Director Rohit Shetty laughs when Sooryavanshi is compared with Avengers and says that his films have an ever-expanding universe, without a suspense. By Team Viva

The Golmaal series has gained high popularity among the audience over the years that it is now being turned into a cartoon series. This must be a huge compliment for you...

Rohit: Yes, it makes me very happy. When we started Golmaal, I didn’t expect that a second part would be made. We started in 2005 and now it has been 14 years of the Golmaal journey. It has become a household brand and now I feel that the brand belongs to the audience and we just work towards reinforcing it. The cartoon series is a new journey. When the idea of animation came by, it was great. Here, there would be same characters and traits but different stories.

If we speak about animation, Indian characters are very limited, most of them are from overseas...

The growth will happen gradually. Whether it’s our country or television and digital medium, it will take time. When television picks up more pace and we have more reach through channels, then we will have more animation. We still have many famous characters.

Who is your target audience?

When films like Golmaal were made, I never felt that kids would like Singham or Simmba, especially the former because it was an action film. But parents started reaching out and letting us know of their kids’ love for the film. That’s when we made Golmaal Again, where we targeted families and children. Films and television contribute to the popularity of our franchise. Whatever we do, it feels like a responsibility now. We sub-consciously make an effort to ensure kids watch the film.

Of all your films, which is your son’s favourite?

He likes all the films I make. When he was young he used to like all the action films I did and would try to imitate them with toy cars at home.

You’ve made Singham, Simmba and now Sooryavanshi is on the floors. Is this the ‘desi’ Avengers in the making?

In today’s social media world, if a person speaks his mind, he might get into trouble. If I say, I am making something like Avengers, I would be grilled. Comparing us to Avengers is no less than a joke. But we are trying to create our own world and are open to it. There is no suspense. We are creating our own universe. During Simmba, I was a bit afraid because it was the first time Singham would meet Simmba and I didn’t know how people would react to it. It was big. However, we are just expanding that universe now.

What impact did action films have on you during your childhood?

My father was in the film industry and an action director. So, it has always been my background. If I ask my son about his future goals, he would say that he wants to be in films. He is just 13. When I was 16, I was an assistant director. The impact stayed with me because of my father. Many people question me about when did I decide to become a director. However, I am unaware of the truth. I always wanted to be a director.

How has your mother inspired you?

Even my mother was a stunt woman. That’s how my parents met each other. I had a fantastic upbringing, always surrounded by a work culture. Honesty and integrity is what I’ve learnt from them. Even Ajay Devgn, who is such a big star today, has the same level of sincerity. For instance, I have missed a flight or two in my career but he hasn’t missed a single flight. I’ve been lucky that I’ve had such people around me.

My mother is a strong woman. She has taught me honesty and how to give 100 per cent, whether its professional or personal.

What are your favourite cartoons and comic books?

I like Tom and Jerry. And Tintin was my favourite comic because the animation was excellent. It makes me nostalgic.

We felt that Kiran Bedi would be a perfect police woman for a biopic...

Usually, people start with writing a great script and then make the film. With me its the other way round. First, I need to think of a film, judge whether people will like it or not and then jump into it and make a script out of it. We will definitely plan to make a film on a lady cop.

You usually release one film every year. Will you continue with the same pace even after Sooryavanshi?

It has been only four days since we commenced its shoot. At the most, I take a break only for a month or two. I love working and making films. I don’t remember a day when I got up and felt like I shouldn’t work. It has never happened with me.  Even after starting the work early in the morning and then looking at other things till late in the night, I would still go back to shoot tomorrow at the same time. But I feel that only a few directors are loved by kids. So I am privileged that way and feel that I have to put my best.

When will the second schedule begin?

The current schedule is till June 30. We’ll go to Bangkok then Hyderabad.

Do you think animation will be accepted more now?

If there is a great story and good technique, it will do really well. We are a young company when it comes to animation. We did Little Singham last year and now it’s Golmaal Juniors. We will wait for the response to see how it goes.

(The series airs every Monday to Friday at 1.30 pm on Sonic.)