Anand Pandit Talks 'Fakt Purusho Maate', Collaborations With Amitabh And Abhishek Bachchan

Anand Pandit Exclusive Interview On Fakt Purusho Maate: What happens when a patriarch returns from the afterlife to disrupt his grandson's wedding? Veteran Bollywood producer Anand Pandit is set to entertain audiences with his upcoming production, Fakt Purusho Maate, releasing this Friday. This comedy fantasy-drama is a sequel to his 2022 hit, 'Fakt Mahilao Mate'.

During an exclusive chat with Filmibeat, producer Anand Pandit discussed his next release 'Fakt Purusho Maate', and shared insights on working with Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan.

1) You have worked as a producer with both Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan. What do you think is the one quality that sets them apart as actors?

"Amit ji is a formidable institution and his contribution to Indian cinema as a consummate entertainer and powerhouse performer cannot be equalled. I feel Abhishek has inherited his professionalism, humility, punctuality and intense dedication to his craft. Abhishek underplays his talent though. He is an actor who internalises a lot. His performances grow upon you. I feel he has not been given his due but anyone who has worked with him wants to work with him again. Mani Ratnam, I think, did complete justice to his talent by giving him three completely different roles in 'Yuva', 'Guru' and 'Raavan.' It was a great pleasure to work with him on 'The Big Bull.' He has a certain ease and versatility that allows him to seamlessly transition between different genres. As far as Amit ji is concerned, I cannot imagine any project without his towering presence. His journey as an actor through the decades is a master class in personal and professional excellence."

2) As a producer known for backing regional cinemas of varied genres, what attracts you to explore stories and talent beyond the Hindi film industry?

"I have said this before and will say it again. We are no longer divided in Hindi and regional industries. We are living in an era where the Indian film industry is emerging as a composite entity. Indian films no longer exist in regional silos. They have transcended language barriers and now offer us a rich tapestry of cultural narratives and diverse artistic expressions. The definition of mainstream cinema is now being stretched and I definitely want to be a part of this shift. I have produced films in Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati and this slate is going to expand every year as each language has its own wealth of narratives and unique talent pools. I definitely want to provide a platform for emerging talent and offer the audiences fresh and engaging content from different parts of the country."

3) Given Amitabh Bachchan's iconic status in Indian cinema, what do you think his presence and performance will bring to this Gujarati film?

"Amitabh Bachchan's presence in any film adds a certain magic and gravitas to it. I will never forget the audience reaction in theatres when he appeared on the screen for the first time in 'Fakt Mahilao Maate'. The fact that he is appearing in the sequel 'Fakt Purusho Maate' has also led to a great deal of excitement. He is a star with a global following so obviously his presence will expand the reach of the film and win over a broader audience that may not typically watch Gujarati cinema. It's an honor to have him on board, and his contribution will make this film a landmark in Gujarati cinema."

Expectations for Janmashtami Release

4) With the movie planned for release around Janmashtami 2024, what are your hopes for how the audience will receive it, especially with Amitabh Bachchan being part of it?

'Fakt Mahilao Maate' struck a chord with family audiences as well as youth by addressing gender sensitivity, mutual respect within families, and listening to women empathetically. This new film explores what goes on in men's minds while tackling patriarchy's control over young people's choices. The starcast includes Amitabh Bachchan in another surprising cameo role. We believe its unique blend of comedy, social commentary, and stellar performances will resonate just like its predecessor did.

Inspiration Behind Sequel

5) Following the success of 'Fakt Mahilao Maate,' what inspired you to make its sequel focusing on patriarchy?

Vaishal and I have always aimed at creating films that resonate with family audiences while bringing them back to theatres. We also strive for meaningful cinema that conveys important messages. The success of 'Fakt Mahilao Maate' confirmed our approach was right. The decision for a sequel focusing on patriarchy arose from our desire to continue discussing gender equality issues using comedy as an effective medium.

Anand Pandit's upcoming release promises entertainment while addressing significant social themes through humour.