Many a times message oriented films tend to get extremely preachy and tend to be categorized as being arty. Making the film entertaining and at the same time putting across the message is a director’s skill. Well director Raj Kumar Santoshi who is known for his message oriented films definitely poses this skill. Anger is always predominant in his films. The characters in his film always stand up for their rights and fights against injustice, may it be a frustrated Sunny Deol in Ghayal or a wronged Meenakshi Sheshadari in Damini or a rebellious Ajay Devgan in The Legend of Bhagat Singh – all of his characters have expressed themselves with extreme and strong emotions. And now Raj Kumar Santoshi is ready with his next project Halla Bol and the title says it all. Like all Santoshi films this one too is a film based on struggle, injustice and gives out a strong message. We at Indiatimes spoke to this talented director and found out more about the film
Halla Bol which is predominantly used as a war cry is the title of Rajkumar Santoshi’s film. So what made the director use it as the title of the film? “It signifies the fact that when one feels something is wrong one should stand up and raise their voice”, says Santoshi. Even if we live in an over populated city many a times we feel lonely. We as citizens should raise our voice and bring about the change. The problem is that we follow the divide and rule policy. We always tend to fight in groups. It is important to come together and fight for the injustice. And Halla Bol is a call to stand up and fight.
A lot of thought seems to have gone into deciding the title which makes us even more intrigued to know what the film is all about. The director adds, “ Halla Bol is about today. The film doesn’t only deal with corruption but also with ones consciousness. The film is about how a star comes out and raises a voice against injustice which is not quite easy for the actor knowing that he is a big star”.
The star in the film is played by Ajay Devgan who has been a favourite of Raj Kumar Santoshi. The duo have worked together in several films including Lajja, The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Khakee, Insan and London Dreams (which is currently on hold). “Ajay is a very good friend of mine. He is a versatile actor and merges into any role given to him as his persona suits every kind of a role”, explains Santoshi.
Vidya Balan plays Ajay Devgan’s wife in the film. So what made Santoshi cast Vidya for the film? “We chose Vidya because we wanted someone who doesn’t look like a star and Vidya fitted the character perfectly.” Another actor who will be seen along with Vidya and Ajay is Pankaj Kapoor who is playing the role of a reformed dacoit turned street theatre artist who brings about awakening amongst the masses through his plays. According to Santoshi, Pankaj was the right choice for the role “Pankaj is a very popular actor. He has a background of street theatre which was a plus point. So we thought that he would be perfect for the role.”
Being a message oriented film, does Halla Bol tends to get preachy at times? “The main aim of the film is to entertain and if you can also give out a message through it then why not.” Doesn’t the director feel that sometimes his films aren’t commercially viable? “I know for the fact that unfortunately my films don’t work commercially. Halla Bol is my twelfth film. We have worked hard on the film with an aim to entertain people. Whenever I could convey a message through my film I have without any fear. I always try and make films which are not only entertaining but will also raise questions about oneself and their conscience. I am not a social reformer. I make films and take money for it.”
Halla Bol which is predominantly used as a war cry is the title of Rajkumar Santoshi’s film. So what made the director use it as the title of the film? “It signifies the fact that when one feels something is wrong one should stand up and raise their voice”, says Santoshi. Even if we live in an over populated city many a times we feel lonely. We as citizens should raise our voice and bring about the change. The problem is that we follow the divide and rule policy. We always tend to fight in groups. It is important to come together and fight for the injustice. And Halla Bol is a call to stand up and fight.
A lot of thought seems to have gone into deciding the title which makes us even more intrigued to know what the film is all about. The director adds, “ Halla Bol is about today. The film doesn’t only deal with corruption but also with ones consciousness. The film is about how a star comes out and raises a voice against injustice which is not quite easy for the actor knowing that he is a big star”.
The star in the film is played by Ajay Devgan who has been a favourite of Raj Kumar Santoshi. The duo have worked together in several films including Lajja, The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Khakee, Insan and London Dreams (which is currently on hold). “Ajay is a very good friend of mine. He is a versatile actor and merges into any role given to him as his persona suits every kind of a role”, explains Santoshi.
Vidya Balan plays Ajay Devgan’s wife in the film. So what made Santoshi cast Vidya for the film? “We chose Vidya because we wanted someone who doesn’t look like a star and Vidya fitted the character perfectly.” Another actor who will be seen along with Vidya and Ajay is Pankaj Kapoor who is playing the role of a reformed dacoit turned street theatre artist who brings about awakening amongst the masses through his plays. According to Santoshi, Pankaj was the right choice for the role “Pankaj is a very popular actor. He has a background of street theatre which was a plus point. So we thought that he would be perfect for the role.”
Being a message oriented film, does Halla Bol tends to get preachy at times? “The main aim of the film is to entertain and if you can also give out a message through it then why not.” Doesn’t the director feel that sometimes his films aren’t commercially viable? “I know for the fact that unfortunately my films don’t work commercially. Halla Bol is my twelfth film. We have worked hard on the film with an aim to entertain people. Whenever I could convey a message through my film I have without any fear. I always try and make films which are not only entertaining but will also raise questions about oneself and their conscience. I am not a social reformer. I make films and take money for it.”
