Veteran filmmaker Sunil Darshan, who is known for preparing several commercial blockbuxies in the 90s and early 2000s, is now taking a bold step away from the star -led projects. In a special conversation with India today, the director opened his current mindset and why he preferred to bet on fresh talent.

Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, are known for launching and collaborating with prominent names, directors now feel more than the ability of the actors rather than their fame.

“Strangely, in my first film ‘Intecam’, I cast Kimi Katkar, she was a relative newcomer, only then was returning ‘Tarzan’. Then there was an early hesitation, but when a filmmaker is punished, people eventually believe in you. So I am on a platform where I am not really looking for stars. Namaskar If there is an actor for him, “he told us.

“But when you have to relax before the stars, I think I am before that phase. That is why some time ago, I decided to make films with new people. Bring new stars, new actors, give opportunities to those who usually don’t get,” he said.

Asked if it is difficult to cast the established actors, he said, “It was never easy, but it was not very difficult. Still, the actor will talk directly with the filmmaker, with the director, with the producer, the team directly. The team was about them. Now, it is not the producer, nor the director, nor the actor, it is a team of managers and PRS that decides.

A new chapter with ‘Andaz 2’

Currently gearing up for ‘Andaz 2’, the sequel of the 2003 hit, darshan is working in its own way, focusing on fresh faces and focus on storytelling. The film stars newcomers Ayush Kumar, Uyis Vats and Natasha Fernandes, all of which were discovered through instinct.

“Ayush came to audition for the role of a friend,” he remembers.

“But I looked at him and thought,” It’s not a friend. ” He had warmth, vulnerability, innocence and a powerful structure.

For the female lead, Darshan chose on the basis of the intestine. He says, “Uyis did some Punjabi videos. She was not working in films. Thirty seconds to talk to her, I knew that she was one. It’s comfortable,” she says. “And Natasha – he has worked with me first, but I felt that he deserves this particular role. It is a bit unusual, but he fit like a glove.”

Betting on unconventional

For philosophy, the decision to work with new people was not just creative, it was a philosopher. “It is very difficult for a newcomer to get an opportunity today, especially with an established filmmaker,” they note. “Everyone wants to make a film. But is it actually a film? Parameters have changed, business feasibility is everything. But the actual entry is not only on the surface, it is about seeping.”

After wearing several hats in the industry from producer and director to distributor (he has been distributed to more than 500 films), it is their duty to give it back. “I want to share those experiences with this new lot – the new generation.”

Interestingly, ‘Andaz 2’ was not planned as a franchise sequel. “Cinema is not like a proposal -unless you run in a story that demands a triangular love plot and also socially relevant. During Kovid -19, I had time to sit, write, scrap, and this story was then born,” he shared.

The filmmakers are equally excited about music in the film. “It has Nadeem -Shravan’s fame and Sameer Writing songs. This time, we have upgraded the format slightly. People are used for the sound of Nadeem, so the soul is similar, but the presentation has developed.”

‘I make films universally’

Now not a part of the corporate studio system, Darshan believes in being right for its cinematic roots. “I aspire to make my films in this way, because I believe India has a lot. Our subjects should be heart -oriental,” they say. “People ask if my film will work in high-end theaters. I say,” No, my film works universally. ” This is my parameter. ,

He today expresses concern over the widespread difference between actors and filmmakers. “One day I was a newcomer, and those actors believed in me, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Lara, Priyankate, did not even ask what was the subject. This belief in the filmmaker used to be so strong,” he reflects. “Today, Go-Betwens has created a vacuum in communication. I want it to be better.”

Beyond the box office race

At a time when the number of box office often determines the fate of a film, philosophy lies in firm confidence. “A good project is not just about Friday -Shatu -Din -Sunday,” he says insisting. “A film may not be closed on Friday, but it could be completed on Monday. Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit’s Han Conn released a restricted number of cinemas and became the largest blockbuster. She is the most important punishment for a filmmaker in his ability – it is most important.”

“Today, people only look at Friday figures. Yes, a star can give you on Friday – but what about Saturday and Sunday?” He clearly adds.

Andaz 2’is set for release on 8 August.