He has been the quintessential debonair in most of his films in last 15 years of his career. Be it the glad-eye Raj in Bachna Ae Haseeno, the messed-up Dev in Tamasha, or the mute-deaf Murphy Barfi Johnson in Barfi! He has never shied away from being a sensitive boy who can wantonly bare his emotions on screen. His last release – Sanju – was a huge success. Now four years hence, he will be seen as a mainstream action hero in & as Shamshera, with Sanjay Dutt as an antagonist against him.
Directed by Karan Malhotra, Shamshera is a big-budget cinema experience. Made at whopping billing of almost 200 crores, this is a rustic epic historical drama based on the story of a dacoit who can also be called a fictional folk hero. Actress Vaani Kapur, will be seen adding to the glam quotient of the film.
The fittest of Kapoor man, from the food-loving clan they are, it’s always a plain-speak session with him. Here are some excerpts of my recent conversation with him about how transformed himself into Shamshera & Balli, for his film Shamshera releasing on 22nd July.
This is the first time you will be seen as a rustic-action hero?
Yes! Imagine, for the first time I have a villain opposite me. I am definitely excited about this one. When I entered the industry, I was offered all kinds of films. But at that time, I could resonate more with films like Wake-Up Sid, Jawani Hai Deewani or Rockstar. As an actor, I wasn’t really confident about taking up a role like this.
How was the experience of shooting the film? Especially with director Karan Malhotra, since he is known to work at an epic scale of production?
It was daunting. It’s been such a hard part. Tap tapati dhoop.. director dhool uda raha hai.. And that too when I was wearing thick khadi cloth and beards. The milieu of this film is so different. Honestly, I was not prepared for it when I signed for it. I was very excited to hear the script, but when I got to shooting it, toh hawa tight ho gayee.. I would curse him every day in my mind.. what have I got myself into? I actually thought I should talk to myself in the mirror. The film was emotionally and physically draining. But to make a film of this grand level, you need to do all this. It wouldn’t have been possible if all these elements were not in it.
So, how would you like to describe the film?
It’s a full-fledged commercial film, meant to be enjoyed on a big screen for a grand experience. I am playing both Shamshera & his son Balli. It’s about this guy, and his group and their back story. As our title says, Karam Se Dacait, Dharam Se Azaad… this is not a dacoit film we have seen in Bollywood. It’s very different, fresh and meant for the viewers of today.
Two of your big films are releasing in just a gap of six weeks. Excited or nervous?
I’d say both. Because both films are big films and deserve a houseful of audience. Both films are meant for the cinema-watching experience. I just hope, we manage to draw the audience to theatres and manage to thrill them. Because the viewer today is not forgiving. The word of mouth can just make or mar the film in no time.
Media Credit – YRF
-Princy Jain