Govinda's Naughty 40 facing money crunch

Govinda's film Naughty @ 40 is facing money crunch; is being shot in spurts Govinda's Naughty @ 40 directed by Jagmohan Mundhra and produced by Anuj Sharma appears to be quite jinxed. First the film faced problems during the London schedule, then their choice for leading lady Ayesha Takia said no because she was getting married, and while were still looking for a replacement, fresh trouble came in the form of recession. The film industry is facing a financial crunch, and a solo Govinda starrer is not a project anyone is enthusiastic about pouring money into.

Adds a source, "There were rumours that Govinda was being difficult and not giving dates but the fact is they shoot the film as and when the producer gets the money. Now the producer has raised some finance, so Govinda has given three days from December 23-25 for the shooting at SJ Studios in Andheri."

Jagmohan Mundra says, "I wouldn't know whether the producer is facing problems because it's a Govinda starrer but what I do know is that the Indian economic scenario has changed a lot in the last four months. Earlier the corporates would throw money on actors. Now that has backfired, so independent filmmakers who were selling their films to them have got stuck without finances. Satellite rights have also gone down. One can feel the palpable financial crunch in the film industry."

Mundra adds that Naughty @ 40 didn't get stalled because of Govinda. "Govinda is very keen to complete the film. In fact, every time we edit the rushes, he comes to sit for the edit. My producer is facing financial difficulties because of the liquidity crunch. After the July schedule in London, we were to have a schedule in Punjab which got cancelled. As and when we get money, we shoot the film."

Anuj Sharma denies that there are no buyers for Govinda. "There's no problem about that. Govinda has given us his full support and is even willing to adjust his price according to the budget. After our shoot in Mumbai, we will go to Manali and Chandigarh on January 2 and complete the shooting." Naughty @ 40 is loosely inspired by the Hollywood comedy The 40 Year Old Virgin.