Filmi Fundas

Filmi Fundas

'I like Shahid as an actor'

Shahid Kapoor is the sort of actor who people either love or hate. While some think he's one of the best stars after Aamir Khan, many others feel he has a bit of an attitude problem. One thing no one disputes, though, is his talent.

Currently, he is working on Rajkumar Santoshi's latest film Phata Poster Nikla Hero — which happens to be the first film Shahid signed without demanding a full script. He will also start working on Prabhu Deva's Rambo Rajkumar, in which he needs to completely redefine his physique and body language to do his first full-fledged action role. Both Santoshi and Prabhu swear by Shahid's versatility and want to work with him again.

Says Santoshi, "I always knew that Shahid was extremely talented. Now that I've worked with him, I am amazed at how versatile he really is. In my film, he has to portray both dark and light shades. He handles both the comic and dramatic scenes with equal ease. His mother-son scenes with Padmini Kolhapure brought tears to my eyes. And he is so hands-on on the sets — it's a delight to work with an actor so focussed on his work. I am definitely working with Shahid again."

Prabhu feels there is a terrific action star hidden in Shahid, whose last few films like Mausam and Teri Meri Kahaani didn't live up to people's expectations. "We are starting the film in Gujarat with a song. I like to begin shooting with a song. It makes the entire team happy and light-hearted," says Prabhu Deva, who is known for directing hits like 'Wanted' and Rowdy Rathore.

A great dancer himself, he praises Shahid's dancing skills and adds, "We will try to tap the action side of his personality in Rambo Rajkumar. The script is very much in the Rowdy Rathore space. But this time, there is also a realistic flavour to the action. So the fights would be raw and real."

Bejoy Nambiar has reportedly cast Shahid as a psychologically disturbed character in his next. "I really like Shahid as an actor. Kaminey blew my mind. Actually, so did bits of Fida. I feel he's very versatile though he's known mainly for his
romantic roles. I feel there is a lot more potential in there," says Bejoy, who directed 'David' and Shaitan.

A sneak peek at the film

The theatrical of 'I Love New Year' was launched recently and Bhushan Kumar, the producer, is elated with the way the film has shaped up. "'I Love New Year' is a romantic-comedy with a twist of coincidence and an unusual pairing in the lead. With the best creative minds directing the film — Vinay Sapru and Radhika Rao — the film is a must watch," he says. The movie stars Kangana Ranaut and Sunny Deol.

Kangana's role is reported to be very close to her real-life personality, while Sunny is portraying a character he hasn't explored before. Vinay Sapru says, "It is a love story, based on one night. It reiterates the fact that when it comes to love, no plans, strategies or matters of the mind work — it happens on the spur of the moment for a lifetime."

Radhika Rao, who also directed the film, agrees, "'I Love New Year' proves yet again that in matters of love, coincidence is God's way of being anonymous."

Sonu turns music director

Sonu Nigam is trying his hand as a music director in Anil Sharma's forthcoming film, Singh Saheb The Great.

Sonu, who is known for his melodious voice, has composed the title song of the film which is sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan along with the lyrics penned by
Kumar. Sources close to the unit say, "It was Anil Sharma's idea to get Sonu to compose a song for the film. Both have known each other for a long time.

Once Sonu composed the song, it was taken to Sunny Deol and he instantly liked it and included it in the film." Sources also add, "Sonu didn't use his own voice but recorded it with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Sonu felt that Rahat's voice would suit Sunny Deol the best."

Singh Saheb The Great is produced by Anuj Sharma and Jeetu Jain. It also stars Amrita Rao and Prakash Raj. It is slated for an Eid release.