Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has revealed fresh details of his upcoming collaboration with director Mohit Suri, an unexpected pairing born out of Varma’s admiration for ‘Saiyaara’. In a recent chat, Varma opened up on how the project came together, his role as executive producer, and why he believes the film represents a gangster drama unlike anything either filmmaker has made before.
Ram Gopal Varma reveals how his collaboration with Mohit Suri came together
Speaking to Subhash K Jha for Variety India, Ram Gopal Varma explained that his collaboration with Mohit Suri stemmed from mutual admiration, noting simply, “he likes my work and I loved ‘Saiyaara.’”Varma also addressed the perception that Suri’s recent work is far removed from the kind of cinema he is known for. When asked whether he genuinely enjoyed Saiyaara, he said, “Yes! Why is that surprising? I am not only about guns and gangsters. I made ‘Rangeela,’ remember?”He explained that he first told Suri about his admiration for Saiyaara when they met through actor and filmmaker Makarand Deshpande. The two later met again, once more in Deshpande’s presence, when Varma happened to narrate a script he had written.“Then we met a second time, again with Makarand, and I just happened to narrate a script I had. Mohit fell in love with it and said he wanted to make it. That’s it,” Varma revealed.
Mohit Suri to direct Ram Gopal Varma’s gangster script
Varma confirmed that Suri will be directing the project, while he himself is attached as an executive producer. When asked about the remuneration involved, Varma responded with his characteristic humour.“I am on board as an executive producer, so for once I hope to make some money,” he said.Although the filmmaker is known for gangster dramas and crime stories, Varma clarified that the upcoming project will also belong to the gangster genre. However, he suggested that the treatment will be different from what audiences might expect from either filmmaker.“That makes me sound like James Bond. This too is a gangster film, and Mohit, too, has made gangster films. But this time it is a gangster film with a difference,” Varma said.
Ram Gopal Varma compares the collaboration to Spielberg and Coppola
Varma remained tight-lipped about the plot but offered an unusual analogy to describe the creative idea behind bringing his script and Suri’s filmmaking sensibilities together.“How do I explain without giving away the plot? It’s like Stephen Spielberg making Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘The Godfather’ or Coppola making Spielberg’s ‘Jaws.’ Basically, both the filmmakers are quite capable of making both the classics. But still, what would it be like if there was a swap?” he explained.Asked whether that meant Mohit Suri would be making a Ram Gopal Varma-style film, Varma replied, “One could say that. But we are not really as distanced from one another in style and treatment as people think.”Mohit Suri film to begin soon, casting yet to be lockedWhile the project is in development, the casting is yet to be finalised. Varma revealed that Suri has not yet shared the names he is considering for the film.“Very soon. Mohit has to first lock in the cast. He hasn’t told me whom he has in mind,” Varma said when asked when the project would begin.The filmmaker also has another project keeping him occupied. Varma said he is currently completing Police Company, which is scheduled to wrap in October.“I am busy completing ‘Police Company.’ We wrap up in October. Harshvardhan Rane will take the nation by storm,” he added.
Ram Gopal Varma and Mohit Suri’s current work slate
Varma is currently in the final stages of his gritty cop thriller ‘Police Company’, which he expects to wrap by October, Harshvardhan Rane is set to headline the project. Meanwhile, Mohit Suri is set to reunite with Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda after the success of ‘Saiyaara’ for an untitled romantic film backed by Yash Raj Films. According to Mid-Day, the unconventional and mature love story will begin filming in Mumbai in October, with the first schedule at YRF Studios in Andheri before moving to Goa in November. The film will combine romance with action and is expected to wrap by December, subject to schedule.
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