RGV's Zabardast

By: Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Ramgopal Varma has never bowed to market diktats. The subject material of his films is offbeat most of the times. Even when it comes to casting, RGV has never chased stars. He has created them. He cast Fardeen Khan in Jungle after Prem Aggan failed at the box-office. He cast a relatively new actor, Manoj Bajpai, in Daud first and Satya later. Stars like Aftab Shivdasani [Mast], Vivek Oberoi [Company], Randeep Hooda [D] and Mohit Ahlawat [James] are RGV's discoveries.

Now RGV has cast Rakesh Nath's [Rikku] son Karan in his new project, titled Zabardast. Starting as a child artist in MR. India, Karan enacted lead roles in Paagalpan, Yeh Dil Aashiqana, SSSSHHH and Tum. With Zabardast, Karan reappears on the screen with renewed vigor. Directed by Prawal Raman, who directed Darna Mana Hai, Gayab and a segment in Darna Zaroori Hai, the film has already completed a 10-day shooting schedule.

Reportedly, the makers were keen to call the film Boxer initially. Is it based on the life of a boxer? "That was a working title. Its Zabardast now," Prawal clarifies, "Zabardast has nothing to do with boxing. All I can divulge at this juncture is that it's a love story woven with thrills and light moments."

Co-starring in Zabardast are Nisha Kothari, Ninad Kamat, Ishrat Ali and Sharat Saxena. The film should hit the screens in September.