Bailed out after a decade - <i>Zamaanat</i>

By: Reshma Kelkar, IndiaFM
Monday, October 16, 2006
After being delayed for more than a decade, the Amitabh Bachchan - Arshad Warsi starrer Zamaanat will finally and hopefully reach the theatres this year. However director S. Ramaanathan (who earlier directed Amitabh in films like Bombay To Goa and Mahaan) has no qualms about its delay. Though the film lacks in publicity, Ramaanathan has faith in his work. "I have expectations from each film of mine and from Zamaanat as well", responds the filmmaker positively. Raamanathan is excited that his film will finally be out. "I was late in my school and college. I am not amazed by the delay in the release of Zamaanat as everything has happened late in my life and so has this film. So many things happen without reasons. It was destined to be delayed. But nobody is responsible for it as some things happen for good and you will come to know about it while watching my film."

Talking about the star value of his film he says, "I had signed Arshad in 1996 when he was a new entrant and less known in the industry. But I am happy now that Arshad has proved himself and is recognized as a talented actor today."

Arshad, however, takes Ramaanathan's compliment very modestly. "He is emotionally attached to this film. I had signed this film soon after my first film Tere Mere Sapne. I was going through a rough patch of my career that time. Raamnathan showed faith in me and signed me as the lead. I will be always thankful to him for giving me an opportunity to work with him. The film has been delayed and releasing after some year's gap, but it hardly makes any difference to me or my career. I have done my work but rest is on the audience."

Ramaanathan reverts, "I have not done any favour on Arshad. Rather he is too talented and deserves more than he expects. I will not blame anyone for the delay. I believe the past should be remembered for good things."

It can be recalled that the film was recently in news when Big B bought an expensive pair of glares for this film. Clarifying the facts about that news he says, "Yes the whole thing was presented in spicy news format. Mr Bachchan bought it to make my work easy. Now it's with me as he gave it to me after that. No big deal!"

Despite the decade long delay in its making and release, Ramaanathan has the goodwill of stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Arshad Warsi who have agreed to promote the film. It might be recalled that when Ramaanathan had signed them for his film a decade back, both the stars were not in the best phase of their career. However both of them are at the peak of their career today.

Surprisingly someone who is less popular today is allegedly not promoting the film. It is believed that the leading lady of the film Karisma Kapoor is not so keen to promote the movie. But Raamanathan has no issues with that. "I tried calling her and also spoke to her secretary, who informed me that she is there in Mumbai. I can attempt to do whatever is in my hands", says the director without sounding outright disappointed.

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