With the recent release of Bangistan, Bollywoodhungama’s JOGINDER TUTEJA chatted to actor Riteish Deshmukh about the film.
He was last seen in the back-to-back blockbusters Marathi, Lai Bhaari (which he also produced) and the Hindi film, Ek Villain (as the antagonist). Both films went on to set records and although Deshmukh did make a guest appearance in Entertainment which released a year ago), he has been mostly absent from the big screen.
He has now returned with Bangistan, a satire, and it is expected that the actor’s funny side will be on display again. Since the film deals with the theme of terrorism in a satirical way, we wait to see how the narrative is handled.
This is the longest break for a film starring in which you star to hit the screens. You were missed, especially after delivering two back-to-back hits.It so happened that we were supposed to come release Bangistan in February. However, a film’s date gets pushed so many times. We all thought, since we have started off, well, let’s give the film a release now. We thought that was okay. It is for the better.
Even though Bangistan is a comedy, it is quite a different take, right? Karan Anshuman’s sensibilities make that possible. Also, the fact that it is an Excel production helps. They put their head and heart into their films.
When Bangistan came to you, was there an instant connection for you with the subject, considering that terror is being explored? Did you have any apprehension? No. We were sure about what we wanted to portray.
Since you are a hard-core mainstream actor, did you share tips with Karan on what he needed to bring for wholesome entertainment on screen? It was not about Karan trying to adapt to me; it was about me trying to adapt to him. I have been associated with films that have mass appeal, be it Masti, Housefull, Dhamaal or Kya Kool franchises. I wanted to make a different kind of film and indulge in a different kind of humour. When you sign a film, you know the direction you are going. I am doing Housefull 3 next and I know where I am headed. The same for Great Grand Masti. When you do a newer subject like Bangistan, you know what benchmarks will be set. – Bollywoodhungama.com