The first look of the upcoming Hindi film Ishq Vishk Rebound has garnered attention, with the title track from the music album being released as well. The film features Hrithik Roshan’s cousin Pashmina Roshan in the lead role, sparking debates about nepotism in Bollywood. Producer Ramesh Taurani addresses these allegations in an exclusive interview, defending the casting choices by emphasizing the importance of having saleable value in the industry. Ishq Vishk Rebound, directed by Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari, explores themes of modern love, relationships, and friendships, and is set for a theatrical release on June 21. Taurani, who is also the Managing Director of Tips Industries, analyzes the market for remakes and sequels in Bollywood, citing the success of films like Gadar 2 and OMG 2.
Taurani delves into the trend of remakes and sequels in Hindi cinema, emphasizing the importance of a good story and script when making such films. He expresses his desire to create a sequel to the 1998 film Soldier and confirms that a script for Race 4 is currently in the works. Despite the criticism faced by Race 3, Taurani defends the film’s commercial success, highlighting the impact of factors such as overseas, satellite, and music rights revenue. He acknowledges the need to work harder to meet audience expectations but argues that critics often overlook the financial aspects of a film’s performance.
Reflecting on the recent downturn in theatrical business for Hindi films, Taurani attributes the lackluster performance of certain releases to poor quality and a disconnect with audiences. While he acknowledges the challenges faced by cinema halls, he remains optimistic about the future of the industry. When discussing Ishq Vishk Rebound, Taurani reveals that the script stood out among others considered by his team over the years and explains his daughter’s role in finalizing the project. He addresses the casting process, particularly the auditioning of lead actors Pashmina Roshan and Jibraan Khan, highlighting their talents and backgrounds in the industry.
Taurani dismisses the debate about nepotism in Bollywood, pointing out that star kids must still prove their box office appeal to secure work. He references examples of actors like Rishi Kapoor and Kumar Gaurav, highlighting the importance of being commercially viable in the industry. The producer emphasizes the need for profitability in filmmaking and the limited opportunities for those who fail to deliver at the box office. He concludes by reiterating that investment in star kids is based on their potential to succeed commercially, rather than familial connections alone. Through this interview, Taurani sheds light on the inner workings of the Hindi film industry and offers insights into the challenges and opportunities in filmmaking today.
