Abhishek Sharma
After the success of his debut movie Tere Bin laden, Abhishek Sharma is back with its sequel Tere Bin laden 3 which is set to release in March next year. He talks to Sangeeta yadav about the movie and the launch of volume three of his comic book Munkeeman at the Mumbai Comic Con
‘My comedy style is MAD’
How is Tere Bin laden 3 shaping upIJ
It’s on the edit table. I’m very democratic about my editing work. I always do an audience test and let others watch my film. Comedy is an instant judgment and if it is not making the panelist laugh, how will it work after its releaseIJ So, I keep making changes according to the feedback I get.
Why Tere Bin laden 3 and not 2IJ
The full title of the movie is Tere Bin laden 3 - Kill the Sequel. The movie is a follow-up on the assassination of Osama Bin laden. For us, the second part was over with the death of the real Osama. The story is such that we can’t call it sequel 2. Also, once the story will be complete, the marketing team will take the final call on the name of the movie. We want a strong message sent across — that the movie is a joke. We don’t want to create any confusion. It’s a completely fictitious story.
How is this movie different from the previous oneIJ
For the first time, we’ve tried a completely different concept for a sequel which has not been seen or introduced so far in India and in world cinema. The storytelling is different and fresh. If somebody has not seen the first part, they will definitely like the second part and this will make them watch the first one as well. Manish Paul is in the lead. Ali Zafar doesn’t have a full-fledged role. The fake Osama will be played by Praduman Singh, as in the original. We have introduced many interesting characters in it.
Tell us about your style of directingIJ
There are two things that I focus on — a good script and actors. Comedy is another major factor and I try to make it sensible. My comedy style is like the MAD magazine where there is a mixture of spoof, satire and parody.
What are the challenges in directingIJ
First is the collaboration which compels us to depend on many people. We have to fit everything into their vision. I have always been the scriptwriter and director of my films. But now I’m opening up to working with other writers for my upcoming movies like Sharmaji Ka Item Bomb. Second, is getting actors on board who can do justice to the role. In both my films, the characters have been very tough. The collaborative work and good actors is the core of my films. They can make or break a movie.
You are launching volume 3 of the comic book Munkeeman in Mumbai Comic Con...
Munkeeman is a monster superhero. The dark secrets will be revealed as it will take the readers into flashback and tell them the origin of Munkeeman. We’ve also introduced a bullet proof balm which provides protection to those who use it. The two gangsters (from vol 1 & 2) are out on the streets creating problems for our superhero.
How are comic and film industries doing nowIJ
Comic books are still at a nascent stage. The content has become Bollywood-driven. Comics have so much potential to grow and reach greater heights. Events like Comic Con are bringing a change in the industry and promoting comics to their fullest which is a good thing.
Bollywood is changing rapidly and is commercially at its best. Now that we have a trend of Rs 100 or Rs 200 crore club, after a few years, it’ll reach to Rs 300 crore. There are many more audiences now who are willing to pay. But I was a bit disappointed this year with the lack of good content and impressive storytelling.