Says director Aanand L. Rai, "The film would show both actors in an altogether different light. My core requirement from Sonam amd Dhanush was to give their utmost concentration and preference to the film. Raanjhnaa is a story which by its very nature is seeped into sheer characterisation. You can't be Sonam and Dhanush in the film. The film required both of them to entirely transform and find themselves in the small town mileu. In that aspect, they have done wonders. Of course I am happy but everyone would see a glimpse of what they have done once the First Look is out. Then we would know what I am saying."
For Sonam, the film is important for many reasons since her last two biggies, Mausam and Players, didn't work at the box office. Though she did play an ultra chic girl in Abbas-Mustan directed Players and found decent appreciation coming her way for the small town girl that she played in Pankaj Kapur's Mausam, non-performance of both resulted in her taking a step back and give her all to Raanjhnaa.
"It was good to see that Sonam took a break from all movies and gave her full heart to Raanjhnaa", says producer Krishika Lulla, "This is one of the best performances of hers. I like it when an actor puts her full effort in a film and is ready to give it all. When someone gives justice to the script and is there full into the film, it is heartening for any filmmaker. Sonam was ready to get into that mode the moment she read the script for the first time. I was happy and convinced that she was the right choice. She is brilliant in the film."
As for Dhanush, who is a popular name down South, the challenge now is to re-introduce him to Bollywood.
"Yes, we have some plans up our sleeves", says Krishika, "Dhanush has proved himself as an actor. However in a large part of our country, he is still known as a singer, courtesy Kolaveri Di. Not many people know that he has done around 20 movies already and is very successful in South. The challenge is on us to bring him closer to a wider audience. Once he is there on the forefront, he would be recognised as Dhanush and not 'that guy from Kolaveri Di."
We are waiting to see that happen!
Joginder Tuteja tweets@tutejajoginder
