Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Neha Maheshwri Bhagat (BOMBAY TIMES; May 9, 2016)
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]( "Click To Enlarge")
Clik here to view.
Neha Maheshwri Bhagat (BOMBAY TIMES; May 9, 2016)
When it comes to launching your child, you are bound to go all out to promote him. And director Abbas Burmawalla, of Abbas-Mustan duo fame, is no different. The filmmaker is making sure to get the best team possible to launch his son Mustafa with the romantic thriller Machine, which is slated to release on February 17, next year. Since the film has a good amount of action, stuntmen from France and Hong Kong have been roped in. In an interview with Bombay Times, Abbas and Mustan give us glimpses of Mustafa and why they chose to launch him in a film that's been described as a twisted love story ...
What made you finalise Mustafa for this film?
When the first draft of the script was ready, we thought Machine would be an appropriate title for it. We always complete the script first and then approach the actor. We needed someone who didn't have a set image for this film. That's when our nephew suggested that we take Mustafa as the hero of the film. We didn't react as we hadn't thought about it. It took us a week to consider the idea. Mustafa knew everything about the script. And we were impressed when he enacted a few scenes from it.
Tell us a bit about the film...
It's a twisted love story. It's a grand film with car racing and romance, which the youth will connect with. We are shooting the entire film in Georgia. It's all about presentation today. The film needs to be glossy and visually appealing. The idea of romance has undergone a major change; it doesn't take time for the youth to say 'I love you' today. We believe that Mustafa will do a great job.
Are you nervous since it's your son's launchpad?
We are equally passionate and nervous about every project we take up. We are not treating this film any differently just because it's Mustafa's debut. We haven't given him any special treatment either. Every film is our baby. The onus of success and failure of a movie lies mostly on the director. But with this film, the state of excitement and nervousness is a notch higher. We are nervous about how he will deliver, adjust and get used to that setup.
What according to you is Mustafa's USP?
His strength is romance. Although he will be expected to do a lot more in this film as it also has action and drama. It will help him showcase his skills and acting chops. We have told him not to get conscious. He can't learn everything in his debut, as every film helps you grow and hone your talent.
Was he always inclined to doing films?
He has grown up watching our films and wanted to pursue it as a career. We have always taught our children that this industry has given us a lot and they should respect it. If you are positive and work hard, there is no better place than this. Mustafa proposed to assist us on our movies. He went to New York Film Academy for a year and a half and came back brimming with confidence. After working outside, the children realised that the learning was on a superficial level as they were kept out of the scripting process. On the contrary, we involve the entire team right from scratch. He has assisted us on Players, Race 2 and Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon.
Besides doing a film course in NY, how else has Mustafa groomed himself for Bollywood?
He underwent training for diction, pronunciation, and intonation. He is a trained dancer and gymnast. He has always been fitness conscious, so that wasn't really a problem area. We suggested he gets trained for diction, which he did for six months in Delhi. He has worked hard for the part. Now, he is confident and we are happy to launch him. The film is going on floors from May 21.
Have you shared any tips with him to survive in the industry?
We have told him that if the movie does well by the grace of God, he should not let it get to his head. Success is easily attainable, but what's difficult is to handle it. He should stay focussed and be respectful to everyone, irrespective of their position. He will have to be more careful and diligent when he works outside as he will be expected to deliver a hit. We can guide him a couple of times, but he will have to take his own decisions eventually. Goodwill helps you survive difficult times. Don't get bogged down with your lows and take inspiration from your seniors.
How much of your good will will help him sail through?
We share a great rapport with people we have worked with, including actors and producers. We expect them to shower Mustafa with their blessings.
You two are known to be really thick. Does the second generation also share the same bond?
The second generation has outshone us in terms of loyalty and unity. They work and work out together.
There are several camps in Bollywood. How do you steer clear from it?
There are camps in the industry, but that doesn't bother us. We are doing what we do best and believe that everyone should get a chance. There are times when an actor approaches us to direct him. However, there are a lot of factors governing the film-making process, so people like to play it safe with saleable actors. Business has overpowered creativity. But it is to be acknowledged that we are bringing good content to the table.
You've worked with several actors and newcomers. How different are the current crop of actors?
They are more focussed, hard-working, and dedicated. They are disciplined and rarely indulge in late night parties. Previously, actors would shoot four films at a time, but the current crop believes in finishing one project at a time.
Abbas-Mustan are often referred to as the men in white. Has Mustafa ever tried to add colour to your wardrobe?
