Q- You are once again working with Amitabh Bachchan in Chehre after Sarkar 3. Can you tell us about your association with Big B?
I have been having a long-standing relationship with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and it's more like a family affair and he always treats me like his son. It has always been my dream to work with “Sadi ke mahanayak” since childhood. When this project came up, I was extremely excited. It is a fantastic suspense and thriller film.
Q- Along with stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan and Emraan Hashmi, you are also working with a newcomer, Rhea Chakraborty in Chehre. Tell us about the casting.
It is an interesting mix where we have Amitabh Bachchan, Annu Kapoor, Raghuvir Yadav and new talent like Rhea, Siddhant. With the two generations on board, Emraan Hashmi compliments both the generations, he has got fantastic experience and talent and is very fresh. So it was very interesting to mix up all 3 generations.
Q-What is the USP of the film?
Our story and concept. It’s a thriller and you will like it as Emraan Hashmi and Mr. Bachchan are sharing screen space for the very first time. Emraan was very excited about it. The set is very well organized and we are almost done with 70% of the shoot. The second schedule wull kick-start in October.
Q- We have heard Amitabh Bachchan pulled off a 14-minute-long monologue in one shot in Chehre. Tell us about it.
Mr. Bachchan always brings in value prepositions for any of his films. It’s not just that he is an actor; he gives advice to people and even adds this human touch to his blog/tweets or film. When we were done shooting for the first schedule of the film, he told us that he wants to add something in the dialogue. He himself, more or less, has written the monologue. Big B gave this 14 minute long monologue in one shot and the entire unit praised him with a standing ovation. I believe, the scene and dialogue would become quite popular.
Q-Amitabh Bachchan’s first look look from 'Chehre' has created a lot of buzz. What you have to say about it?
Ans: Mr. Bachchan, as we all know can carry any type of look and he is sporting a different look in the film. He liked his look and promoted it on his social media. And as a producer, it feels good when your main artiste loves his own look.
Q- How important are box office numbers for you as a producer?
Ans: It’s extremely important as commerce and creativity go hand in hand; creativity or commerce don’t work individually so its important for both to work together. Each film has its own box office which gives you satisfaction. If any producer says that box office isn’t important to him, then why he is in the business.
Q- Any message for the fans who are eagerly waiting for Chehre?
Keep watching our social media space. The film will release on February 21. We promise to take you on a roller coaster ride.