By Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM
Wednesday, August 18, 2005
 
Aamir Khan is back after a 4-year sabbatical with Mangal Pandey - The Rising and how! The film has embarked on a historic start everywhere, reaffirming the star's popularity amongst moviegoers in India and abroad [yes, the film has also had a big opening in U.S.A. and U.K. both].

While the first weekend business of Mangal Pandey - The Rising has been unprecedented in every nook and corner of India, Aamir is awaiting the response to the film on the subsequent days. "I am in no hurry to call it a hit. I am taking one step at a time and as of now, the box-office numbers are phenomenal," he states with utmost humility.

For most actors, the job ends when they dub for a film, but that's not the case with Aamir. He has been visiting movieplexes all over the country since Friday and even now, when he called this writer, it was from the swanky Inox multiplex in South Mumbai. Excerpts from the conversation with the normally reticent actor:

First things first! Are you happy with the way Mangal Pandey - The Rising has shaped up?

We've achieved what we set out to make. I will always be proud of the film. Personally speaking, it has been a gratifying experience. Having said that, I'd like to add that no film is perfect. There's always scope to better things. There's always room for improvisation. At the same time, there's no end to perfection.

Most cinegoers are drawing parallels with Lagaan.

It's a natural response. It's pretty okay if they compare the two films. A lot of people have called to say that Mangal Pandey - The Rising is a far better film than Lagaan. Conversely, a number of moviegoers are of the opinion that LAGAAN was a far more enriching experience. You have to appreciate and respect each one's opinion.

Lagaan is more like a fairytale, while Mangal Pandey - The Rising is a part of history. People will connect with Mangal Pandey - The Rising all the more because it is a relevant subject. The freedom movement, the impact it had on Indians, it's an emotional journey.

Did the fabulous start of the film at the ticket window catch you off-guard? Were you surprised?

I am touched and overwhelmed by the response. It's like never before. I've been monitoring the box-office collections everywhere and I'd be lying if I say that I am not thrilled. Everything boils down to how the film fares at the box-office. The first three days' business has been mind-boggling everywhere. And it makes me happier because it's not a routine song-n-dance film.

A section of the media hasn't been kind to the film. Does that dishearten you?

It's an individual's opinion and you ought to respect it. I take criticism in my stride. But this time around there has been an attempt by a handful of people to pull down the film. Perhaps, they had pre-decided to write bad about the film. But the fact remains that the film is faring exceptionally well everywhere and that's what matters eventually.

The business of the film is outstanding everywhere. The distributors haven't witnessed such collections ever and from what I've been told, it has surpassed the figures of all biggies released in the recent past.

Here, I'd like to give full credit to Yash Raj Films [they're distributing the film in India and Overseas]. The number of shows everyday, at places 12, 15 and 18, is a triumph for the distributors and their marketing strategies. Yash Raj has been very bold in their approach and has already proved a smart player that knows how to play the game well. Their release strategy for Mangal Pandey - The Rising has been excellent.

What's this talk of you telling the Chopras [Yash and Aditya] to flood the market with as many prints as possible? Is that true?

I am a creative person and I'd like to limit myself to that. The decision to release the film extensively [reportedly, over 1000 prints are in circulation worldwide -- that's a record for a Bollywood film] was of the distributors, who, after watching the film, felt that the film had the strength to see a wide release.

Agreed, it's an Aamir Khan film after almost four years. But if you don't release a film well, everything and just about everything can get sidelined in the process. Like I said, it was Yash Raj's call and going by the opening numbers, they've proved right yet again.

So, when do we see an Aamir movie next? After four years again?

[laughs] Yes, there has been a long gap. But I've already spelt out the reasons that led to my staying away from the business. But hereon, it's going to be one film every eight months. There's Rang De Basanthi next [releasing early next year], followed by Yash Raj's Kunal Kohli-directed Fanaah. I begin shooting for this film in October this year and it's scheduled for release in the second half of next year. Then there's a film for Vishal Bharadwaj and of course, my home-production.

Tell me something I don't know about your home-production.

Right now, we've just okayed the script. But as far as the director and actors are concerned, we haven't taken a decision yet. I've been too busy with Mangal Pandey - The Rising and will immerse headlong into the home-production the moment I am free from the post-release formalities. All I can state right now is that it's going to be a contemporary film, not a period flick.

Mangal Pandey - Movie Stills, On the sets

Aamir Khan - Gallery, Wallpapers
Rani Mukherjee - Gallery, Wallpapers
Amisha Patel - Gallery, Wallpapers

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