Four years since we last saw him on the screen. Ranbir Kapoor now has two big releases this year – Shamshera followed by Brahmastra. Directed by Karan Malhotra, the former hits the screens on 22 July. Both are big banner films.
Sanju had mixed reviews, with many appreciating Ranbir Kapoor’s performance,With Sanju [2018], there was a feeling that the Kapoor, who was initially cautious in his choices, now decided to take the plunge into the mass entertainer space.
Shamshera doesn’t fill into the ‘mindless’ category, but it sure is a film that will see Ranbir Kapoor play his maiden action, mass hero. And that, too, in a double role. During a group interview last week, the actor shared his thoughts on the film, how some of his earlier director made films for themselves at the cost of ignoring the mass audience.
Excerpts. From the interview
You’ve been a subtle actor. You can’t get too loud, as Karan Malhotra was saying. So, when you do a film like Shamshera, what are the challenges for you?
You are right. I’m a subtle actor, a new age actor. But it is important for an actor to understand the tone of every film. The tone I had in Sanju [2018] is vastly different from a Barfi! [2012] or a Wake Up Sid [2009]. Similarly, Karan Malhotra films have a different tone. If you don’t have conviction, it wouldn’t look great. I’m nervous as I don’t know whether audience would like me in this film. However, I had great fun doing it as an actor.
A first role as the hero for the masses. What was your reaction when you were offered this film?
I have been offered films of this nature but this genre is the most difficult to pull off. We take it for granted, when we say Hindi commercial film, (so) you can make anything, leave your brains behind, you can’t be part of those films anymore. Today, the audience is not forgiving. They want something entertaining, something which is refreshing.
When this film was offered to me, I was very grateful that he has considered me for this part. It is a multi-genre film. You are getting to do action, romance, comedy, drama. I’m playing the hero, and also his father. So, the opportunity is great. I have more or less played characters who are coming-of-age, or who is always the under hero [underdog], or the struggles and the conflict have always been inner.
I think for the first time, I’ve had a villain. In most of my films there was no villian . There was Karan Johar in Bombay Velvet [2015] ànd you know the result of that. This time I have the great Mr. Sanjay Dutt. Touchwood all the key aspects of making a good Hindi commercial film were there in this project. That’s how I came onboard.
A maiden double role for you. How was that experience?
I was only offered the role of Balli. They were considering someone else to cast as Shamshera but I offered myself to play Shamshera to the director and producer. The selfish actor in me came out because it was such a good part, a good opportunity for me as an actor. We worked really hard to make them [father and son] different, not just in terms of looks, but also as individuals. We had to give different shades to both of them. It was challenging but exciting as an actor.
Ranbir then veered towards talking about how some his early films ignored the masses.
Today the Hindi film hero has changed. My father used to tell me that we used to do 6-8 releases a year. Four of them would be based on lost and found themes. The audience then were more forgiving. Today, the gate has opened. You have global cinema, Hollywood, South films have made a huge mark. So, you really have to be wise in what you choose, and knowing your country, people and its culture. You can’t make a film for yourself. You have to make it for your audience. So, you have to work with people who are making films for the audience.
I’ve worked with directors, where I have got appreciation for those films, but I realized they were making films for themselves. It was a personal film. Film-making is such an expensive profession, you can’t afford to make it for yourself. You have to make it for an audience, entertain them. That is the great learning I’ve had for the past few years
Sanju, Shamshera, Brahmastra, there’s the Luv Ranjan film, and also Animal. Are we seeing Ranbir 2.0?
I’m not really planning anything. 2.0 or 3.0 whatever – An actor gets an array of offers. You choose the best out of the lot. I have Shamshera now, you know Brahmastra too. The Luv Ranjan film is a feel-good romantic comedy family film. It is hilarious. Animal is the most shocking character I’ve got to play in my career. Nobody would expect me to play a part like that which has shades of extreme grey. They all are risky films. These are not sure-shot films. I’ve always been excited by doing something big but at the same time, there is a risk element. If you really want to hit it big in life and make a difference, then you have to take that risk.
You have two big releases close to each other. Will the performance of one film impact the other?
It can happen. Like I said, I didn’t plan this. Having said that, they are two very different films. I’ve always believed that films are above me. As an actor, I’m part of both these worlds. But the films that they are, they will speak more, than the fact that there is a common actor. It wasn’t the ideal thing to have two films releasing close to each other. Thankfully, both the trailers are out. The audiences also know that Shamshera is this, while Brahmastra is this. I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that both work. Life will be good, but if they don’t then it is fine
Your late father Rishi Kapoor never approved of your choices. What did he think of Shamshera?
My father was very happy that I signed Karan’s film. He used to always complain about my choices. He told me never do those dhoti-wali films. I told him that I’m doing a Karan Malhotra film. He asked me, what is the film about? I said it is about an 19 century dacoit. He was like [mimics his father’s annoyed look]. He cautioned me that this director is not easy to work with. He will give you stress. I’d given the script to my mother. She is the only sounding board that I have. She, too, was very excited.
How did you prepare youself physically and mentally for doing action role with Sanjay Dutt who is a great action hero .
I was totally not prepared for the role but Sanjay Sir was so gentle and caring with me for action..we have a huge face off towards the climax but Sanju Sir made easy for me by working with me gently and patiently.
What is one takeaway from this film that you will always remember.
Ranbir laughs and answers Exhaustion is the takeaway , on a serious note ,i wanted to do such role that reaches the masses ..I know its a huge ridk but if you do a role with lots of conviction you will definitely succeed thats what i have learnt from director karan malhotra.
Shamshera releases 22nd july in theatres
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