I refuse to be part of 'Chase': Jag Mundhra

By Mehul Satish Thakkar, ibnlive.com

Last Friday, the film Apartment released, and this week it was Chase. Both films are directed by Jag Mundhra. He could have scored a hattrick with Naughty@40 but he still has one schedule to shoot for the film. Also, he had some issues with Chase. IBNMovies chats with the director and finds out why he walked out of the film during the post production stage.

So, what is Chase all about? Going by the posters, it looks like an action film.

Yes. Chase is an action thriller with a shocking twist. It’s about an innocent man who happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. He is an eyewitness to a murder but to his bad luck, becomes the suspect. The wrong guys chase him for his life. But, he finds a way out and turns the tables around.

Anuuj Saxena has come back to acting after so many years. So, is it like a launchpad you have provided for him?

Chase has been produced by Anuuj Saxena’s production company. Their script was in place and obviously it was decided that he was going to play the lead role. They hired me to direct the film, so I had no call in casting. What inspired me to say yes to this film was the subject. I had never done an action film, so obviously it was challenging for me.

Do you think the audience will accept Annuj, as he is coming back after a long time?

Gone are the times where a television actor couldn't get offers to work in films. Things have changed now. We have so many names today that have made it big in films through television. So obviously, there is no question about audiences not accepting an actor coming from that medium. Anuuj was a TV star and if he impresses the masses with his acting, he will be a film star too.

Apparently, you had some differences with Anuuj during the making of the film?

Well, actually during the making of the film there was no problem. The shooting was done very peacefully. It was only during post-production that we had our share of creative differences. I had edited the film which Anuuj didn't approve. Later, when I saw what he had edited, I found it gimmicky. So, I walked out of the project and left it on him to handle the rest. I didn't want to take any responsibility for the shoddy work.

Any memorable incident while making the film?

The most memorable moment for me was when we shot in Kashmir. We shot a romantic song sequence between Anuuj and Tarina in a temple. The caretaker of the temple became very emotional when he was watching the shoot. He said that after many years a film shoot is taking place in that temple. Tere Bina Zindagi Mei Koi Shikwa from Aandhi was shot there starring Sanjeev Kumar. The caretaker used to play that song every night to watch the temple on screen. When we wrapped up the song, he said henceforth he will be playing our sing to watch the temple.

It must be exciting for the local masses to watch a film shoot, isn't it? Did you face any security issues?

Well, no there was no security problem at all. The police ensured the crew did not fall into any trouble. Terrorism keeps all the security forces on the toes 24/7. People would gather to watch the shoot. They love watching films.

So, last Friday you had Apartment, and this Friday there is Chase. Are you planning to score a hatrrick?

Ha ha (he laughs). Well I would have loved to score a hattrick. But Naughty @40 is still pending. We still have to shoot another schedule. Unfortunately, a hattrick is not happening.