What made you take up Toonpur Ka Superhero?
Actually speaking, I have always wanted to come to India. It has been my long lost dream to come to this place. I wanted to experience the energy and vibrancy that this place is known for, so when I got an opportunity I wanted to take it up and here I am!
Considering this is the first live action animation film that is going to be made in Bollywood, weren’t you apprehensive about doing the film?
Not at all, really! I am glad to be a part of this project. I know it is the first film of this kind but that gives me all the more reason to give it my best shot. I want everyone to watch this film and sit up and take notice. The whole crew here is very fantastic.
Did you face any problems during the shoot?
Well, initially, I thought that language would be a major problem but thankfully all the people I have to interact with on the sets are fluent in English. So that got solved. Besides that nothing! Ah well.. the food here is really spicy and we all have got used to this food now. I wonder how I am going to manage to eat bland food once I am back home.
Did you have to bring in some kind of special equipment for the stunts from America?
Yes. Of course, we brought along truckloads of equipments that we use in Hollywood. To be specific they are known as Manual Hydraulic equipment which is used to pick up a certain object and take it up to a height of 20 to 30 meters and then land it at the same place, exactly each time you use it. There is no scope for error at all which makes it a really important and reliable machine.
Did Ajay Devgan have to undergo any kind of special training for performing these stunts?
Yes, he had to undergo rigorous training and had to be physically fit to be able to perform these stunts, not to forget the mental fitness required to do them. One advantage was that I knew Ajay’s background and had seen some stunt scenes that he had done for his films before. So I knew what I wanted from him. He had been out of the action scene for quite some time hence getting him back to the groove took a bit of time. The first week was very hectic for him but after that he has been splendid.
What about Kajol? Was it difficult with her?
Well, Kajol always reminds me of Julia Roberts. Julia hates these action stunt scenes where she has a lot of jumping to do. Kajol is like that. She has to be really coaxed into doing the stunts because she is scared of heights and we had executed the stunts really slowly.
In a way they both remind me of my wife, Morgan Brittany because even she hates these scenes. She is more of the love story films type of a person.
Have you done any prior work in animation?
Well yes, I have done animated shows before so I am pretty much in sync with the world of animation. You cannot make an animated film unless you know the characters. You have to understand the character in order to know why each character will be animated and how. Every action needs minute details if it has to be animated.
How different is Bollywood from Hollywood?
One of the major problems I thought we would face was with the type of machine used here in India. Back there in America everything is handled automatically and we have machines for picking up heavy equipments. Here everything is done manually. But you know what, I have realised that it is more convenient and quicker this way!
Why do you think will the film click with the audience?
To begin with it is an interesting concept with brilliant stunts. The innovative quotient in the film will draw the audiences. Moreover we have worked really hard on it so I am quite positive that way! Also we have changed the opening sequence of the film to make it more impactful and we have done something that even Hollywood hasn’t yet seen so you will have to wait and watch!
What safety precautions do you’ll take while performing the stunts?
We ensure that everything is in place and the minutest of details are taken into consideration while we are filming a particular scene. We always have a back-up plan ready and we think of all the possible things that could go wrong so that way we are prepared. And thankfully we have never had any such mishaps while shooting!
Finally, do you think the action scene in India has improved?
Definitely! It has undergone a lot of change. It has become more sophisticated and polished with so many action-oriented films releasing every year. Action is breaking into Bollywood and this film can surely reach the heights of a Hollywood action flick.
What are your future projects? Any plans to choreograph another Bollywood film?
Well, I got to go back to America after this schedule because I am doing Wild Hogs 2. I am planning to come back to India to work on another film but let’s hope it all work out well. I would love to do another film though.
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