Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; May 31, 2016)
It's hardly surprising that this is what Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar feels four days away from the release of his next slapstick comedy, Housefull 3 that is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by brothers, Farhad-Sajid. And he's not about to apologise for feeling this way either. He is fully aware that the critics may attempt to crucify him. But the actor, who has earned the reputation of putting his money where his mouth is, defends his decision to return to this successful franchise, third time over. So we ask:
Why do you continue dabbling in slapstick?
Honestly, the most intelligent actors in the world are comedians who thrive on slapstick. Amitabh Bachchan and many more have stormed the box office, as have actors in the West like Jim Carrey, Jack Black and Ben Stiller, to name a few. Even television comedy shows get the best TRPs. Whether it is Kapil Sharma's show or Aasif Sheikh's Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain, these shows are hugely loved in households across the nation. Even the Canadian TV show Just For Laughs has been running for the longest time, and that's slapstick to its core. Laughter is the best medicine and in India it happens to be our favourite cure too (laughs).
Aren't you risking the reputation you carefully built by choosing movies like Airlift, Baby and Special 26 by doing slapstick comedy?
There is an audience for such comedy, no one can deny it. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but that shouldn't stop anyone. Otherwise how do you explain the success of my Housefull franchise. I am not making the film for myself, I am making it because I am Housefull, this is my family on the big screen. I've earned respect, now it's time to enjoy. I will never turn my back on comedy - never in a million years. I don't care how I'm criticised. Making people laugh will always be my greatest gift. Yes, I enjoy going out of my comfort area to do films like Airlift, Baby and Holiday. But I don't buy the argument that only intense cinema makes a difference to society. I personally think making someone laugh is equally important and believe me, very hard.
So you are saying it is not risky to follow up Airlift with a commercial comedy?
All cinema is risky. Why just cinema? Even life is about taking chances. I have got my fair share of 'Oh wow, what acting bhai'. So, I have redeemed myself to a certain degree (laughs sarcastically). The critics have seen merit in my work. They have seen my acting calibre and know what I'm capable of. Housefull 3 isn't about proving my worth, it's about bringing fun to families. However, an actor's career must be a checkered slate.
Are you this obedient actor on set, who agrees to all the buffoonery suggested by your directors?
My dear, what you loosely call buffoonery is hard to do. I took up Housefull 3 with my eyes open. For me, this is as challenging as any other film I tackle. Of course, there are niggling doubts about critics slamming me. I may stand to lose whatever name I have earned doing 'noteworthy' cinema. But, I get genuinely angry when people put down comedies. It is easily the most difficult genre to tackle. As they say and I quote, 'He must be no simpleton who plays the part of a fool.'
The Khans and several others have distanced themselves from slapstick.You are one of the few who persists...
Each to his own. I recall that somewhere much earlier in my career I was once told, that I would never outgrow my khiladi image and I would be stamped as Mr Khiladi for life. But I proved people wrong. I have done everything from action to romance, comedy to make-a-difference-to-society cinema. In fact, I have even graduated to playing a villain in a Tamil film with Rajinikanth Sir. Versatility is the key to keeping the critics at bay and the audience intrigued.
We heard you wrapped up Housefull 3 in 38 days flat...
Yes, believe me that was hard. I'm playing a footballer, who is pretending to be handicapped, yet he genuinely suffers from a split personality. So, you can imagine the challenge. But this is that genre of cinema. And, once you are committed, then you must go for it. I have often heard fans come on set and say, 'My child only eats his food while watching your comedy films like Housefull and Heyy Babyy'. These are compliments that last a life time. At least, someone somewhere is laughing their guts out and if my producer ends up laughing all the way to the bank, then I guess we can say comedy rules once again.
Why do you continue dabbling in slapstick?
Honestly, the most intelligent actors in the world are comedians who thrive on slapstick. Amitabh Bachchan and many more have stormed the box office, as have actors in the West like Jim Carrey, Jack Black and Ben Stiller, to name a few. Even television comedy shows get the best TRPs. Whether it is Kapil Sharma's show or Aasif Sheikh's Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain, these shows are hugely loved in households across the nation. Even the Canadian TV show Just For Laughs has been running for the longest time, and that's slapstick to its core. Laughter is the best medicine and in India it happens to be our favourite cure too (laughs).
Aren't you risking the reputation you carefully built by choosing movies like Airlift, Baby and Special 26 by doing slapstick comedy?
There is an audience for such comedy, no one can deny it. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but that shouldn't stop anyone. Otherwise how do you explain the success of my Housefull franchise. I am not making the film for myself, I am making it because I am Housefull, this is my family on the big screen. I've earned respect, now it's time to enjoy. I will never turn my back on comedy - never in a million years. I don't care how I'm criticised. Making people laugh will always be my greatest gift. Yes, I enjoy going out of my comfort area to do films like Airlift, Baby and Holiday. But I don't buy the argument that only intense cinema makes a difference to society. I personally think making someone laugh is equally important and believe me, very hard.
So you are saying it is not risky to follow up Airlift with a commercial comedy?
All cinema is risky. Why just cinema? Even life is about taking chances. I have got my fair share of 'Oh wow, what acting bhai'. So, I have redeemed myself to a certain degree (laughs sarcastically). The critics have seen merit in my work. They have seen my acting calibre and know what I'm capable of. Housefull 3 isn't about proving my worth, it's about bringing fun to families. However, an actor's career must be a checkered slate.
Are you this obedient actor on set, who agrees to all the buffoonery suggested by your directors?
My dear, what you loosely call buffoonery is hard to do. I took up Housefull 3 with my eyes open. For me, this is as challenging as any other film I tackle. Of course, there are niggling doubts about critics slamming me. I may stand to lose whatever name I have earned doing 'noteworthy' cinema. But, I get genuinely angry when people put down comedies. It is easily the most difficult genre to tackle. As they say and I quote, 'He must be no simpleton who plays the part of a fool.'
The Khans and several others have distanced themselves from slapstick.You are one of the few who persists...
Each to his own. I recall that somewhere much earlier in my career I was once told, that I would never outgrow my khiladi image and I would be stamped as Mr Khiladi for life. But I proved people wrong. I have done everything from action to romance, comedy to make-a-difference-to-society cinema. In fact, I have even graduated to playing a villain in a Tamil film with Rajinikanth Sir. Versatility is the key to keeping the critics at bay and the audience intrigued.
We heard you wrapped up Housefull 3 in 38 days flat...
Yes, believe me that was hard. I'm playing a footballer, who is pretending to be handicapped, yet he genuinely suffers from a split personality. So, you can imagine the challenge. But this is that genre of cinema. And, once you are committed, then you must go for it. I have often heard fans come on set and say, 'My child only eats his food while watching your comedy films like Housefull and Heyy Babyy'. These are compliments that last a life time. At least, someone somewhere is laughing their guts out and if my producer ends up laughing all the way to the bank, then I guess we can say comedy rules once again.