drawn for yourself?

Before signing this film, there were many lines which I couldn't cross (laughs). But once I saw the big line on the cheque, I told myself to cross all the lines (smiles).

But, seriously, you come from a certain background and family.

Yes. But in that case, I wouldn't have done the first film seven years ago when my father was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. People now take me as an actor so there is a certain amount of freedom that I have because of my profession.

Would you be open to say cuss words on screen?

Tell us about your character in the film.

I play a struggling disco jockey (DJ) in the film who finds it difficult to get work. The same is the case with Tusshar Kapoor's character -- a struggling actor, who resorts to doing teleshopping advertisements.

The only good thing in our life is our dog Fakru. We survive because of him. We pay our rents and other expenses because of him.

Fakru is an important character in the film.

He is a dog in demand. We use him for breeding and that's how we make money. Whenever I need money and I get a call from the clinic, I have to go and allow him to perform.

So Fakru is like Vicky Donor?

Most of your films have been comedies. Don't you feel you have reached exhaustion point in this genre?

Of course I do. I have been a part of four sequels. In all these films, I am repeating my character.

There is nothing dramatically new that I am doing in the sequels. Hence I need to do a film like Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya.

I also did Rann and Aladin which unfortunately didn't work. Next year, I will be doing an urban crime thriller and drama, so I am looking forward to different genres.

You have tried other genres and as you mentioned, they didn't work. Comedies work for you so why not continue doing them?

Of course they are working, and I am not saying that I will stop doing comedies. I am just tired of acting in sequels. I want to try new things.

This is my third sequel and my next film will be Masti 2, which is also a sequel. I will start shooting in the first week of August. Then I will stop doing sequels.

I depend on the kind of scripts that come to me. I am getting interesting scripts and it's a good sign.

Are you going to produce a Marathi film?

I have been planning to produce a film for a long time but I couldn't zero in on a script. We have done it now.

I will also be acting in it and we will start shooting by October. It is a commercial film.

Any plans to produce a Hindi film?