I'd never make sequel just for money: Abhishek Chaubey

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) At a time when sequels are trending in a big way in the film industry, "Dedh Ishqiya" director Abhishek Chaubey says he didn't plan "Ishqiya" part two to cash in on commercial viability of the original.

Released in 2010, black comedy "Ishqiya" was high on content and performances by lead actors Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan, who in the role of a conniving, scheming woman with sexual aggression surprised everyone.

Now, Chaubey is making its sequel "Dedh Ishqiya" with Madhuri Dixit in the female lead.

"I never made this film thinking that I should make a sequel. Even though it makes marketing or commercial sense, I would never make a sequel just because of this," Chaubey told IANS in a group interview.

"I am making the film only because it is a good story, it gives me something as a writer to do and it is entertaining, fun at the same time," added the director who made his successful debut with "Ishqiya".

"Dedh Ishqiya" will see Madhuri on the big screen after six years. Her last film was "Aaja Nachle", a 2007 release that bombed at the box office.

The director said that he never felt that the 45-year-old actress, known for films like "Tezaab", "Dil To Paagal Hai" and "Devdas", was making her comeback into the film industry after a while.

"She is a supremely talented performer. It was like she never left. She immediately got the tone and the mode of the character and slipped right into it," said Chaubey.

The director said he always had Madhuri, 45, in mind for the sequel.

"The story, which we had thought, she fit according to that story. We were fortunate that she said yes," he said.

"Ishqiya" had bold scenes by actress Vidya and Arshad, but the director refused to reveal much about the content of "Dedh Ishqiya".

"I wouldn't want to say there are hot or cold scenes. Every scene is pertaining to my story. There is something that I want to say and every scene is important," he said.

"Ishqiya" had succeeded in changing Vidya's image, but the director said that this was not the intention and he doesn't have any such plans for Madhuri either.

"I didn't intend to change Vidya's image. If it has changed for the better, that is good. I am too small to change anyone's image through my film. It was their talent.

"Madhuri doesn't need to change her career. Our motive was to make a good film with her. It has been a pure joy to work with her," he added.

Huma Qureshi also features in the movie, which is being shot at the moment.

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Dedh Ishqiya