12 June,2011 08:37 AM IST | | Jigar Shah
In 1990, a fresh-faced Sunny Deol bagged the National Award for his performance in the blockbuster film Ghayal. Twenty years later, director Ashwini Chaudhary (Dhoop) will take the story forward with Ghayal Returns. He talks to Sunday Midday about continuing without Amrish Puri as villain, and what the Deols mean in Haryana
Why are you making the sequel to Ghayal after 20 years?
I wanted to make a film with Sunny (Deol) for long. Back home in Haryana, you are not considered a director unless you make a film with the Deols. For people there, the Deols are idols. Ghayal released 20 years ago, and for my generation (I'm 45 now) it was a landmark film. Directors and producers have attempted a sequel. I, too, wanted to make one, but it was important that we go a notch higher than the original. About a year ago, the seed of an idea for Ghayal Returns took seat. I thought of exploring what happened to the protagonist, Ajay Mehra after he had been in jail for 20 years.
Sunny Deol in a still from the trailer for Ghayal 2 that was
released recently
You have released a trailer before the film has been shot!
The film has been written by Sanjay Chauhan. We worked on the script for a year but decided to announce the film only after it was ready. Now we've announced the film with a trailer.
In the trailer, Sunny Deol is wearing a cop's uniform. Is he playing a cop this time?
This is just a teaser. Both, Sunny and I know the real identity of Ajay Mehra, but the audience will have to wait and see. We have created an intriguing role for him. Those who have seen Ghayal will connect with the sequel, and those who haven't, will want to see the original after watching this one.
Is Ghayal Returns a sequel or a franchise film?
Golmaal is a franchise film because while the characters remain the same, the location and interpersonal relationships between the characters change with each film. In a sequel, you take the story ahead, like with the Godfather or Rocky series. Our film starts where Ghayal ends. We have retained Om Puri, who plays cop D'Silva, and Sunny Deol, who plays Ajay Mehra. They are on different terrain now but their characters remain the same.
What about Balwant Rai, the villain essayed by the late Amrish Puri?
We have spoken to a few actors but are waiting for the right time to announce the cast. The actor we cast as the villain will be a big surprise.u00a0
What memories do you have of Ghayal?
I was in college when it released, and I saw it at Neelam Theatre. I have seen only two films back-to-back ufffd Dharamji's espionage drama, Aankhen, and Sunny Deol's Ghayal. In those days, the same film was screened four times a day at the cinema hall.
Ghayal was directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. Have you met him?
Not really. I have only made six small films so, I know very few people in the industry; Rajji is a very senior and respected director. It is an honour and challenge to direct the sequel. I don't think he knows me. I hope I have his blessings.
When will Ghayal Returns be filmed?
We will shoot for three months, beginning in September, in Bhopal and Gwalior.
