‘I DON’T CAST ACTORS FOR COMMERCIAL VIABILITY’
Filmmaker Mohit Suri is strictly against nepotism and insists he casts actors on the basis of merit and suitability for a role. The director opened up on why he chose Aditya Roy Kapur as a leading man for his upcoming film Malang, despite the fact that the actor’s last few films have bombed.
“Without sounding pompous, I’d like to mention that I have never really cast an actor for his commercial viability. As long as he or she fits my role, I cast them. I had cast Aditya in Aashiqui 2 (2013), before which he had done character roles in a couple of films but not a lead role. When I met him, I felt he’d be perfect for Aashiqui 2,” says Suri, adding, “For Malang, I felt he is capable of doing this kind of a role, where he will grow from a hippie to a hero. Also, I come from Mahesh Bhatt’s school. We make films based on who is right for the role and not because someone is somebody’s son or daughter.”
Talking about the romantic action-thriller, he says, “It’s a story about four characters from different backgrounds. They have a different interpretation of the word, malang — which essentially refers to a man who stays by himself, who is not connected to worldly rules, regulations, law and order.”
Mohit’s films are known for a songs that touch one’s soul. His earlier films such as Kalyug (2005), Woh Lamhe (2006) and Aashiqui 2, among others have all had blockbuster songs. The director explained the music of his latest film is different from previous ones. “When I started my career, I did not have big stars and a big budget to make films. So, our survival strategy was that we should focus on music in a way that it is able to impress people even in a single promo. In Aashiqui 2, I worked on the music first and then selected the cast,” he revealed.