22 March,2017 10:18 AM IST | | The Hitlist Team
Filmmaker Vipul A Shah says he's waiting for the right script to take the franchise forward
Commando 3
Vipul Amrutlal Shah's Commando 2 has thrilled audiences with its action and chase sequences, and has crossed R38 crore at the worldwide box office so far. Vidyut Jamwal's martial arts skills have also been appreciated in the film presented by Reliance Entertainment and Jayantilal Gada (PEN India Ltd) in association with Sunshine Pictures Pvt Ltd. Vipul shares his excitement over the film's success and a few plans.
Excerpts:
Commando 2, like the first part, has earned box office success. How does it feel?
There is a section in the trade that always challenges the success of newcomers, who don't belong to the film fraternity, so I am not surprised with that approach. I am glad this film has done better than part 1. It has become a profitable venture for the studio, my partners, Reliance and Pen. We were in profit by the first week. It has taken time, but people have accepted the film is a hit.
Any plans for a part 3?
Yes, discussions are underway. I can confidently say it will be made. We are waiting for a good script.
Making action films comes easy to you. What are the challenges involved?
Reinventing oneself. You have to make sure it looks new and different, which we have successfully done. If it is just going to be one bad politician or a stock criminal, it doesn't work. In the last three-four years, the image of politicians has improved largely, thanks to our Prime Minister. You have to do better action than not just your last film, but also look world over and better that.
Was making the film tough, given that it had no selling points except that it was a sequel to a successful flick?
I had the right team - Vidyut as the hero and Deven Bhojani as director. Adah [Sharma, lead actress] has also performed exceedingly well and Freddy [Daruwalla, parallel lead] has been accepted by the audience for his looks and acting. If you look at day 1 numbers and compare them with films of big stars, you will realise that Vidyut as a solo hero, after a three-year gap, has got a more impressive opening.
You have invested greatly in newcomers. You launched Vidyut in Force (2011) and now you have introduced a few others in Commando 2. Is this a conscious strategy?
I love to work with new talent since they bring a lot of energy, passion and freshness to a film.
You've tasted success as director and producer. What do you enjoy more?
I enjoy both. I took a five-year gap as director and have decided to get behind the camera this year.
