The actor feels that that there is nothing wrong in delays, reshoots per se as eventually it is all done for the greater good of any film.

By Mayur Lookhar

2022 could be the year of Ranbir Kapoor. A marriage, followed by Alia Bhatt and Kapoor expecting their first child. Bhatt’s already earned praise for Gangubai Kathiawadi [2022] while there could be double delight for Kapoor as he has two major releases lined up this year. First up is Shamshera [2022] that releases on 22 July, while six weeks later, Brahmastra: Part One [2022] is set to be released on 9 September.

Directed by Ayan Mukerji, Brahmastra will be a three-part fantasy-adventure action drama that draws its roots from ancient Hindu mythology. Kapoor plays the leading role of Shiva. The trailer was launched on 15 June, and it has evoked mixed views.

First announced in 2013, Brahmastra has taken eight long years to arrive. The film has been shot in multiple locations with Baahubali writer K.V. Vijayendra Prasad also being consulted at a later stage.

Delayed projects are not new to Kapoor. If one recalls, though not as long as Brahmastra, but Jagga Jasoos [2017], too, had its delays, reshoots. Kapoor acted in and also co-produced the Anurag Basu directorial. History hasn’t been too kind to delayed films/projects.

During a group interview for Shamshera [2022] yesterday [9 July], Kapoor was asked about the long delay in Brahmastra.

“When a film is delayed, it has many factors attached to it. I’m not the director, but just an actor. So, I’m an employed talent on the film where I’m told by the director that you have to reach the sets at this time. This is what we are shooting today,” said Kapoor.

He adds, “With regards to delay in Brahmastra, when we started the film, we were not prepared for the animal that it was. It had too much of special effects. So, we didn’t expect that. We were learning as we were making it. But the intention for every film of mine, whether I’ve produced or not, is to make it to the best of its capability,”

The Brahmastra actor assured all that the delays were not due to any lackadaisical attitude on part of anyone. He looked at the brighter side of delays, reshoots.

“Delays mean that… [pauses] lot of reshoots happen sometimes. There is nothing wrong in reshooting.  Eventually, audience is going to see the end product. Whether you’ve shot for 102 days, 140 days or just 40, what it is important is that you have a good product,” said an optimistic Kapoor.

The 40-year-old actor underlined how Shamshera was shot for 140 days but there was not a single reshoot. Be it Shamshera or Brahmastra, Kapoor was considerate of both his producers [YRF, Dharma Productions], who were always aware of where their money was being spent.  

“It is not that that we were free to make a Mughal-e-Azam [1965],” says Kapoor “Brahmastra has been delayed for many reasons. But I’m hoping that the film has its merits, when it releases. The audiences don’t see the delay. They just see the final product. Delays do test your patience, but it is not in my hand. I ‘m not the kind of actor who puts a gun to a director’s head, and says that I’ve only got these dates.”

In the end, Kapoor felt it was all done for the greater good of the film. The actor simply likes the process of creating and making a film to the best of its capability.

Brahmastra [2022] stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan in leading roles.