Masala films holy grail of mainstream cinema: Ranveer
Actor Ranveer Singh feels masala movies are the holy grail of mainstream Hindi films, and is happy to step into the zone with Rohit Shetty’s Simmba where he is playing flamboyant policeman Sangram Bhalerao.
“Simmba is a full blown masala film and a complete entertainer. I believe masala films are the holy grail of mainstream Hindi films and is the king of all genres,” Ranveer said.
The actor, who made his debut in 2010 with Band Baaja Baaraat, has proved his mettle in the various roles in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, Lootera, Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela, Gunday, Dil Dhadakne Do, Bajirao Mastani & Padmaavat.
Talking about working with Rohit Shetty, Singh said: “I’m very lucky and blessed that I’m under the guidance of the king of the genre. Rohit Shetty is the gold standard in the masala film genre. I’m making a foray into this genre in his film so it could not get any better.”
Singh says there are “exciting action sequences and great songs” in the film “and a very substantial story that is driving the narrative of the film. There is intense drama and bits of comedy. Just what you expect that a mainstream Hindi audience loves is that all these flavours come into one film and Rohit Shetty has crafted it so beautifully. So, we are hoping to set a new benchmark for this genre.”
Also starring Sara Ali Khan & Sonu Sood & produced by Karan Johar & Reliance Entertainment, Simmba is scheduled to hit the screens on December 28.
Men need to stop being threatened by change: Varun
There are calls to make gender parity a reality in the entertainment industry and Varun Dhawan feels men have an important role to play in this discourse. The actor says men should stop feeling threatened and work towards creating a better work environment for all.
“Men can be a big part of the dialogue and they should be a part of the change. I think men need to stop being threatened by this change. They should be more accepting about it. It is only going to be beneficial if there is equality, because, first & foremost, more talent will shine through. Let people come through on the basis of talent. Let us not discriminate just because of gender. Talent should be the one that speaks the loudest and we have immense talent in our industry,” added the actor, who stood up for his October co-star Banita Sandhu during the promotion of the movie.
Dhawan is back on the big screen as tailor named Mauji in Sui Dhaaga — Made in India. The Yash Raj Films production highlights the untapped potential of India’s talented craftsmen and skilled workers at the grass-root level and the challenges and issues faced by them. “It is a film I’m very proud about and excited. Our siblings are our biggest critics. If the sibling likes the film, it is a very big deal,” said Varun, who has a brother.
Since he has worked behind the camera, Varun says knowing the technicalities of filmmaking is always helpful. “But knowing technicalities in a film like Sui Dhaaga — Made in India was not that helpful. Because this is almost about being free and being very raw. You kind of unlearn a lot of things. It is a raw and fun film. We were pretty much doing the things we wanted to do. As actors, we were given a lot of freedom,” added Dhawan, who has been signed on to promote and endorse the Skill India Mission, and got associated with Indian textile major and fabric manufacturers Raymond along with Anushka.
The actor says the fear of failure is attached to every project, but he is confident about his latest movie. “I want a lot of people to go and watch my film and then I want to go grocery shopping with them,” he said.
