Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video director Raaj Shaandilyaa on working with Rajkummar Rao: I had always wanted to work with him; he is a phenomenal actor

Raaj started his career with Comedy Circus and then went on to direct movies like Dreamgirl 1 and 2.

Before winding up, Raaj confirmed that he will surely work on the sequel to Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video.

Excerpts from the interview:

How has been the response to the trailer of Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video?

The response to the trailer has been phenomenal, and I want to ask you aapko kaisa laga trailer. I am getting great response for the trailer. I have received many calls from ace directors, producers, and actors who are praising it. I have gotten a great response, even more than what I got for Dreamgirl 1.

Why did you choose to make a film on the 90s era?

I had to make a movie on the 90s because I felt that the 90s period was amazing and this film fits perfectly to it, as CD players had just entered the market and technology was changing and new technology was being introduced. Mobiles weren't there largely, and very few people had it, so I wanted to show it to the audience today. Those who were from that era would know of it, and those who aren't familiar with it would enjoy the movie as well.

You made Dreamgirl 1- 2, Comedy Circus; why do you only make comedy films?

I don't know anything besides humor; I don't make action films or murder mysteries, and I can't make romance as I find it very fake. I feel I can make people laugh, and that is something God has given me. If you manage to convey a serious message via comedy, then people are able to grasp and understand it better.

Do you think there is pressure on filmmakers while making sequels?

Every film I release comes with its own set of expectations. I approach each project as if it were my debut or final film. Sequels face even higher pressure, as audiences often anticipate them to surpass the original. However, I try not to let this stress me out, especially since I work in comedy. While pressure is inevitable, I focus primarily on crafting a compelling story. Box office success isn't my main concern; I want to create films that people enjoy."

Are Bollywood moving towards making franchises? Will you make the sequel to Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video?

I believe that till the time people are getting entertained, we should make them. TV mein Bigg Boss has been going on. We will keep making it if people love it. 100 percent I will make a sequel, 'Vicky Vidya Ka Wohi Wala Video'.

How was it working with Tripti Dimri and Rajkummar Rao?

Both are phenomenal. Rajkummar toh matlab bahut hi kamaal hai hi, but Tripti would also perform so well; I wasn't expecting that. She has worked really hard as Vidya in the film. You won't feel that it is her first time doing comedy. Both have worked really well.

Why Rajkummar Rao for this role?

I envisioned Vicky as a small-town boy who applies henna at his own shop. Rajkummar Rao's body language perfectly captures the essence of a middle-class man from a small town. His natural talent meant we wouldn't have to spend much time developing the character. I've admired Rajkumar's work for a long time, and he was the only actor I could see in the role of Vicky. Rajkummar is a phenomenal actor."

Have Rajkummar and Ayushmann changed post-achieving success?

I haven't noticed any changes in them (Rajkummar and Ayushmann). They still answer my calls personally. Both Ayushmann and Rajkummar are humble and down to earth people. They're always the same, no matter when we meet. Our conversations usually revolve around discussing potential projects.

How are Ayushmann and Rajkummar different as actors?

They have their own styles and justify their characters in their own unique way. In Dreamgirl, Ayushmann had a different body language as he had to play a woman as well, and Rajkummar has a different body language in this movie. Both have their own unique styles, and they are both great artists.

You surprised everyone with the entry of Mallika Sherawat; how did you think of her?

I created this character specifically for Mallika Sherawat. While writing 'Vicky Aur Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video,' I had her in mind for the role. Although it shares some similarities with 'Welcome,' it's more family-oriented. In 'Welcome,' she played a mischievous character who fooled Uday and Majnu (Nanan Patekar and Anil Kapoor), but in this film, she's not doing that. I called Mallika and informed her that I had written a character just for you; she was really surprised. She heard the role and immediately said yes.

Also read: Rajkummar Rao, Triptii Dimri’s Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video trailer unveils fun and chaos: Watch

You started your career with Comedy Circus; how did it help in your writing?

Writing for television is significantly different from screenwriting for films. There's less emphasis on storytelling and more on delivering punchlines. We often wrote episodes with the flexibility to introduce new elements in the next episode if needed. In films, we have to adhere to the established characters and their arcs. I've gained valuable experience from my work on 'Comedy Circus.'"

Please elaborate on how the movie is 97 percent parivarik and 3 percent maha parivarik.

Vicky Vidya is a complete family entertainer. It is maha parivarik. 97 percent parivarik isliye hai ki aap poori family ke saath dekh sakte ho and koi aur bhi baitha ho uke saath bhi dekh sakte ho. There is not a single moment in the film in which you cannot watch it with your family.

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala The video is scheduled to be released on October 11.