Mohit Suri's kahani adhuri without Vidya Balan

Vidya Balan couldn't have had it worse. Her latest release Bobby Jasoos had a dismal run at the box office and rumors surfaced today, that she may be dropped from her next film, Vishesh Films' Hamari Adhuri Kahani, directed by Mohit Suri, whose latest film Ek Villain has crossed the 100-crore mark. However Mahesh Bhatt and Mohit dismiss the rumours and say that they staunchly stand by their heroine.

Says Bhatt, "We make films according to our convictions. Vidya Balan is the only woman who can play this role. This film cannot be made without her. She is the only woman who is Indian to the core and has the emotional quotient to carry out such a role. People see through blinkered eyes and limited understanding and pre-suppose because of her last release, that she's disqualified to do this role. We have argued about this within our own homes much before Bobby Jasoos released, especially when Vidya herself wasn't sure of doing the film and told us she was thinking of opting out but for us she was our only choice. She is an Indian woman to the core in emotions and looks and she has the range and bandwidth to deliver. It's not about the box office status, but how connected the actor is to the script and his/her commitment to the film. And Vidya has both those qualities. After reading the script, Mohit also felt the same way. The Fridays write the obituaries of many stars, maybe for the film industry, but not for us. This film will become a winner and hit the bullseye."

The film had run into some delays. "Yes it the film got delayed by a few months but now the matter has been resolved and there are no ifs and buts about it. It's not big stars, but the story and way Mohit makes the film that will finally decide its destiny. After the huge successes of Murder3, Aashiqui2 and Ek Villain, Mohit is more enthused and more confident to go into a different story - one that has a huge range of emotions to explore and which will take the path ahead. Vidya will do Hamari Adhuri Kahani irrespective of what the market and the phobias of the film industry. The market is never right but the audience always is right. The audiences have the honesty to judge you for what you do. Vidya alone can deliver it. It will be Mohit's best film!"

So Vidya remains in Hamari Adhuri Kahani despite her last film failing at the BO. Mohit Suri laughs, "My film (Ek Villain) has done well, no? If you look at my past record, I have never really cast big, successful stars in my films. Aditya and Shraddha, who were in Aashiqui2and even Sidharth Malhotra, were not stars before, I cast according to the character and never for commercial reasons. I am working with Vidya for the actress she is and because she is right for the role. I didn't even go to any other big actress for this. Only Vidya can play this role. I am not using this film as a commercial vehicle. I signed Rajkummar forHamari Adhuri Kahani much before Shahid released. I directed Emraan (Hashmi) when he wasn't a star. After Murder 2, I haven't directed him. We are not here to make movies according to stardom. Only Shraddha suited Aashiqui2 the best. Nobody else but Vidya Balan can do Hamari Adhuri Kahani. We start around Sept 15 this year. To be fair, the delay was also because I want to get great music for the film. I can't compromise on that as music has played a huge part right from my first film."

Hamari Adhuri Kahani is a love story and certainly very different from his last film, the dark, edgy, gritty, Ek Villain. Mohit says, "I have never played safe in my journey as a director. IfAashiqui2 was a love story with a difference, then Ek Villain was something completely different. I just want to make my kind of films. I am not into joining any 100-crore club (laughs) and nor do I want to. I want to make films where everyone involved makes money or some kind of profit. My grandfather who had made over 100 films used to say that a producer should at least have an air conditioner and car after a release. He should earn that much. Hamari Adhuri Kahani is in the BR Chopra mould of films. It's about, love, value systems, people's lives from birth to marriage... people will get shocked again (smiles). But if I keep making the same kind of films again and again I will be stuck in a rut and I don't want that."