The last time the two worked together was also the first time. Barfi happened because of Ranbir Kapoor and Anurag Basu’s sheer dedication. The two are back together with the musical thriller ride Jagga Jasoos.
Jagga Jasoos will also feature Ranbir in the credit roll as producer. “I’m just a namesake producer. It’s actually Anurag who has produced the film. My name is there only because it probably brings some value to the project, which in turn might swing financers to invest some money into the project. I can’t call myself a producer.”
The bonhomie and camaraderie the two bring together are evident at Disney’s office where there is a bevy of TV channels to interview them. While Barfi and Jagga Jasoos are feel-good films, it becomes important to know how Anurag helms the ambience on the sets of a film. Ranbir explains, “There’s laughter all around and someone keeps playing pranks on others. Great food is guaranteed on the sets of any Anurag Basu film. But one thing that really defines his set is chaos. There is chaos all around and nothing is proper. It seems more like a fun place than a work place.”
It also seems that Anurag has cracked a success formula for his films—he shoots the climax first. He did it for Barfi and for Jagga Jasoos. Anurag thinks shooting the climax gives him the confidence that the foundation of the film cannot be shaken. He is known for working without a script. “People often say this, but it’s simply not possible to shoot a film without a screenplay.
There’s a graph attached to every film, and you have to follow a pattern. The script is definitely there; it’s either there in your head or on paper.”
Not long ago, Ranbir had a different onscreen body language after the debacle of Besharam, Bombay Velvet and Tamasha, but last Diwali, Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil changed the equation. Today, he is chirpy, bubbling with confidence. “I’m only trying to be the best version of myself. I believe in karma and want good for the world. The changes that you are seeing in me are because of my failures, not because of my success. My current existence is to be an actor and all my focus is on that.”
While the shooting of Jagga Jasoos was marred by delays, the initial days of the shoot were also in the news because of alleged separation between its lead casts. Ranbir says there was a lot of excitement about this film when it went on floors, and that lead to rumours. It also gave the cast a sort of energy to ensure that the curiosity level of people is matched.
Anurag vouches for the chemistry between Ranbir and Katrina Kaif. “Katrina has been amazing in the film. Both Ranbir and Katrina compliment each other. They gave each other lots of space while on the sets. It’s very difficult for actors to be consistent when a film is in the making for long. They could have easily lost their interest in the film, but that didn’t happen.”
A lot will be at stake when the film hits theatres on July 14, but if the trailer is any indication, they already have a winner.