Ajay Devgn has earned quite a name & fame as an actor par excellence. But he has now donned a directorial hat with his 1st ever directorial venture titled Shivaay and witnessing its 1st ever promo it seems more like an espionage thriller directed with all his sincerity. Caught up with Ajay Devgan recently to share his 1st ever directorial experience in a suburban 5 star hotel’s ambiance. Tune in!
The trailer of Shivaay were out recently and the entire plot of Shivaay seems to be hidden in it. What say?
Yes you are right and I did that on purpose. I really want the cine goer’s to register their footfalls in a theatre and unravel the entire mystery of Shivaay and I certainly do not want them to take refuge in all forms of pirated versions. Actually speaking Shivaay is a highly emotional drama of a father & his daughter’s relationship. The cine goer’s will really find Shivaay very interesting!!!
By the way how do you balance action & comedy?
There is more of a drama in Shivaay. There is not even an iota of comic sequences in Shivaay. It borders purely on emotional drama.
You had earlier done Drishyam which was purely a family film with no comic relief at all. Comment!
But still Drishyam had proved to be an interesting & an enlightening film. I had done Drishyam purely based on its script. Yet Shivaay is a totally different kind of a film. It has been made totally based on the relationship shared by a daughter & her father.
Why have you given the title Shivaay for your 1st ever directorial venture?
The name of my character is Shivaay but it is certainly not a religious film. And Lord Shiva is one God who easily connects with one & all, I mean people of today’s times also. Lord Shiva is also known as Bhola Bhandari. He is also known to create havoc if need be. Besides his characteristic’s are also evident in people of today’s generation.
How much importance do you give to a film critic?
Sorry to say but in today’s times every Tom, Dick & Harry has become a film critic thereby spoiling the reputation of genuine film critics. I think whoever genuinely wants to step into this “Critic”al arena, should first of all get themselves properly trained.
It seems Shivaay is also appearing as a popular comic strip. Right?
After seeing Shivaay’s trailer one of the Company gave me the idea to convert it into a comic strip. I liked the concept and gave them my nod of approval. But believe me the film’s scripted scenario is totally different from the film’s original theme.
What would you like to say about the action sequences of Shivaay?
The action sequences are totally different albeit very well connected to the emotional sequences. I have tried to treat the action sequences as realistically as possible. My main aim was to bring real Hollywood action sequences in front of everyone and which was never before attempted in Hindi Cinema. I had full confidence in my action technicians. It was very difficult indeed but finally we have succeed in presenting what we had aimed for.
How are you planning to release the film?
Shivaay will also be released in the international markets like Germany & Bulgaria. I have also received a request message from China. In fact I am so happy that Shivaay has been made in India.
By the way is this film inspired by any Hollywood film?
No, no not at all. The story of Shivaay is totally different & totally Indian.
But indeed there are foreign actors in Shivaay?
Yes! You are right. But we had to bow down to the demands of the script otherwise there is no dearth of good actors in Bollywood. It took me almost one and half years to zero down on those foreign actors but in the end I am happy that I got the best of the actors from the foreign soil.
You were also unwell during the course of the shooting of. Shivaay.
Yes I was and I am still unwell. I had almost broken my neck but I thank God – The Almighty that I was saved in the nick of the time but as they say that the show must go on and I also wanted to release Shivaay as soon as possible.
Do you think that this year Diwali will be very special for you?
I really don’t know about that. But I am sure of one thing that God – The Almighty has always been very favorable to me. And I think this year too he will shower his blessings on me.
What would you like to say about the recent ban imposed on the Pakistani actors?
To be very honest I really like the Pakistani actors. I have worked with most of them and they have also worked with most of us. But sometimes the circumstances are such that we have to first think about are country’s honor. We also have to think about the families of our Soldiers who risk or sometimes even sacrifice their lives for us. It is at such times that we should take our stand for our Country’s sake. Our country should be held above everything else. Even Akshay Kumar says that. We should always support our people. Hence no cultural exchange can take place under such circumstances.
How do you look at your success at this stage of your career?
I still feel that I have a long, long way to go. Even otherwise one should keep on maintaining one’s hunger for success.
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is also getting released along with Shivaay. Do you think that both the films have got the right number of theatres?
Yes! Both the films have got the right amount of theatres. Now let the audiences see the film and make their own decIsions.
I don’t think you belong to any camp. Comment.
I don’t think the camp system exists anymore. Even otherwise I believe in a simple policy that you don’t interfere in my work and I want interfere in your work.
