It is clear that some troubled history is repeating itself for Priyadarshan and his Tezz. Surprisingly, all of this is happening for a mere song. Even as cracks have started appearing between him and the film's producer Ratan Jain over the inclusion of Mallika Sherawat instead of director's current favourite Sameera Reddy for the song 'Laila', history shows that this is not really a first for the filmmaker.
"The same kind of tension had prevailed more than a decade back as well when Priyadarshan had more or less disassociated himself from the promotion of Hera Pheri. It so happened that the film was sans any item songs and was designed as a core situational comedy. However, just a few months before the release of the movie, producer Firoz Nadiadwala went ahead and shot two item numbers with Akshay Kumar without Priyadarshan's knowledge. Since the director wasn't in favour of that, he had clearly expressed his anger and disappointment at the developments," informs an industry veteran.
The songs in question were 'Jab Bhi Koyi Haseena' and 'Tun Tunak Tun' which were shot with small time actress Kahkashan and then hot-n-happening Namrata Shirodkar respectively. Incidentally, both songs had turned out to be chartbusters and made a big difference to the commercial prospects of the film.
"Now when the makers of Tezz have a similar thought as well and chose Mallika over Sameera, it is again a pure business decision. However, Priyan sir seems to be sticking to his stand. A little more flexibility here could do great wonders in ensuring better prospects for the film. The song has been liked as well and we just hope that Sir stops being angry and gives Tezz his complete support," adds a senior production crew member on condition of anonymity.
On his part though, Priyadarshan is maintaining a stoic stance and is yet to open up about what really happened and his future course of action. However, Ajay Devgn and Anil Kapoor, the two lead actors in the film, continue to stand by the film he has made and are vouching for the fact that it is his best action outing ever.
"It would be a pity if Priyan Sir does the same to Tezz what he did with Hera Pheri. Today everyone calls the Akshay-Suniel-Paresh film as a classic and even Sir takes pride in terming it as one of his best ever. Why lose out on being a part of the buzz surrounding Tezz when it is his own baby," rues the crew member.
Any thoughts Mr. Priyadarshan?
Courtesy: Bollywood Hungama
