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We check in with Bol Bachchan director Rohit Shetty to talk about filmmaking and the success of his latest comedy

WITH BOL BACHCHAN closing in on the latest trend for Bollywood films – grossing 100 crore rupees – and Abhishek bachchan finally getting the plaudits he deserves, we caught up with director Rohit Shetty to find out his view on the commercial success and his take on the art of creating cinema.

Why do you think so many people have been coming to see Bol Bachchan?

I think because it’s a very funny film. The canvas is huge. There is a lot of action in the film, but the premise is very simple. Family entertainers work in a big way all over the world. You can come with the kids, or your grandparents and those are the films I like to make.

Don’t you find working in broad genres a bit limiting?

The response I get from my audience is positive because I always make films that target them. I have been making family films for many years and I don’t see any reason to change. When people come to my movies it is like a picnic! It’s difficult to make everyone happy, but I try my level best.

Was this type of movie always your calling?

I started when I was 15 and it has been 20 years now! Most people expected me to follow in my dad’s footsteps and do action. That’s how I was brought up. But instead of just discussing action he taught me how to appreciate all films. I saw my father as a hero with this adventurous job and I wanted to be like him. I initially wanted to do action, and have done a couple,  but comedy entered my life and I have a strength for that.

So, are you a funny person?

Depends on the situation. Not always. Sometimes I get too snappy.

What is the one factor that makes you take on a film project?

I should always feel happy with what I’m doing. I don’t have an agenda but it comes from the scripts I read and how I feel at the time. I could make eight comedies in a row. I don’t know how it will go. If I enjoy it then the audience would be happy watching it.

Would you be tempted by experimental cinema ever?

It just has to excite me. You can’t plan a film. It should come from within. If there is a script that would only lend itself to a small film, then as long as I feel excited about the project then I wouldn’t think twice about doing it

Yourself, Abhishek and Ajay Devgn all know each other well. How was it welcoming two new people in Asin and Prachi Desai on set?

You always connect with new people on a film. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. It takes a little time to gel and it takes a little time for new people to get into character. With friends I know they will be able to lay the role instantly, but with new friends it takes them a while because everyone does so many films. Every director has a different ambience around the set and that matters to the actor.

What is the on-set atmosphere you create like?

My ambience is very relaxed. It’s like a family working together. I have not changed my crew in the last eight films. It’s also an open door policy. Anyone has the right to come to me with their opinion. If they think I am going wrong, I want them to point it out and it works for me. We are making a film, but it’s not like we’re making a nuclear bomb. Let’s be a little laid back about it and that attitude has always worked for me.