Our children have seen us in white since they were born. It's not that we are not open to the idea of wearing other colours, but there is no need for it. We feel comfortable in white and it's too late to change it now. We also feel that people who wear colours must always be in a fix deciding what to wear the next day. We don't deal with that stress. We like brightness and gloss. If you watch any of our films, you'll rarely see dark or grim tones, even if the storyline is replete with twists, thrills, suspense and action. On the other hand, Mustafa's favourite colour is blue.
What made you finalise Mustafa for this film?
When the first draft of the script was ready, we thought Machine would be an appropriate title for it. We always complete the script first and then approach the actor. We needed someone who didn't have a set image for this film. That's when our nephew suggested that we take Mustafa as the hero of the film. We didn't react as we hadn't thought about it. It took us a week to consider the idea. Mustafa knew everything about the script. And we were impressed when he enacted a few scenes from it.
Tell us a bit about the film...
It's a twisted love story. It's a grand film with car racing and romance, which the youth will connect with. We are shooting the entire film in Georgia. It's all about presentation today. The film needs to be glossy and visually appealing. The idea of romance has undergone a major change; it doesn't take time for the youth to say 'I love you' today. We believe that Mustafa will do a great job.
Are you nervous since it's your son's launchpad?
We are equally passionate and nervous about every project we take up. We are not treating this film any differently just because it's Mustafa's debut. We haven't given him any special treatment either. Every film is our baby. The onus of success and failure of a movie lies mostly on the director. But with this film, the state of excitement and nervousness is a notch higher. We are nervous about how he will deliver, adjust and get used to that setup.
What according to you is Mustafa's USP?
His strength is romance. Although he will be expected to do a lot more in this film as it also has action and drama. It will help him showcase his skills and acting chops. We have told him not to get conscious. He can't learn everything in his debut, as every film helps you grow and hone your talent.
Was he always inclined to doing films?
He has grown up watching our films and wanted to pursue it as a career. We have always taught our children that this industry has given us a lot and they should respect it. If you are positive and work hard, there is no better place than this. Mustafa proposed to assist us on our movies. He went to New York Film Academy for a year and a half and came back brimming with confidence. After working outside, the children realised that the learning was on a superficial level as they were kept out of the scripting process. On the contrary, we involve the entire team right from scratch. He has assisted us on Players, Race 2 and Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon.
Besides doing a film course in NY, how else has Mustafa groomed himself for Bollywood?
He underwent training for diction, pronunciation, and intonation. He is a trained dancer and gymnast. He has always been fitness conscious, so that wasn't really a problem area. We suggested he gets trained for diction, which he did for six months in Delhi. He has worked hard for the part. Now, he is confident and we are happy to launch him. The film is going on floors from May 21.
Have you shared any tips with him to survive in the industry?
We have told him that if the movie does well by the grace of God, he should not let it get to his head. Success is easily attainable, but what's difficult is to handle it. He should stay focussed and be respectful to everyone, irrespective of their position. He will have to be more careful and diligent when he works outside as he will be expected to deliver a hit. We can guide him a couple of times, but he will have to take his own decisions eventually. Goodwill helps you survive difficult times. Don't get bogged down with your lows and take inspiration from your seniors.
How much of your good will will help him sail through?
We share a great rapport with people we have worked with, including actors and producers. We expect them to shower Mustafa with their blessings.
You two are known to be really thick. Does the second generation also share the same bond?
The second generation has outshone us in terms of loyalty and unity. They work and work out together.
There are several camps in Bollywood. How do you steer clear from it?
There are camps in the industry, but that doesn't bother us. We are doing what we do best and believe that everyone should get a chance. There are times when an actor approaches us to direct him. However, there are a lot of factors governing the film-making process, so people like to play it safe with saleable actors. Business has overpowered creativity. But it is to be acknowledged that we are bringing good content to the table.
You've worked with several actors and newcomers. How different are the current crop of actors?
They are more focussed, hard-working, and dedicated. They are disciplined and rarely indulge in late night parties. Previously, actors would shoot four films at a time, but the current crop believes in finishing one project at a time.
Abbas-Mustan are often referred to as the men in white. Has Mustafa ever tried to add colour to your wardrobe?
Our children have seen us in white since they were born. It's not that we are not open to the idea of wearing other colours, but there is no need for it. We feel comfortable in white and it's too late to change it now. We also feel that people who wear colours must always be in a fix deciding what to wear the next day. We don't deal with that stress. We like brightness and gloss. If you watch any of our films, you'll rarely see dark or grim tones, even if the storyline is replete with twists, thrills, suspense and action. On the other hand, Mustafa's favourite colour is blue.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
