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EXCLUSIVE: Demonetization will slightly affect the collections of Rock On 2 - Farhan & Shraddha
A day before the release of Rock On 2, Farhan Akhtar and Shraddha Kapoor are busy juggling between interviews at the former's office in the burbs of Mumbai. While one would like to believe that the two actors are drained out with promotions, their goofy avatar surprises us.
Amidst laughter, we settle down for a quick chat with the Rock On 2 stars where they talk about the film, it's music and the effect of demonetization on the business of their film.
Excerpts:
One day to the release. How excited or nervous are you?
S: I think tonight might be a sleepless night.
F: How much ever you prepare yourself for this day, you just cannot do enough. You make a film, you have given your everything and to quote a cliche - you leave no stone unturned and not compromise. But it feels like an exam. You feel like the result is going to come and you will check whether your name is there on the list. There is a certain anxiety and excitement which is there before the release.
Do you think the demonetization will affect the opening of the film?
I mean it is possible, especially in small towns. In cities, people are okay with using credit and debit cards. But in smaller towns, the business happens more often in cash, so there will definitely be some effect. But this is what it is. To start with, the decision to combat the menace of black money or to get people to file their tax by stashing cash away is amazing and hence should be respected. That is a good thing. We can complain about the timing because it doesn't suit us. But it is a micro thing as compared to the larger picture. There will be a certain inconvenience. But fortunately the multiplexes, online wallet service providers, and online ticket booking providers have understood this issue and all are going out of their way to facilitate an easier transaction. There will be a slight dip but you cannot do anything about it.
Did the thought of delaying the film ever cross your mind? Was there any discussion on these lines?
In all fairness, it was. But it was too late to do it because we were just two days away from the release. All communication viz-a-viz the date was out there. Also, one thing that happens in India, there is an overseas angle to it. Your DCPs have gone, the shows are set. It was very difficult if not impossible to do it.
ABCD 2, Baaghi have been hit. You think you will hit a hattrick with Rock On 2?
S: I don't know. I have no idea on how my film is going to do. All I know is that I am happy to be a part of it. This film is uniquely special to me because of the whole thing of how I had told my dad while watching Rock On that if there would ever be a sequel, then I would be a part of it and now that is happening. I really hope the movie does well. I hope we get the love that the first film got.
Rock On was a massive hit. Was it difficult to zero down on a story for a sequel?
F: It is difficult to find a story, so forget about the sequel. It is not easy. There are many ideas that people have and to get something that can be coherent, heartfelt and something that can be easily communicated. It needs to have that universal appeal. Then further you are putting limitations that it has to fit into these characters. So it is a struggle.
Was Shraddha your obvious choice for the role of a new band member?
F: Yeah, and it happened so organically and honestly we didn't get time to sit back and make lists. The minute she heard that this film is being made, she got in touch with Ritesh and expressed her desire to be in it. They met. I don't know whether she heard the script first or she just said yes. I met her for the first time when she came to record a song. From that moment, I was 100 percent convinced that she is the one for Rock On 2.
Arjun Rampal told us in an interview that you have an amazing screen and stage presence. And that you are super confident and not overconfident. How do you react to such compliments?
S: Arjun is very sweet to have said that. Him along with Farhan, Purab and Shujaat have just welcomed Shashank and me with open arms into the film and the band. It is really nice to see how they encourage you to give your best. They like lifting people up and motivating them.
Prachi Desai rubbished reports of cat fights with you. She said that you both laugh them off. Your take?
S: What is a cat fight?
F: Pulling each others hair and roaming around on the sets.
S: Also, she has a very funny laugh so you cannot help but go into this giggle mode. I would love to laugh with her.
F: But you should tell them that you'll didn't have a cat fight.
S: I want to know what a cat fight means? The first sight that comes to my mind is that of two cats making noises. So no such things were happening. I don't know who comes up with this. I find it very funny.
The music of Rock On 2 hasn't caught up with the audience as much as the first one. What is your take on it?
I weirdly enough think the music of this film is appreciated more than the first one, before its release. Rock On's music was so badly panned by the reviewers that if I think of it then it gives me nightmares. Thank god people loved it, though. With that film, people were confused as to why the songs had such lyrics and all. But the music of this film has got good feedback, especially Udja Re. It is not a party chalu kind of music that you listen to it and start dancing. It is music that needs patience, investment and attention.
Shraddha, how are Half Girlfriend and Ok Jaanu shaping up?
They are shaping up well. I am done with both the films and it was fun shooting. Ok Jaanu releases in January, so you guys will get a glimpse soon while Half Girlfriend is in May 2017. I also have the Haseena biopic. I shall begin prep work for it soon and then will also begin shooting it.
Farhan, are you tensed with Raees' release? In terms of the MNS controversy and also because of its clash with Kaabil?
Regarding the clash, genuinely there is enough space for the films to release. We have only that many Fridays and everyone in all fairness wants a good release date. We have had two films release together and both performing well. So I am not worried about them. And I don't think either Rakesh uncle or Hrithik would be too. As far as the controversy is concerned, both Ritesh and me have said what we feel is right for the film. I think people, especially from the army, are also categorically clear about what it is and they don't expect this to happen on their behalf and name. So I don't think there is anything beyond that.
You completed 15 years in the industry this year. DCH came in 2001. How has been the journey?
F: It has been really exciting and I feel very fortunate to have worked with incredible people. I had many fantasies that I wanted to do in the film, like sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan etc, a lot has come true. I hope it continues and I don't want to jinx it. I have loads of gratitude for the audience and fans who have supported me through it.
Any truth to reports that state you are doing Judwaa 2 and Golmaal 4?
S: No truth at all. I am only doing the films that I mentioned.
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