Multi-starrers are risky: Sajid Khan

Mumbai, March 22 (IANS) The "Housefull 2" cast is called the Dirty Dozen as it boasts of prominent names from Bollywood, but making a multi-starrer is not easy says director Sajid Khan. He also believes that actors don't make films - films make actors.

"More than me, Sajid Nadiadwala (producer of the film) has taken that risk (of making the multi-starrer). Hats off to him for taking the risk and supporting my vision," said Sajid when asked if it was riskier to make a film with too many stars.

"The story demanded for a huge star cast We are hoping that it is all time blockbuster," he added.

What is important, an actor or a film?

"I would like to make sure that I stay true to the script. I make films from the audiences' point of view. I don't make films to say, 'See what a great director I am!' I don't go and please a particular actor. I feel it's more important that your film works. Actors don't make films, films make actors," he said.

Lavishness is synonym to Naidadwala, but Sajid says his middle-class upbringing stops him from going overboard while spending on a movie.

"He (Nadiadwala) is a very large hearted producer. He likes to put money into films and I like to save my producers. My sister Farah and me, we come from a very middle-class family. If it is required, I'd fight with producers for that," said Sajid. This is the duo's third film after "Heyy Babyy" and "Housefull".

The director also feels you don't need stars; you need a film that connects with the audiences.

"People have this adversity toward critics. True critic is someone who loves movies and understands it. Hindi movies will never be liked by the critics, trust me. The main stream Hollywood film will not be liked by the critics.

"When you make a big Hindi film, you don't need stars, you need a film that connects with audience. Besides 'Housefull', 'Ready' was one film which was written badly but both were blockbusters," he added.

But Sajid, who has so far not directed any film without Akshay Kumar, is grateful to the actor for believing in him.

"Akshay is an absolute pleasure to work with. I am very grateful to Akshay because when I was running around with my script (of 'Heyy Babyy') for almost two years to get it made, Akshay got attached to the film. I was sure the film would do well. It was the first Rs.50 crore grosser," the 41-year-old said.

"Housefull 2" stars Shazahn Padamsee, Jacqueline Fernandez, Asin Thottumkal and Zarine Khan, Akshay, Riteish Deshmukh, John Abraham, Shreyas Talpade, Boman Irani, Mithun Chakraborty, Randhir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor.

With summer vacations round the corner, Sajid has managed to get a perfect slot to release his film. "Housefull 2" is scheduled to release April 5.

"Earlier, we were supposed to release it in June. But a lot of big films is coming that time and we thought we should not let go April month," Sajid said. Click the Movie button below for more info:
Housefull 2