Film Industry: Son Of Sardaar producer to collaborate with South Indian hit director

Son Of Sardaar producer to collaborate with South Indian hit director

NR Pachisia will be remaking two superhits with Puri Jagannadh this year

After the success of Son Of Sardaar (SOS) with Ajay Devgn, producer NR Pachisia is planning to make two films this year. South director Puri Jagannadh will helm both the projects. For the uninitiated, Jagannadh is the director of Telugu super hit Pokiri (2006), which starred Mahesh Babu (the movie was remade in Hindi as Wanted with Salman Khan). He has also directed Amitabh Bachchan in Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap (2011).
With Pachisia, Jagannadh is remaking one of his cult films, which had become a huge hit in four South Indian languages. The team will also remake Malayalam sleeper hit Rajamanikyam (2005), which starred Mammootty, under the banner of Vishant Audio Visuals Pvt. Ltd. Excerpts from an interview with Pachisia.
Has SOS strengthened your faith in remakes? More than faith, it’s about likes and dislikes. If I don’t really like a subject, I won’t be able to make a film with conviction. When I met Puri to discuss the kind of films we could collaborate on, he suggested this ‘cult’ film. I liked the subject and so, we locked it in.
And why a remake of Rajamanikyam? Sometimes, things fall into place perfectly. Rajamanikyam is one of the highest earners starring Mammootty. You can never tell what will work at the box office and what won’t. At times, you feel edgy; ki kaise hoga. I haven’t done many remakes. Years ago, I did Khuddar with Govinda. After that, SOS is my only remake.
How come you’re making two films with Puri Jagannadh? Puri is one of the most highly rated directors in South. He can make a great commercial film. Having met him, I’ve understood that he’s character-driven. His cult film was remade in three other languages and they all became big hits. And don’t forget, he’s the director of Pokiri.
What about the cast? Will Ajay Devgn feature in at least one of the films? The subject of the cult film demands a young heart-throb. We’ll decide on casting after Puri returns from Spain later this month. As for the remake of Rajamanikyam, we’ll be signing on a bigger star. It’s not right on my part to mention names until things are finalised.