Abhay Deol: I cannot relate to mainstream cinema because it is larger than life

It wasn't Abhay Deol's first visit to the city but the actor-producer seemed completely in awe of Lucknow, as if he was visiting it for the first time. Here on Saturday for the International Children's Film Festival, Abhay was floored by the 'amazing roads' here. 'In Mumbai there are tall buildings, bad roads, all congested and suddenly I am in a city like Lucknow where I can breathe,' he said before we moved on to talking about other things. However, 'Happy Bhaag Jayegi', his next release, is not something Abhay is very forthcoming about.'I am not going to say too much about my character in the film, as I don't know what the producers want to convey to the audience yet,' he says candidly.
Now that you are producing films, do you wish to shoot in UP, which seems to be Bollywood's current favourite shooting destination?
I read about UP being one of the most shoot-friendly states in the country recently, after the National Awards, and I wasn't actually aware of it before that. In fact, I was presently surprised to know about it. Obviously, for a filmmaker it helps to have less red tape, it helps to have a film-friendly government. It is very difficult to make movies as there is a lot of money at stake. With help and cooperation, it makes the process easier and efficient. As far as Lucknow as a city is concerned, the culture is already there, the history is already there, the monuments are also there, now there is the government doing its bit to make it shoot friendly... it then just lets you make the most of all this. I would actually now like to shoot in UP. In fact, that was the first thing that came to my mind after reading about it in the newspapers.
Abhay Deol, Diana Penty go traditional in 'Happy Bhaag Jayegi'
Apart from 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara', you have been part of dark comedies/off-beat cinema such as 'Dev D', 'Oye Lucky Lucky Oye' and 'Ek Chaalis Ki Last Local'. Has that been a conscious decision?
Happy' is also a commercial, mainstream film. And well, I am not stubborn about my (choice of) films, but yes, I am very choosy. I am very particular about the kinds of films that I want to do. So, it is just about what you feel most connected to, what you can relate to, that defines my choice for films. I don't think I can necessarily relate to mainstream cinema as such because it is so larger than life. When I get scripts that kind of entertain you but are still rooted to reality, I like doing such movies. For example, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was a commercial film that was relatable as well. Typical mainstream formula tends to be quite alienating for me because it is predictable and larger than life.
So a Karan Johar movie would not be your cup of tea?
It is not like it wouldn't! I believe that as an artiste if I can relate to my movies, there is scope for me to add my bit to the role. However, it is these larger-than-life movies and not off-beat cinema which enters the 100 crore club in Bollywood' I mean, you obviously want your films to make money, why would you not? But there are certain things that you need to fulfil, say like a check-list before doing a film. Not every film can reach 100 crores not because it is not good enough, but because if there is something which is not considered mainstream, you will not get enough screens for it. So you will only make the amount of money in proportion to the screens offered to you. Then you have to make a choice ' whether you want to do a formula-driven film and reach the 100 crore club or do a non-formula driven film and get lesser screens.
After acting and then producing films, is direction the next step for you?
Not as of now. I am waiting for the time when I feel comfortable and confident about directing. So when the two thoughts come together on the same plane, I will direct as well.
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