Keeping it Simple

Since this was your debut film, was there any pressure to make a film that should be a blockbuster? What kind of feedback did you receive for the film?

The only pressure was to stay true to my promise to Karan Johar and that was to deliver a good product—something that I had promised him at the scripting stage. He trusted me with the project and I had to ensure that I don’t let him down and make a better film than what was on paper.
Nobody can predict what’s going to happen at the box-office. I had to translate the simplicity of the story on to the screen. I think, we managed to do that. The one consistent response that we have received is that it’s a very simple story. People have enjoyed the dialogues and the performances too. So, as a team we are proud of our film.

To what would you contribute to the success of Humpty Sharma…

I think both Varun (Dhawan) and Alia (Bhatt) are major reasons for the film’s success. They have contributed immensely to create the initial buzz for the film and getting the audience into the theatres in the first two days. It is only after the crucial opening, that the film starts speaking for itself. Having said that, every member of the team has also contributed to the film’s success.
Also, in India, music is a major contributor to the film’s success. We Indians are very emotional about music and I feel Saturday Saturday and Samjhawan helped in getting us the required opening. Take for instance, Ek Villain; the music of the film has contributed humongously to the success of the film.

Humpty… has been compared with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. What do you have to say to that?

Let me first of all say that DDLJ is a classic romance that touched our hearts in a big way. As a fan, we wanted to pay an ode in a very simple way. I don’t think there can be any comparison between the two films. DDLJ still remains my most favourite movie.

Will your next also be another quirky romance?

I have discussed a few ideas with Karan, but there is nothing concrete so far. Abhi toh ek hi hafta hua hain Humpty… ko release hoke. I have yet to start writing and see which story clicks.

farida.khanzada@expressindia.com