December 9, 2017
Filmmaker Shaad Ali, whose last three directorial ventures
"Jhoom Barabar Jhoom", "Kill Dil" and "OK Jaanu" didnt perform well at the box
office, says today people look forward to stronger word of mouth during the
release of a film.
Ali is currently directing "Soorma" -- a biopic on
former Indian hockey captain Sandeep Singh.
"‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom' was
something that we knew can go north or south and it went south. We knew that we
are taking a chance with a musical film. Then in ‘Kill Dil', I found during the
editing process that something was wrong. There was something wrong with the
balance of the screenplay," Ali said here on Friday.
"I don't know what
went wrong with ‘OK Jaanu'. I thought everything was ok about that film. Then
the reaction to that film was also ok only. Nothing special happened with it. It
was a nice cute film. Today people want a stronger word of mouth. Maybe they
didn't hear strong word of mouth for that film," he added.
Ali, who has
also directed hit films like "Saathiya" and "Bunty Aur Babli", is trying his
hands in biopics for the first time.
Asked whether he has taken any
cinematic liberties while directing Diljit Dosanjh and Taapsee Pannu in
"Soorma"?
"Biopic as a genre has very broad framework. First thing is
that one gets always attracted towards the story that has to be told. Your
intention with biopics is to stay true to the story.
"But, sometimes what
happens is that while telling a story from one point to another, you get stuck
and then you need to bridge it with something (fictional). Nobody has intentions
of showing a totally fictional world. Those who do that, I don't think those
films work at the box office," Ali said.
Ali shared he is getting support
from Sandeep Singh and his family on "day-to-day basis" for the film.
"I
am approaching this film as a human story. I am telling Sandeep Singh's story
through this film and not focusing on hockey. That's not my interest area.
Everything in this will be untold. Who knows Sandeep Singh's life totally? Even
I didn't know much about his life," he said.
The director is even finding
it easy to work with real life hockey players including Sandeep's brother
Bikramjeet Singh.
"It's the easiest thing (to work with hockey players)
as they do it real. If I would have taken actors, then I would have died as they
would not have been able to act and play hockey at the same time. We are able to
work as we have real players on field. Even Diljit has become professional now,"
Ali said.
"Diljit looks the most correct and honest (actor) for Sandeep's
role. He didn't have to work on his accent and his look to keep it real. Diljit
fits the bill," he added.
The film will feature actor Angad Bedi as
Bikramjeet, who himself will be seen doing a cameo appearance as a member of the
Pakistani hockey team.
"Soorma" will release in July next year.