Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 13, 2016)
The curtains have come down on 1920 but creator Vikram Bhatt is all set to roll with 1921 which while not a fol low-up to the original series, refurbishes the franchise with a 2.0 version. “The idea behind 1920 was to bring horror into a period drama redolent with the romance of the times. But with Part 2 and Part 3 the direction changed and the series became more about horror. 1921, while more terrifying, will also be more emotional,“ promises Vikram who after 34 years in the film industry will be kicking off his fifth franchise after Raaz, 1920, Haunted and Hate Story under his own banner in collaboration with Reliance Entertainment. Eight years ago, after several producers had turned down 1920 because Vikram was reeling from a string of flops, Reliance came forward to distribute 1920 in 2008.The emotional attachment with the studio continues.Elaborating on his decision to turn producer, Vikram points out that though he has made 32 films in 25 years as a director, he does not own a single negative which he can leave as his legacy to his daughter, Krishna. “For too long I have created franchises for other producers and directors. Even when I was with ASA Productions I was only the creative director and made films for the company. 1921 will be my film in every way,“ he beams, admitting that it's not easy to branch out alone and be responsible for everything, creatively and financially. But he reasons that if others can do it, so can he.
He reveals that around four years ago, when he was working on Raaz 3, mentor-producer Mahesh Bhatt had presented him with a picture of a peacock flying in a parched desert, pointing out that he was a lone ranger like this bird as he did everything himself, from writing his films to editing and shooting them. Vikram has now decided to name his banner, Loneranger Productions. It will take off with 1921, which revolves around students of music and is set in a university town. “We've already signed Zareen Khan who brought in a certain amount of dignity to Hate Story 3. We could shoot the film in Vienna or Yorkshire, or even somewhere in Italy or Scotland. It will go on the floors in November. With 1921 I will begin a new chapter in my 33-year career,“ he signs off with a smile.
'MAYBE THIS FILM'LL CURE ME OF MY HORROR PHOBIA'
After Hate Story 3, Zareen Khan has been getting a lot of offers but she's been picky-choosy, waiting for Aksar's sequel to take off. When Vikram of fered her 1921, she was quick to grab it even though horror films terrify her. “I have been a fan of his films and it was too good an opportunity to pass over. Maybe it will cure me of the phobia. It's a kind of a challenge,“ says the actress who had texted Bhatt congratulating him on Love Games and saying she'd love to work with him. “He told me he had something in mind and would meet me after the film's re lease. When he narrated 1921, I was blown over and couldn't say no.“