In Mumbai Dobaara, a sequel with new stars.
By The American Bazaar Staff
Bollywood star Imran Khan takes audiences back to the style of the 1980s with his latest film Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara releasing in theaters this Thursday, August 15th.
The film is the story of an underworld don, Shoaib (Akshay Kumar), who killed his mentor in the past (Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai) to gain supremacy and is now the ruling mafia king. His influence and power has spread right up to the Middle East, today. Shoaib is now a flamboyant, suave man who is feared and revered. Shoaib’s only confidantes are his best friend Javed, who oversees his empire for him and his former lover Mumtaz (Sonali Bendre) who is now his closest friend. He often visits the poor Muslim areas where he grew up and it is on one such visit that he meets Aslam (Imran Khan). He takes him under his wings and gradually Aslam becomes one of his favorites.
Shoaib wants to gain full control over Bombay and this is met with resistance from two existing gang lords – Vardha and Arun. Vardha and Arun join hands with a cop – Sreenu, whose only purpose in life is finishing off Shoaib’s reign, for which he gladly joins hands with the gang lords. While Bombay continues to be the object of their fancy, Shoaib stumbles upon a young actress – Yasmin (Sonakshi Sinha). He is immediately taken in by her freshness, beauty and candor. Slowly, but surely his attraction towards Yasmin goes onto becoming an obsession. This creates a rift between Shoaib and Aslam and results in the ultimate showdown between the mentor & protégé.
Khan sat down to talk about his latest project. Excerpts from the interview:
In what sort of avatar will the audience see you in Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara (OUATIMD)?
I love playing around with my look and Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara gave me the right opportunity to do so. For the first time, the audience will see me in a new look and character.
What is your inspiration for this new look?
I am highly inspired by the 1980s iconic stars – Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff. I love their “adaâ€, shoes, hairstyle and moustache. The look in any film is of high importance, as the audience can connect and relate to it well. Moreover, it is imperative to convince the audience that the film has actually been set in a particular time period. Besides, every single detail is very important, like how collars are done and hair is styled. If there is one little thing that is out, the audience will get pulled out of the film. They will stop believing that it is a 1980s film.
What’s your take on the script?
The script is very cleverly written and extremely witty. Rajat (Aroraa) has done a great job. I love the one-liners in the movie. They are very catchy. In fact, a few of my favorite lines is ‘Aslam ko samajhne ke liye dimaag nahin dil lagta hai’. Then there is ‘Khuda itni zehmat kar, bande par thodi rehmat kar.’
OUATIMD is a hugely awaited film. Where do you think its appeal lies?
OUATIMD promises a lot of drama, action and romance. It’s a very appealing, entertaining and engaging film, with outstanding music. Complete family viewing assured.
You have worked with Milan Luthria, Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha, all for the first time. How’s it been?
At the risk of sounding clichéd, I will say that it’s been fantastic. I got along very well with all of them, at a professional and interpersonal level.
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