Puri had declared that he was a big fan of the legendary actor and the film was a tribute to his charisma and decades of stardom. He said that he immensely enjoyed working with the superstar. "It was a dream come true for him and he had a pleasant working experience with Amitabh Sir," said a source close to the director. However, Puri was annoyed with the production team and the way in which they mishandled payment issues. Reportedly, they didn't pay him a few instalments, leaving him sorely disappointed.
"He didn't even bother to demand a huge remuneration and wrapped up the film at break-neck speed, winning praises from Amitabh for his command over film-making. After the film's release however, his dues weren't paid as promised," added the source. This folly by the production house has cost the Bachchans dearly, as Puri is now looking out for other B-town stars for the Hindi remake of his Telugu hit film, Businessman.
Earlier, he had a couple of meetings with Abhishek Bachchan and was about to commence shooting, but he has since dropped those plans. "The Bachchans are sending out feelers to join hands with him, but the director is not game for it," the source added. The director wants to remake the film with a new producer once the casting is finalised. Although Puri has high regard for Amitabh the actor, he doesn't want to work with Amitabh's production house again.
Unless Amitabh personally takes up the matter and promises to meet all commitments, Puri may not budge and is likely to chart his own course. With Abhishek's career steadily going downhill, Bachchan Sr. may soon have step in and bring the miffed director on board. Puri is, in fact, known to be a kind-hearted filmmaker unlike his peers, and has never even demanded the dues owed to him by some Telugu producers. If Amitabh is able to use his charm, then Puri could succumb. Let's wait and watch what happens.
Current Affairs
6