Sunny Deol is back in action once again

After 26 years, Sunny Deol is bringing the sequel to his passion project Ghayal back on screen. He lets us in on his all action feast Ghayal Once Again

THE NINETIES' FAVOURITE action hero of Bollywood Sunny Deol is returning to the big screen in his popular angry avatar. The actor who is currently in his fifties is bringing a sequel to his 1990 super-hit film Ghayal. He dons the cap of an actor, writer, and director for Ghayal Once Again that releases in the UAE this weekend. Sunny has been in this industry for 33 years, but the last time that he tasted success was in 2011 with Yamla Pagla Deewana. Following which his movies like Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, Singh Saab The Great, Dishkiyaoon, I Love New Year etc., crashed at the box office. In a free-flowing conversation with the team of City Times, Sunny gave us some interesting facts about the industry and his career.
How does it feel to be back in the spotlight after so long?
It's been a long time, I was basically trying to make a film which would be the kind of the cinema that I am known for over the years, like Betaab, Arjun, Ghayal etc. In between I was doing a different kind of cinema so I said I need to go back to my roots. I felt like going back to cinema for which people love me, that's why I got into Ghayal Once Again. Ghayal has its own history, because when Raj Kumar Santoshi (Director) came to me, nobody wanted to make the film. The producer ran away the minute I said yes! And after that none of the other producers were keen on doing the film. So eventually I spoke to my dad (Dharmendra), he loved it and that's when I decided to produce it. The film released and did wonders, hence Ghayal was very close to me. I wanted to take the characters ahead. But in India, we were not doing sequels at that time. So, 26 years have gone but the film is still so relevant and popular with people. I could not find writers and directors who shared my vision, so eventually, I thought of writing and directing it myself. So I was out of action for three or four years working on this film and that's why I have not been seen around much.
Ghayal was an iconic dark Bollywood film. How will your character transition ahead?
Earlier my character was that of a college student who was promoting himself as a boxer. Then all the tragedy happens in his life where he discovers the reality of society around him. How people who were close to him turned against him and how this young guy was cornered from all the angles. He was accused of killing his own brother and sister-in-law. At that time villains were dark. I wanted to bring the same character back, who is in his late 40s, and show how he would be living in the society right now. Because of my experience over the years, I wanted to bring the current reality of Mumbai in this film.
How has the genre of action changed over the years in Bollywood?
Earlier, the films were larger than life but the action was more real. Over the years, we are basically superhuman beings now (in films), so the action has gone a little bit overboard. Nobody wants to put effort to do something else because it is business at the end of the day. I wanted to go back to the cinema that I believed in. I want my action to be relevant. I had seen The Bourne Ultimatum and The Bourne Identity, so I went to the US and narrated my script to Dan Bradley (famous Hollywood stunt coordinator). He loved my idea. His whole team was with me for nearly four months.
From the physical point of view, was it difficult to prepare for this role now than 26 years ago?
Not really. In fact, it is much easier to do action right now than earlier. We got so many gadgets available to us, we got cables, airbags, things are more safe and sound now. Earlier, we used to fall down and jump from the building. We never used to have things protecting us. So we used to hurt ourselves a lot that time. We also have special effects now. If all these things were available earlier, I wouldn't have a bad back!
Are you planning to direct more films in the future?
This is my acid test. Let's see what this film brings out for me. If I feel I have been able to convey my message through this film and reach out to the people, then I would want to think about it.
Are you hoping the same viewers who watched Ghayal will come back or do you want a new set of viewers to come and experience this franchise?
Cinema and the audiences have changed in India. Earlier people would want to go to a film to get completely involved in the story of the film. Now audiences are going to the cinema as a weekend activity. Also, because the movies are hyped so much, they are curious. Whether they like it or not, the film does its business. The whole scenario has changed everywhere now. That's why I am running around trying to promote my film! I never did that earlier.
Among all the roles that you have played in this movie - acting, directing and writing, which was the most challenging?
When you have to act and direct yourself, that is the most challenging. Because being an actor, you are always looking at the director for guidance. But when you are doing everything yourself and do not have a bounce board, it gets a bit tough.
Did you consult your father Dharmendra for the script?
Definitely, I always consult my dad. He loved the script. I went ahead because he had no objection to the story.
What is your favourite film from the 90's?
Besides my dad's films, I used to watch only Hollywood films. That time Clint Eastwood and Steve McQueen were my favourites.
Are you planning to come back with your father Dharmendra and brother Bobby in a film?
Well, we failed the second time! We hope that we get a better script this time and we don't goof it up. We are working on it because it is fun when all three of us are working together. We just need a perfect story and script.
How important is Dubai as an overseas market for Bollywood?
Dubai is a hub for people from all over the world. There are many Indians based in the UAE. Promotions are very important these days. It is important to shout about your film and to be seen around.
The whole Middle East belt is very important. I have been running around for months promoting this film and trust me, this is the most difficult thing to do in your life. It is easier to shoot and create a film.
Photos by Kiran Prasad/Khaleej Times
arti@khaleejtimes.com