Indra Kumar on how the actor-producer helped him pull off the third instalment of the Dhamaal franchise
Indra Kumar, who has given us memorable romantic films such as Dil (1990), Beta (1992), Raja (1995) and Ishq (1997), proved that he was adept at comedy after he helmed the immensely successful Dhamaal (2007). He soon developed the laugh riot with an ensemble cast into a franchise. Now, the filmmaker is back with its third instalment — Total Dhamaal, which releases today. This time, the former cast members — Arshad Warsi, Jaaved Jaaferi, Riteish Deshmukh and Sanjay Mishra — are joined by Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Pitobash. Induji, as he’s lovingly called, speaks at length about the film.
‘COMEDY IS ESSENTIAL TODAY’
Talking about his affinity towards comedy, he says, “Today’s generation should watch films of this genre. I hear stories of young boys and girls suffering from sue to stress. When we were young, we would hardly be upset. We used to upset others with our pranks. Just being young was happiness and I feel so even now. That’s why, I believe laughter is the best medicine.”
‘WE CLEARLY DESERVE MORE RESPECT’
Comedies have been money-spinners at the box office. However, many actors, including Akshay Kumar, Ajay and Anil, who have acted in several such films, have commented on how these movies don’t get the respect that they deserve. The director says, “It’s true. We deserve more respect. Making comedies isn’t easy. I admire Rohit Shetty because he helms comedy films with flair and all of them have done well at the box office. I have done the same for the last 15 years and it’s the toughest to make people laugh. If you can do that, you are super talented.”
Director Indra Kumar (centre) with the cast of the film
‘I’M INDEBTED TO MY FRIENDS’
Getting a cast that boasts of such big names in the business isn’t a cakewalk. But it was Indra’s goodwill that worked for him. “Ajay stood by me and it would not be possible without him. All my friends came along and the movie took off. I’m indebted to them, especially Ajay,” he adds.
Total Dhamaal also brings together the filmmaker with his Beta actors Anil and Madhuri. “We are in a different zone with this film. I haven’t made them do anything serious, instead, they are doing a comedy. They have done a brilliant job,” he signs off.
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