EXCLUSIVE! Anand Pandit Talks About Fakt Purusho Maate, Working Experiences With Big B, Abhishek & More

Anand Pandit Exclusive Interview On Fakt Purusho Maate: What happens when patriarch resurfaces from the afterlife to disrupt his grandson's nuptials with his ladylove? Veteran Bollywood producer Anand Pandit is all set to entertain the audience, delving into the world of patriarchy, with his upcoming production venture, Fakt Purusho Maate, releasing in cinemas this Friday. For those unversed, this comedy fantasy-drama is a sequel to his blockbuster 2022 film, 'Fakt Mahilao Mate'.

During an exclusive chat with Filmibeat, producer Anand Pandit opened up on his next release 'Fakt Purusho Maate', working experiences with Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and more.

Excerpts from the interview:

1) You have worked as a producer with both Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan. What do you think is the one quality that sets them apart as actors?

Amit ji is a formidable institution and his contribution to Indian cinema as a consummate entertainer and powerhouse performer cannot be equalled. I feel Abhishek has inherited his professionalism, humility, punctuality and intense dedication to his craft. Abhishek underplays his talent though. He is an actor who internalises a lot. His performances grow upon you. I feel he has not been given his due but anyone who has worked with him wants to work with him again. Mani Ratnam, I think, did complete justice to his talent by giving him three completely different roles in 'Yuva', 'Guru' and 'Raavan.' It was a great pleasure to work with him on 'The Big Bull.' He has a certain ease and versatility that allows him to seamlessly transition between different genres. As far as Amit ji is concerned, I cannot imagine any project without his towering presence. His journey as an actor through the decades is a master class in personal and professional excellence.

2) As a producer known for backing regional cinemas of varied genres, what attracts you to explore stories and talent beyond the Hindi film industry?

I have said this before and will say it again. We are no longer divided in Hindi and regional industries. We are living in an era where the Indian film industry is emerging as a composite entity. Indian films no longer exist in regional silos. They have transcended language barriers and now offer us a rich tapestry of cultural narratives and diverse artistic expressions. The definition of mainstream cinema is now being stretched and I definitely want to be a part of this shift. I have produced films in Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati and this slate is going to expand every year as each language has its own wealth of narratives and unique talent pools. I definitely want to provide a platform for emerging talent and offer the audiences fresh and engaging content from different parts of the country.

3) Given Amitabh Bachchan's iconic status in Indian cinema, what do you think his presence and performance will bring to this Gujarati film?

Amitabh Bachchan's presence in any film adds a certain magic and gravitas to it. I will never forget the audience reaction in theatres when he appeared on the screen for the first time in 'Fakt Mahilao Maate'. The fact that he is appearing in the sequel 'Fakt Purusho Maate' has also led to a great deal of excitement. He is a star with a global following so obviously his presence will expand the reach of the film and win over a broader audience that may not typically watch Gujarati cinema.It's an honor to have him on board, and his contribution will make this film a landmark in Gujarati cinema.

4) With the movie planned for release around Janmashtami 2024, what are your hopes for how the audience will receive it, especially with Amitabh Bachchan being part of it?

'Fakt Mahilao Maate' struck a chord with the family audiences as well as the youth. It spoke of gender sensitivity, of mutual respect within a family unit and listening to women with empathy. This film is about what goes on in a man's head and how patriarchy tries to control young people and their choices. The starcast is incredible and we have none other than Amitabh Bachchan once again appearing in a surprising cameo. We believe the film's unique blend of comedy, social commentary, and stellar performances will click just as 'Fakt Mahilao Maate' did in 2022.

5) Following the success of 'Fakt Mahilao Maate,' what inspired you to make its sequel focusing on patriarchy?

Vaishal and I have always wanted to make films that resonate with family audiences and bring them back to the theatres. Both of us also want to make meaningful cinema that has something important to say. The success of 'Fakt Mahilao Maate' confirmed that we were on the right path. The decision to make a sequel focused on patriarchy stemmed from our desire to continue the conversation around gender equality. The obsession with a male heir and the need to control the young, as I said before, is deeply ingrained and we felt that comedy was a perfect vehicle to address these issues.