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'I need a working film badly'

Manoj Agarwal has been in the industry for nine years now. Although Hadh Kar Di Aapne is only his second film as director -- his first was Pardesi Babu -- he has assisted several film-makers in the past.

While Pardesi Babu revolved around a social issue, Hadh Kar Di Aapne, starring Govinda and Rani Mukherjee, is an out-and-out comedy. He denies any resemblance of its promos with that of a typical David Dhawan film and says his inspiration has always been Raj Kapoor.

Next on the anvil is a romantic film. In this quick interview, he talks about about Hadh Kar Di Aapne and his good friend, Govinda.

What is the story of Hadh Kar Di Aapne?

The story revolves around a package tour that Govinda, Rani Mukherjee, Satish Kaushik, Helen Brodie, Paresh Rawal and Avtar Gill go for. Govinda is an amateur detective who goofs up every time he gets a case. The movie is full of fun and frolic.

How did you decide on the cast?

I always look for fresh pairings. Govinda happens to be a very old friend of mine. I’ve known him since 20 years and have developed a good rapport with him. I had initially decided upon Govinda and Mahima Chowdhary. That was when I was supposed to start the film in November ’98. But I could not. I needed a 24-day schedule in November, but Mahima couldn’t give me the dates. Rani was free. That’s how I decided on these two.

What do you think of the Govinda-Rani pair?

I think it’s a very nice pair. After Govinda-Raveena and Govinda-Karisma, this is the next great pair. In fact, I think it is better than both the earlier pairs.

Why has Govinda turned distributor with this film?

Govinda has always felt his films have not been exploited and distributed properly. He thought if he took on the task of distribution himself, full justice could be done.

Do you think his decision will help the film?

It will help in the sense that now the film will be distributed properly. It will get all the publicity it requires. In a way, it also goes to show Govinda’s confidence in the film. In any case, I’ll stand to gain. I hope the film will fare well. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I need a working film badly.

Manoj Agarwal spoke with Kanchana Suggu.