Casting for Shuddhi may not yet be complete, but Karan Johar continues to have a busy time. His 2 States hits theatres on Friday, and KJo has already announced the release date for Ungli. Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya is in the works too. In a chat, the filmmaker discusses his many projects:
Sajid Nadiadwala and you collaborated for the first time ever on 2 States. What was the experience like?
What I like about making a film with Sajid is that (our participation) is equal — be it funding or creative collaboration. Sajid is a prolific businessman and has a say in everything (with this film). He has an opinion on music as well as the scenes, because of his filmmaking background.
You’ve worked with Sajid and Anurag (Kashyap); there’s that film with Ekta Kapoor on the anvil as well… how do all these collaborations work for Dharma?
I truly believe that co-productions are the way forward. As long as the two parties have the same intentions, I am sure this model is only going to grow.
Ungli is now looking at a November 7 release. How is it shaping up?
Ungli is altogether new territory for us. It is Dharma’s first film with Emraan (Hashmi) and has a very different plot from the kind of subjects we have explored in the past. Rensil D’Silva has put his heart and soul into this one. We want to make sure that his good work is presented in the best way possible.
There’s also a lot of anticipation regarding Sanjay Dutt’s performance in the film, which is said to be very powerful…
He is truly amazing in the film. Even otherwise, he has been a big support for us. Right from Agneepath to Ungli, Sanjay has been outstanding. His concern for the fraternity is amazing. On a personal and emotional level, I am indebted to him for working with us.
