| Ajay Devgan has stalled his independent production plans for the time being.
His multi-starrer extravaganza (produced by Devgan Entertainment) that was to be launched this year, will now be co-produced with UTV Motion Pictures. The film, called 3+1, will be directed by Anees Bazmee and talks are on with Kareena Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan to play the other lead roles in the film.
Says Ajay, "I am doing the film in partnership with UTV." Anees confirms the development.
"When I narrated the subject to Ajay, he loved it so much, he wanted to produce it. But I reminded him that after Raju Chacha, he had made a decision not to produce any more; other than that, it was his script and he could do what he wanted with it.
Then when Ronnie Screwvala (CEO, UTV) heard the script, he loved the narration and agreed to produce the film. We have spoken to Amitji (Bachchan) and he has promised to get back to us after he returns from the US; Amitji will be the other hero in the film." Unusual title
Talking about the unusual title, 3+1, Anees says, "I like unusual titles for my films. The film is about Ajay, his three friends and the great friendship they share. Besides Ajay, there will be three boys — European, Italian and a sheikh from Saudi Arabia." 3+1 will be shot entirely in Canada. Coveted director
Bazmee is on a high these days after the smashing success of his film, No Entry. "Yes, it's been known to be the biggest hit in the last six years. Mausam badalte hain, insaan nahi. I haven't changed, but people's perception of me, has. People who didn't like me earlier are coming up to me with huge signing amounts, asking me to do their films."
Sources close to the director say, "Producers are approaching him with Rs 2 crore in cash, or leaving advance cheques; such is his demand." Adds Anees, "People feel I am signing 20 films, but that's not true.
Right now, I have three films on hand. First, I will start the remake of Autograph, with Akshaye Khanna in February 2006; then I might finish Firoz Nadiadwala's Welcome, with Akshay Kumar and two more heroes, and then UTV's 3+1."Says Ram Mirchandani Vice President, UTV Motion Pictures Production, "We are very pleased to be working with Anees Bazmee.
After No Entry became a colossal hit, we were very keen to work with him. We have approached Kareena Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan; if everything works out well, including dates, they might be doing the film."
Besides 3+1, UTV will also begin David Dhawan's untitled next in early 2006, starring Sanjay Dutt, Zayed Khan, Mallika Sherawat, Aftab Shivdasani, Rimi Sen, Riteish Deshmukh, Ayesha Takia and Boman Irani. |
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