As the film industry witnesses a resurgence of interest in horror comedies, director Anees Bazmee is seizing the momentum to create cinematic magic with some of Bollywood’s brightest talents. This surge in popularity comes during a time when many anticipated Hindi films failed to impress at the box office. The genre revived its success with Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor’s “Stree 2,” the highest-grossing film of the year, and Kartik Aaryan’s much-anticipated “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,” which is on the brink of release.
The pressure to match up to the blockbuster success of “Stree 2” is palpable. Yet, Bazmee remains unflustered. “Fortunately, audiences are gravitating towards horror comedies a lot these days. Naturally, we will benefit a little from that ‘Stree 2’ success. But ultimately, the genre is secondary to the essence of entertainment the film delivers,” he asserts.
Bazmee’s confidence is expressed through his upcoming projects. He guarantees that the third installment of the “Bhool Bhulaiyaa” series, featuring an ensemble cast including Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, and Triptii Dimri, will not disappoint. But while his current focus is directed towards “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,” set to release on November 1, Bazmee is already planning his next cinematic venture: “No Entry Mein Entry,” which is slated to enter production in the early months of next year.
Following the success of Salman Khan’s 2005 hit “No Entry,” Bazmee finds himself exhilarated at the prospect of creating its sequel almost two decades later. “No Entry Mein Entry” promises an exciting blend of comedic talent, uniting actors like Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Arjun Kapoor. However, it marks more than just a sequel for Bazmee; it represents an opportunity to explore comedy with a refreshing mix of today’s actors.
In particular, Bazmee expresses a deep admiration for the comedic prowess of Bollywood’s young talents, especially Varun Dhawan.
. “A lot of the new-age actors have amazing comic skills. I love Varun’s comic timing,” he says with enthusiasm. Their collaboration in “No Entry Mein Entry” is a true labor of love for the director.
But Bazmee’s directorial vision doesn’t end here. The director harbors aspirations of creating a new comedy film, aiming to combine the talents of three multifaceted actors: Varun Dhawan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Rajkummar Rao. “The same stands true for Ayushmann and Rajkummar!” he exclaims. Expressing his admiration for their versatility, Bazmee recognizes Rajkummar Rao as an exceptional actor, noting his brilliance even in films that didn’t perform well commercially. According to Bazmee, a film featuring these three actors could redefine their on-screen personas and present them in an entirely new avatar.
As horror comedies hold a prominent place in the cinematic landscape this year, Bazmee’s ventures are poised to capture audiences’ hearts. The director’s plans speak volumes about his commitment to delivering films that captivate and entertain, irrespective of the genre. With “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” nearing its release and “No Entry Mein Entry” preparing to commence filming, Bazmee is set to make a significant impact in both horror and comedy genres with the diverse talents of Bollywood at his side.
In a time when filmgoers crave refreshment and originality, Bazmee demonstrates an innovative approach to storytelling. Through his strategic casting and visionary filmmaking, the director is on a mission to redefine Bollywood comedy by merging established talent with fresh faces. Indeed, his aspirations echo a hopeful sentiment for the future of Indian cinema—a brighter, more entertaining horizon crafted with dedication and artistic foresight.
