‘Comedy is more challenging than action!’

Director Sanjay Gadhvi who is best remembered for Dhoom and Dhoom 2 may not be directing the third installment of the hit franchise, but the filmmaker reveals that there are no hard feelings. “I didn’t want to do a Dhoom 3 at this point of time. I believe that a director grows with each film and for that it was necessary for me to step out of that warp and do something I have never done before,” he says. And that’s the reason, adds Sanjay, why he was excited about donning the director’s hat again with a comedy. And as we catch up with him for a tete-a-tete, Sanjay talks about the experience of working on Ajab Gazabb Love and also shares his filmmaking fundas. Excerpts…

You are returning to direction after a long time. Why choose a romantic comedy?
Well, as a director I have always dabbled in different genres. It’s just that because Dhoom and Dhoom 2 became such massive hits, I got more recognition as an action director. But the fact is that I never want to feel bound to any genre. Yes, doing action would’ve been a safer bet, but I didn’t want to play it safe. I wanted to challenge myself and comedy is any day more challenging than action. So Ajab was perfect.

You are directing the producer’s son in the film. Does it add to the pressure on you to deliver?
Yes, the pressure is immense because the producer has entrusted his son in your hand and the idea is to help him consolidate his position as an actor. But at the same time, the joy of working with Vashu Bhagnani (producer) is that he really understands the dynamics of filmmaking. He has shown complete faith in me as a director, and given me a complete free hand so I have flexibility. Besides, with Yash Chopra films I have handled that kind of pressure before having directed Uday Chopra. So, yes the pressure to deliver is always there, but I believe in converting that pressure to advantage.

How was it directing Jackky?
The best thing about directing him was that he never behaved like he was the producer’s son on the sets. There’s a hunger in him to prove himself. He knows his plus and minus points and is ready to work on them, which works for any director.

There’s a lot riding on you with Ajab Gazabb Love?
Yes, but I am confident of our product, though the final verdict is that of the audience. When a film is made sincerely, something good is bound to happen is what I believe in.

You have seen immense success and tasted failure too. How has that affected your equations in the industry?
You do learn who your friends really are for starters. I have seen equations change here every Friday, everyone wants to be associated with success and anything successful here. There are those whose trust in you is not affected by Friday verdicts. But they are a rarity. I wouldn’t say that my experiences have left me bitter, but yes they have been an eye-opener and great learning lessons for sure.

What next?
Well, offers have always been there, but I’m waiting for the phone to ring with the right offers (smiles).