Entertain, not enlighten!

Director Sajid Khan is one of those few filmmakers who holds that rare record of a 100 percent hit ratio at the BO so far, despite his films finding little critical acclaim. Unfazed by what his detractors have to say about his brand of humour, Sajid says that he's just happy to see his films including the recent 'Housefull 2', hit home with audience and rake in the moolah for the producers. Insisting that films, for him, are more than just a profession, 'they're a passion', the director shares some of his fundas on filmmaking.

Audience call: "The basic nature of cinema is that it has to entertain, it's not for enlightenment. If you want a message, check your inbox," says Sajid. "I make the kind of films that I would enjoy as an audience. While making a film, I think like the audience and that's my only mantra." As for the lack of critical acclaim, he says, "I am yet to see a film that has not had detractors. That really doesn't matter."

Risky business: The director admits that releasing his film 'Housefull 2' during the cricket season, was a risky call to make. "But I was confident about my film and the results are there for all to see," he says. "When you have a good product, nothing can hold it down," adds Sajid.

Role play: The actor who has tried his hand at acting, says that the film 'Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate' was his first and last acting assignment. "I have realised that I am a performer, not an actor, so acting's not on my to-do list," says Sajid.

TV musings: "I am all for TV shows like 'India's Got Talent', which I have done in the past. There's a lot of hypocrisy with most of the other shows and they find it difficult to digest my humour. But otherwise, I am open to TV, though priority will always be films," adds Sajid.

Akshay vs Ajay: Sajid, who has had Akshay Kumar in all his films so far, is now making 'Himmatwala' with Ajay Devgn. But the director insists that it's not about shifting loyalties. "Akshay and I are not mutually exclusive and both of us understand that. He works with other directors and me with other actors. Besides, my 'Housefull 3' will be with him again, so there's no problem between us."

That '80s magic: "'Himmatwala' is my ode to Jeetuji's (actor Jeetendra) classic film. It encompasses my idea of an entertainer perfectly. But it's a re-write, not a remake! Back then it had started a new trend in the kind of films that were being made and is one of my all time favourites," says Sajid.

Casting call: "I had wanted to work with Ajay for a long time now. As for the heroine, I do have a few names in mind, but I haven't approached any one yet," clarifies Sajid.

Source: Aakanksha Naval-Shetye, DNA-Daily News & Analysis

Copyright restricted. Under license from www.dnasyndication.com