'Paa' is paramount. But Amitabh Bachchan

 

'Paa' is paramount. But Amitabh Bachchan doesn't rest on past laurels. 'Rann', Ram Gopal Varma's trenchant take on the media spotlights Bachchan Senior in yet another remarkable role

Amitabh Bachchan is a wee bit tired. And a lot more exasperated! Should be, considering the repetitive and numerous assurances that he's been issuing to media sorts asserting that, "RGV's film is not about media bashing!"

Enacting a channel head honcho Vijay Harshvardhan Malik in the flick, Bachchan is reported to be in fine form. The rich baritone, classy attire, and topline histrionics have served to flesh out yet another memorable persona on celluloid. Bachchan, though, is swift to credit Varma for "constantly giving me film characters that excite me." Over to the reigning icon of Indian cinema…..

How would you define Vijay Harshvardhan Malik of 'Rann' in your own words?

Upright, honest and erudite. A person respected not just in the trade but all over. His integrity and his voice is the hallmark of the channel he owns and runs.

Is it true that your character has been patterned heavily along the lines of Dr. Prannoy Roy of NDTV ?

Did you agree to do this volatile subject because Ram Gopal Varma was the director? Would you have agreed to do 'Rann' had it been helmed by a new or unknown director?

It is not a volatile subject to start with and I would work for the story and the role and the person who would make it irrespective of who or what their standing would be.

To flesh out Malik onscreen, did you adopt certain mannerisms from real life channel personnel on your own?

No I did not. It was not required.

Having experienced the highs and lows of the media at length and at close quarters, did you identify with the incidents shown in 'Rann'. Reportedly, viewers will be able to easily identify with many of the characters shown in the film, since they're heavily borrowed from real life….

There are no such incidents that I could identify with. The story is inspired and fictional.

What really is Ram Gopal Varma's strongpoint as a director?

His passion and understanding of cinema.

In 'Sarkar' and 'Sarkar Raj', you had your illustrious son as a co star in Varma's films. Pity, he isn't in 'Rann'. Wouldn't you have liked Varma to cast him too in his path breaking film?

If there was a role for him and if RGV felt he was needed in it he would have been cast. There are no conditions that I impose when I accept a film.

Did you ever discuss having Abhishek cast in one of the pivotal roles in 'Rann'?

Reportedly, you've delivered a 13 minute long sequence in one perfect take for 'Rann.' Are such lengthy scenes a cakewalk for an actor of your calibre or do you still find them strenuous?

Nothing is ever a cake walk in life. Everyday is a struggle.

Channel wars, TRPs, truths, lies …. 'Rann' has an incendiary range. Ultimately, what is the film saying through your character?

That there will be poetic justice in 2hrs and 10 mins.

You've clarified that 'Rann' is not a media bashing movie and that you've been really proud to have done it….

Yes I have ….

Journalists are suspicious and speculation over 'Rann' is red hot, especially after that misleading video footage where a number of common people spoke against the media ….

Is that a question or a statement …?

After the 'Angry Young Man' of 'Deewar' … we can now look forward to the 'Angry Aged Man' of 'Rann'! Do you think it's likely to be the new 'title' that the Fourth Estate is likely to confer upon you?

Very unlikely.

Which is your favourite scene in 'Rann' and why would you chose it?

There are several. Difficult and unethical to narrate them till the film is released.

Most actors read their lines in Hinglish, but you prefer to read them in Hindi. Is it easier to make those words your own in dialogues coz'the films are in Hindi and your're supremely comfortable with the language?

I only know how to read a language I know in the way it is written.

What do you think your fans will take back from the film after they watch 'Rann'?

An intense sincere effort in portraying what could possibly be the dilemma's faced by an electronic channel.

You've taken a great love for blogging. Is it just fawning praise from admirers or has there been sensible criticism too from fans?

A bit of both.

Seems an oddity, "the new child sensation of the year" in 'Paa' goes on to bag 'Lifetime Achievement Awards!" Your take, please ….

Since the 'child sensation of the year' passed away by the end of the film, I guess the award was not too misplaced at all.

Would you consider directing a film under your own banner?

I do not know direction.

With Abhishek emerging as an actor in his own right, what is the kind of advice that you would like to give him today ….

Keep on working.

Sumber: http://bolliwoodstories.blogspot.com/2010/02/paa-is-paramount.html