Feb 232018
 

Having delivered two hits – Badrinath Ki Dulhania and Judwaa 2 (both 2017) – in a year that otherwise witnessed a drought at the box office, it was reported that Varun Dhawan had hiked his fee

Varun Dhawan
Varun Dhawan

Having delivered two hits – Badrinath Ki Dulhania and Judwaa 2 (both 2017) – in a year that otherwise witnessed a drought at the box office, it was reported that Varun Dhawan had hiked his fee. But in an interesting development, mid-day has learnt that the actor apparently slashed his remuneration for Shoojit Sircar’s October.

Shoojit Sircar
Shoojit Sircar

A source close to Varun Dhawan says, “When Shoojit approached him with the script, he made it clear that it would be another small-budget film, along the lines of what he is known to make. Varun was quite taken by the story and knew that he had to be a part of the project. He readily agreed to cut down his fee for the director.” While many actors opt for a lower remuneration and hold a stake in the film’s profits, the source adds that Dhawan decided to forego the option.

Also read: Varun Dhawan and Banita Sindhu’s October teaser will make you fall in love

Another trade insider reveals that although Dhawan had indeed hiked his fee to a whopping Rs 25 crore after the success of Judwaa 2, he did not want to burden the Banita Sandhu-starrer with his market price. The trade insider says, “If you see his filmography, he has consciously mixed the masala fare with films like Badlapur (2015) and now, October. Varun understood that October needs to be made on the right budget to be viable and recover its cost. Since the film was envisioned on a budget of R20 crore, he slashed his fee by more than 50 per cent.”

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Sep 042017
 

Varun Dhawan and Banita SandhuVarun Dhawan and Banita Sandhu

Ever since the announcement of Shoojit Sircar’s next directorial outing, ‘October’ starring Varun Dhawan was made, everyone has been guessing who the female lead would be. While many names were rumoured to be a part of the venture, Sircar put the speculations to rest by declaring his new find – Banita Sandhu.

Shoojit is known to have a keen eye for spotting talent and launching them in his films. From Minissha Lamba (‘Yahaan’) to Yami Gautam and Ayushmann Khuranna (‘Vicky Donor’), he has played a mentor to many talented actors.

Banita is from Wales in United Kingdom and has done some advertising assignments including the very popular Wrigley’s Doublemint (‘Ek Ajnabee Haseena Se’) Television commercial directed by Shoojit last year.

“When it comes to the genre of romance, it is always beautiful to see a fresh pairing. Something about seeing their chemistry blossom through the reels of the film, makes you feel a part of their journey from the very beginning. For ‘October’, that was one of the main reasons why I chose Banita for the lead role opposite Varun,” says Sircar.

Talking about ‘October’, Producer Ronnie Lahiri of Rising Sun Films adds, “At Rising Sun Films, our endeavour has always been to create stories that are simple, connect with the audience and stay with them. October will hopefully be one more step in that direction.”

Toasting their previous successes (‘Vicky Donor’, ‘Piku’), Shoojit Sircar will be once again collaborating with Juhi Chaturvedi for this film, making it all the more exciting. With a repertoire of films like ‘Yahaan’, ‘Vicky Donor’, ‘Madras Cafe’, ‘Piku’ and ‘Pink’ that have explored different genres and have won accolades including National Awards, Rising Sun Films’ new venture, October, will be a story about love and promises to be yet another intriguing watch.

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Jul 312017
 

Angad Bedi and Salman KhanAngad Bedi and Salman Khan

Like it did for its three lead protagonists, Shoojit Sircar’s critically-acclaimed film Pink (2016) also gave a boost to Angad Bedi’s acting career. Bedi, who played the antagonist in the Taapsee Pannu-starrer, is now set to feature alongside Salman Khan in the latter’s sequel to his 2012 actioner, Ek Tha Tiger.

Essaying the part of a RAW agent is demanding, given that it requires the actor to whip himself in shape, but Bedi says the experience is one he cherishes. Chronicling his training routine, he tells mid-day, “Besides working out for nearly six hours a day, I am also learning different forms of martial arts. I trained in kickboxing and Muay Thai. The hand-to-hand combat fight sequences are challenging to pull off. RAW agents are physically strong, so, I had to work on achieving strength, as well as their agility.”

Apart from enhancing his fitness, the actor also learnt how think like a RAW agent. “I had to study the manner in which they think. They have a strong sense of purpose and are sharp.”

Bedi has already wrapped up a 25-day schedule and will jet off to Abu Dhabi for another 45-day plan by the end of this month. It is during this schedule that the action sequences will be canned. The actor speaks about teaming up with Khan with earnest excitement.

“Shooting with Salman bhai has been special. He is a great man and loving colleague. If he likes you, he takes you under his wing. I am loving being pampered. I love the stories he has to tell, the anecdotes he shares from his experience. His learning from his 25-year-long career are worth listening to. It gives you a deep insight into the industry, its ways and how it has evolved.”

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