Ram Gopal Varma on his bittersweet bond with Manoj Bajpayee: “I don’t think Satya would have been the film it is if we hadn’t argued” – Exclusive |
In the world of cinema, few collaborations spark as much intrigue as that between director Ram Gopal Varma and actor Manoj Bajpayee. Their previous partnership on the iconic film ‘Satya’ not only redefined the crime genre in Indian cinema but also gave rise to a legendary creative tension that continues to be talked about. After years of ups and downs, the duo is set to reunite for their latest venture, ‘Police Station Mein Bhoot,’ a unique horror-comedy that promises to showcase their evolving artistry. In a recent conversation with us, Ram Gopal Varma reflects on their tumultuous history, the excitement of their new project, and more.
When asked, finally, if he and Manoj have kissed and made up, the filmmaker replied, “Ask me this question after the shooting is over, whether we are still on talking terms.”
Further, weighing on how their fights during and after Satya, Ram Gopal Varma added, “It’s bound to happen when two creative people join hands. Neither will remain quiet when he wants to speak. I don’t think Satya would have been the film it is if we hadn’t argued.”
Reconciliation between Ram Gopal Varma and Manoj Bajpayee
“I think it was at the screening of Satya when it completed twenty-five years. That’s when we decided we must work together again,” shared the filmmaker, shedding light on his current dynamics with the actor.
Further, when asked what difference he sees in Manoj from ‘Satya’ and Manoj from today, RGV shared, “He has grown tremendously. But that hunger to excel remains.”
‘Police Station Mein Bhoot’
Speaking about their upcoming collaboration, ‘Police Station Mein Bhoot,’ Ram Gopal Varma said, “It is a horror-comedy. I have written it. Manoj plays a cop who accidentally kills a criminal who comes back to haunt him as a ghost. The idea is, where does the cop hide when he is pursued by a criminal?”
“Let’s see if the audience finds it funny. This is a new genre for both me and Manoj. We start shooting in June,” he concluded.
