Directed by Atul Manjrekar, 'Fanney Khan' starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao released on August 3
Atul Manjrekar, who made his directorial debut with Fanney Khan, believes that no off-camera job can get the recognition that directing a full-length feature brings for a new filmmaker.
Atul's Bollywood outing which released this week, has not received positive reviews.
"I have been working for about 20-21 years as an assistant director, as an editor and also made ad films. And those who are making ad films or shorts or documentary films want to direct at least one full length feature film," Atul told PTI.
"In our industry, films only give you recognition as a director. I have done about 400 ad films," the director added.
An ad film he made three years ago- a father-daughter story touching the topic of farmer's suicide, carved his path to Fanney Khan and got him the chance to direct the film.
Fanney Khan which is an official remake of Everybody's Famous is produced by Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra.
And what was he doing before his big debut?
"Before that I was editing films. It was Mehra's decision that I should direct this film. He had belief and confidence in me," the director told the agency.
Fanney Khan stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Divya Dutta and newcomer Pihu Sand.
"I approached them because they were required for the story. I have got great actors who are stars. They are experienced and amazing actors. They have helped me more as a director," Atul went on to say.
Earlier, Priyanka Chopra and R Madhavan were going to be part of the film but due to date issues things did not materialise and the makers roped in Aishwarya and Rajkummar.
"With Priyanka we were looking at the singing part too. We needed an actor who is also a singer. She was interested but had date issues as she had Quantico in her plate," he said.
Madhavan, on the other hand, was finalised, but the whole schedule got shifted and that's how casting changed.
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 "Here's why Atul Manjrekar wanted to cast Priyanka Chopra in 'fanney Khan'")
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