Himmatwala will be my biggest hit to date: Sajid Khan
A nostalgic leading man with a special connection to the film; an actress who feels the film is practically launching her in the industry; and a director who predicts this film will be the biggest one he has made to date. If you haven't guessed already, that's Ajay Devgn, Tamannaah and Sajid Khan, who launched the trailer of their upcoming film Himmatwala at Gaiety-Galaxy cinema in Mumbai today. Also present at the venue were producer Vashu Bhagnani and Managing Director ' Studios, Disney-UTV, Siddharth Roy Kapur. Here's an by Browse to Save">account of this lively event.
Sajid Khan on Himmatwala
If you read any of my interviews, I have always mentioned Himmatwala as it is one of my favourite films since childhood. Even when I made Heyy Babyy, I actually had the draft of Himmatwala with me. So it's my dream film and it will be the biggest hit of my career as well as the biggest hit of everyone attached to this film.
Khan on the old Himmatwala
I would like to clarify that this is not a spoof on the old Himmatwala. I have made a new version of it. And it does not feature guest appearances by Jeetendra ji and Sridevi.
Khan on Ajay Devgn and Tamannaah
I had not seen a single film of Tamannaah's before she auditioned for this one. I can assure you guys that she will be the next big thing in Bollywood. And what can I say about Ajay Devgn? He is the real Himmatwala in our industry. Actually, Ajay has a special connection with Himmatwala as it was his father who did the action-direction for the earlier Himmatwala. That's how we started communicating for this project.
Devgn gets nostalgic
I felt very nostalgic during this film. The film is set in the '80s and reminded me of my earlier films, which I had done when I made my debut to the industry. I had visited the sets of Himmatwala as my father was the action-director for that movie. I had also visited Gaiety Galaxy when it was a single-screen to watch the reaction of the audience for my debut film Phool Aur Kaante. When the first song started, everyone started throwing coins. One of them hit me on the head and I still have that coin with me!
Regarding this Himmatwala' we haven't copied anyone. We have simply retained the feel of the '80s. So I have worn a white shirt and pants but not white shoes.
Devgn on what he enjoys more ' acting or dancing
Dancing stresses me out, so I enjoy acting more.
Tamannaah on Himmatwala
I am actually from Mumbai, and have grown up here. I have watched many films in this cinema hall (Gaiety Galaxy). So I too have many memories of this theatre. Speaking of Hindi films' I was waiting for the perfect role, and when Sajid Khan approached me for this film, I couldn't say no as it has Sajid as the director, Ajay Devgn as the lead actor, Vashu Bhagnani as the producer and one of the best corporate houses attached to it, UTV. With this film, I feel as if I am being launched in Bollywood.
Khan on a sequel to Himmatwala
That totally depends on the response of the audience. If the film does exceptionally well, if the producers want a sequel and if we get dates from Ajay, we will do it.
Khan on making his first-ever action film
Heyy Babbyy and Housefull 1 and 2 were comedy-centric films but Himmatwala so be my first out-and-out action film. Actually, it is a mix of action and drama with comedy.
Khan on whether Himmatwala will reach the Rs 100-crore mark
As I mentioned earlier, Himmatwala will be my biggest hit to date. It will be among the top three films of 2013. I will never make flop films. Since I make entertaining films, I want the audience to feel happy while watching it. I don't make films for awards, I make them for my audience who should feel 'paisa-vasool' after watching my films.
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