Tomorrow the Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra starrer Dostana hits theaters and many a fan cannot wait to see the three of them in the film! At the helm of the Karan Johar production is Tarun Mansukhani and this is his debut film. Recently Mansukhani talked to Joginder Tuteja about the film and here are some highlights from that interview!
The reason the Mansukhani choose Dostana, as his debut film was that it had something new to offer audiences in terms of story-line, “I wanted to make a film that has an identity of its own One thing was sure; it had to be about friendship. When it comes to themes like marriages, extra marital affairs, living in, then honestly, they all have been over and done with. I said to myself – ‘What am I bringing new to the table’? But again, I didn’t want to make a very serious film since today youngsters are ready to hear you only if you don’t preach. This is where Dostana came in since it has its own light hearted moments where audience can come, enjoy and have a blast.”
In the film Abhishek and John’s characters pretend to be a gay couple in order to live in an apartment with Priyanka and that story-line has raised some eyebrows but the director said he wanted to be careful with that part of the story, “Well, I always knew that I was walking on a thin line. And no, it wasn’t like I was wondering how Censors would react to the film. My challenge was for myself. I wanted to be true to the film and ensure that Dostana doesn’t turn out to be about gay bashing. None of us want to make any fun of the gay community.”
Adding that the film is at heart about friendship hence the name, “Of course, in its essence, Dostana showcases chemistry between two friends. Anyways, looking at both of them, they are the epitome of being macho. So ultimately it boils down to friendship.”
About working for Karan Johar Mansukhani, “I have worked with Karan for too long now and together we have a very good understanding of each other’s requirement. I can complete his sentences. Moreover, he loves me too much and I am almost like a child and a spoilt brat. I have a chip on the shoulder and ensure that I get what I want.”
It being Manusukhani’s first film, it would seem that KJo would be looking over his shoulder the whole time but this was not the case at all. “He came to Miami for the first time when 10 days of shooting had already been done. Moreover, he admitted that he was in the city to chill out since he was an unemployed producer at that time and just wanted to relax. He went to his hotel room, shopped around the city and later I showed him the rushes offline. He pointed out something where he could see an improvement could be made but never once did he overshadow me.”
The director did admit to being nervous about the release but said he is trying not to think about it, “If I start doing so, I am sure I would collapse (laughs). I am taking one step at a time and am expecting audience to walk in for some good fun. After all, it is a Karan Johar production.”
Dostana opens in theaters tomorrow so be sure to check it out!
