Director Abhinay Dev has fond memories of working in his first film “Delhi Belly” and remembers how actor Ranbir Kapoor was a strong contender for the lead role, which was eventually played by Imran Khan in the film, which on Thursday hit a decade. completed.
Released on July 1, 2011, “Delhi Belly” featured Imran Khan, Vir Das and Kunal Roy Kapur as three friends who become the target of a gangster after they lose his diamonds.
Backed by Aamir Khan, the film became an instant hit with its irreverent and adult humour, impeccable slang and a catchy soundtrack of Ram Sampath. Dev said that when he saw the film recently, he was surprised how “Delhi Belly” still grabbed his attention.
“My son was watching this about six months ago. I chanted on him and sat down with him. I enjoyed the film for the first time, possibly nine years after it was released! I still ended up seeing all the flaws but what a ride. That was my first film. I am emotionally attached to it,” the director told PTI in an interview.
The film was a turning point for Imran Khan, who was going through a bad phase at the box office after Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008), Dev said that Kapoor’s name also came up for discussion. as a potential lead.
“Ranbir was one of the people we spoke to at that time. He had heard the script. Initially, we were seeing different people and actually felt that Ranbir is a very strong contender for the film. But it “did not work for various reasons,” Dev said.
The director said that the film was made and cast in a very systematic way, with auditions for every part.
He added that since one of the film’s producers, Jim Fargle and its writer, Akshat Verma, were based out of Los Angeles, the production followed the US filmmaking process, he said.
However, Kapoor never reached the audition stage.
The story of how “Delhi Belly” came to life from a 2008 script was about Aamir Khan and his filmmaker wife Kiran Rao getting ready to leave for an event.
Rao picked up the first script lying on the top of the heap while waiting for Aamir Khan as it came the same day.
She read the name “Delhi Belly” and thought it was interesting. She started reading it and couldn’t stop laughing. Amir asked her what she was laughing about. Then he joined her and Eventually he didn’t go to the show as he continued to read the script. The same night, around 1 pm, he called the writers,” Dev said.
The director’s journey with “Delhi Belly” began the same year, when both Aamir Khan and Varma personally reached out to him.
Dev said he was puzzled why all of a sudden he was interested in an advertising filmmaker to direct a film. At that time, he was one of the directors under consideration.
“But once we met and discussed, it was fine. Except, I was committed to a film with Excel Entertainment at the time. I was signed by him and he closed our dates. I couldn’t start the project and said no,” Dev said.
The director was signed to Excel Entertainment’s “Game”, which also released in 2011.
Due to their unavailability, the “Delhi Belly” team went with another person, who in their mind was a Swedish director. But luckily after six-eight months, his film with Axel also shifted.
“Then Aamir called me again when he came to know that my dates had changed. Something was not going well with the other director. Aamir asked if I am ready for it. I “didn’t want to miss the opportunity and immediately said yes.”
When discussions with Dev resumed, he reminded Aamir Khan of being “extremely excited” about the project.
However, there were apprehensions given the language and humor of the film.
“The first discussion I had with Aamir was when we all sat together, “Are you sure this film will work in India?” I said it would set a mark. Aamir started laughing and told me “It’s a funny film.” is. But I said it is a sloppy and non-hypocritical film, which talks about the language of the youth. There was no message.”
“Delhi Belly” also benefited from a solid supporting cast led by Vijay Raaz, Poorna Jagannathan and Danish star Kim Bodnia, best known for the hit British espionage thriller series “Killing Eve”.
Dev said he was a fan of Bodnia before he became a globally known face with the Phoebe Waller-Bridge-produced show.
“He’s an absolutely amazing actor. He’s partly Russian and partly from Denmark. Akshat and I wanted someone who looks Russian, is a good actor, and to be a part of a short film Get ready. We reached out to a few people but Kim was thrilled with the idea of coming to India and playing the role.”
“Delhi Belly” was shot in 2009 and the team was ready for it by 2010. The film had to wait at least nine months for its theatrical release as Aamir Khan wanted to release his other productions, “Peepli Live” (2010) first. ) and “Dhobi Ghat” (2011).
But before they could release, the makers had to prepare for a fight with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which was a “crazy phase” for them, Dev said.
“We were apprehensive, thought we would be banned and got a lot. At that time, the CBFC was headed by Pankaja Thakur, who was extremely progressive.”
Dev said that both he and Aamir Khan decided to directly apply for an “adult” certificate to avoid any trouble.
“We were clear that this kind of film shouldn’t be for anyone under 18. That’s why I think the process has been simplified. There were no cuts, no changes. Even That CBFC members were also laughing during the screening.”
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