Interview with Ajay Devgn on SINGHAM
1. You have teamed up with Rohit Shetty again after the Golmaal series, what is it like working with him on an action film?
Rohit is such an accomplished director with the ability and prowess of championing different genres equally. We share a great working rapport as well as being good friends. Singham is such a huge departure from other films I have done with him such as the Golmaal series, and it has been a tremendous project to be involved in.
2. What attracted you to Singham?
Singham had so many attractions for me. First of all it pays homage to the films that have helped to create such a phenomenal genre in cinema, one that I very much wanted to be a part of. Secondly, just by reading the script I could tell by the gripping narratives and action sequences that the film was going to be an edge of the seat film to watch. It certainly was to film.
3. Can you tell us about the film and character you play?
The film is set in a small village in Maharashta, where corruption is rife and crooked politicians call the shots. My character Bajirao Singham is an honest police officer who has the single minded mission to eradicate all the corruption in Maharashta by any means possible.
4. You also seem to have bulked up a bit for the role…
Indeed I did, I had to work really hard to get myself into the physical fitness I needed for this film. There were also a lot of hand to hand combat scenes in the movie, which is quite rare in this day and age with SFX. So Rohit wanted me to really bulk up and develop a six pack to heighten the machismo and manliness of my character, and so I could pull of the stunts I guess
5. Who do you think this film will appeal to?
I think it would appeal to anyone who has an interest in the Bolly Revival of the Action film genre. It is a fantastic film in its own rights, so it will appeal to older audiences who remember the seminal action flick, while still appealing to the masses with an interest in modernised action films that are faced paced and thrilling. It is such a powerful tribute to one of the most iconic genres in Indian cinema – the classic action film. There is a strong social message too and a lot of love, dedication and focus went into the project from the entire cast and crew. I’m sure that will reflect in the film and will certainly strike a chord with audiences universally. It follows the archetypal subject matter of good versus evil, rich in morality, but reinterpreted with a contemporary audience in mind.
6. Can you give a message to your fans?
Thank you for all the support you have given me over my time in the industry. I know sincerely that if it wasn’t for their support and faith in me in the good times and bad, I probably wouldn’t be here still. My fans are part of my extended family J Go see Singham – it is a great movie, very close to my heart and I hope you will share the experience of it with me.
