Abbas - Mustan return with Naqaab

Director duo Abbas-Mastan is back in action with Naqaab. This their first film after a long time and their last movie was 36 China Town. We had a talk with this duo about their forthcoming films and more.

How different is Naqaab from other thriller films?
A: Very different. Through this film we are going to present the three characters under wraps. After you watch the film will you know as to why the film has been named Naqaab. Many people have said that it is similar to Humraaz because both Akshay and Bobby have been retained in the film, but it is not so. All that we want people to do is go and watch the film before passing any judgment on it.

What lead to the decision of making Naqaab?
A: We know Ramesh Taurani from the time of Soldier. Before making Race we had a time of four months. That was the time when Ramesh came with the script of Naqaab. We liked the script a lot and the only two names that struck in our mind were Akshay Khanna and Bobby Deol. Luckily for us, even they were available at that time.

Any particular reason for casting newcomer Urvashi Sharma?
A: Actually, we wanted to cast an actress who does not have a particular image in the industry. We wanted someone fresh. Rameshji suggested Urvashi's name and when we met her, she fitted in to the role perfectly. Earlier, Urvashi has worked with singers Atif Aslam and Mika in their music album. Rameshji was all praises for Urvashi, but it is not Rameshji's praises that got her the film, it was her talent. Akshay and Bobby lent full support to her.

Himesh composed the music for your last film. This time it is Pritam.
A: We have always tried to provide the latest trend of music to our viewers. During 'Baazigar' Anu Malik was popular, so we used him. During 36 China Town Himesh was a hit. This time it is Pritam. We do not know too much about music, but we hope that this time too we do something different.

Any experience that you would like to share with us?
A: There was a scene where Urvashi was to ride a speed boat. When we asked her if she could ride a speed boat, she assured us that she could. So when the shot was to be taken, she sat confidently on the boat. But the truth was that she did not know how to ride a speed boat. When the cameras rolled, she went out of frame. She looked frightened, but managed to keep smiling thinking the camera was focusing on her. When we asked her again she revealed the truth. She said she had thought we would scold her so she has told lies.

Will you be missing Jonny Lever since he had been there in all your previous films?
A: Actually, there was no such role in this film, which would suit Jonny Lever so we did not cast him. Yes, we are missing him a lot especially because he had been a part of all our other films.

Are you in favour of remakes and sequels?
A: Why should we remake a film? The films which were made during those times cannot be remade. Yes, we could make sequels. If we get a change we could make a sequel of Baazigar and Badshah and probably call them Baazigar 2 and Badshah 2.

Abbas-Mustan are two people. Have there ever been clashes of opinion?
A: We have been asked this question time and again. We have never had any clashes of opinion and for the times that we have had, it only lasted till the time we reached on a mutual decision. Once things are finalized, we never crib over it.

You have always made thriller films. Why?
A: It is not so. We have also made a few comic thriller films and 'Baadshah' would be an example for that. What to do, now people come to us with thriller film. If someone comes to us with a good
comedy or romantic script then we will also work on them.