Taking a huge risk with romantic comedy: Madhur Bhandarkar (Interview)

MUMBAI - It’s not easy to come out of your comfort zone and helm a film in a completely new genre. But Madhur Bhandarkar has done just that and admits that he’s taken a “huge risk” by doing romantic comedy “Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji” instead of his trademark movies on contemporary issues.

“I’ve taken a huge risk with this film, but I feel proud of it. I’m sure people will appreciate (it). They have given me love and liked my work all these years,” Bhandarkar told IANS in an interview.

“Some didn’t even do well at the box office, but they were critically acclaimed and got the respect they needed. So I’m sure they (audiences) will shower the same love for ‘Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji’ because when they see the film they will feel Madhur Bhandarkar’s stamp and signature style is very evident in the film. It is very much in my parameters,” the National Award winning director said.

After being a part of the industry for a decade and making path-breaking films like “Chandni Bar”, “Satta”, “Page 3″ and “Fashion” among others, Bhandarkar said some of his colleagues had suggested that he try his hand at comedy as well.

“People who know me closely always thought that I have a good sense of humour…in fact all the people I’ve worked with said ‘why don’t you make a comedy’. Even during ‘Chandni Bar’ days, Tabu used to tell me to foray into comedy.

“I always felt that one day I will do it, but then there were so many other subjects that were intriguing and I got busy with that, so I didn’t have time…but after ‘Jail’ I thought that now I should make a comedy,” said the 42-year-old.

The film, slated to hit screens Jan 26, stars Ajay Devgn, Omi Vaidya and Emraan Hashmi in the lead. And it revolves around the different experiences that these three men go through in love.

While the film is from men’s point of view, actresses Shruti Hassan, Shraddha Das and Shahzan Padamsee play pivotal roles.

But what made Bhandakar, whose cinema is usually women-oriented, shift his focus to men this time?

“I never plan a film gender-based. I wanted to make this film so I did and there are women characters in this film too with very well etched out roles, but definitely it is dominated by male point of view. Let’s see if people realise that Madhur can give a very good male point of view as well,” the filmmaker said.

“Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji” has a tagline that reads “Love grows…but men don’t”. Does Bhandarkar agree with this statement?

“I believe in this totally because I feel the same way,” he quipped.

“I still have a childlike innocence and same is the case with a lot of people I know. You do grow and become mature but somewhere in your mind you are still a kid. In fact this holds a meaning for a lot of girls as well,” Bhandarkar said.

(Ruchika Kher can be contacted at ruchika.k@ians.in)