Raaj Shaandilyaa, who rose to fame with the hit comedy Dream Girl (2019) featuring Ayushmann Khurrana and Nushrratt Bharuccha, is now gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated film ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala‘ Video, starring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri.
In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Shaandilyaa discussed the film, and its casting choices, and shared insights about what audiences can expect from this upcoming project.
How did you come up with the subject of ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’?
Raaj Shaandilyaa shared that the idea for the Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video came to him around 2016-17. After Dream Girl, he met with Rajkummar Rao to discuss the project, but due to scheduling conflicts, they decided to hold off on making the film until they could do it justice. In the meantime, Shaandilyaa worked on ‘Dream Girl 2. He explained that he set the story of Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video in the 1990s, as it aligned with family values of that time and because leaked MMS scandals were a big issue back then. Once he and his co-writer felt confident that the story could entertain audiences for two and a half hours, they pitched it to Rajkummar Rao, who had been interested in the film from the beginning.
Both the lead actors Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri are at the top of their game.
Timing ka khel hai saara. (It’s all a game of timing.)
How important is the trailer?
When you look for a prospective bride or groom you first look at their photo, before purchasing a flat you see a sample flat, similarly, your first impression needs to be good, especially in comedies. So, for this trailer, nostalgia, humour, and surprises were important elements.
Was Triptii Dimri cast when she became a sensation after Animal?
No. She was cast before Animal. I typically write scripts with actors in my mind. But I was not sure whom to cast for this role. Since Rajkummar was already on board, I was looking at the girls who had worked with him recently. So, I thought of pairing someone who had not seen Rajkummar before. Then we thought of Triptii. She was also game for the film soon after we met.
How did you cast Mallika Sherawat?
I wrote the character only for her. I have used Daler Mehndi in a song. I told Mallika that I had written a character for her. She loved it when she heard it. She is paired opposite Vijay Raaz and they complement each other well.
What about Tiku Talsania?
After watching an interview with Tiku Ji where he mentioned he wasn’t getting work, I felt bad that such a talented actor wasn’t being cast. So, I wrote the character of Dada specifically for him. It wasn’t part of the script initially, but I added it after seeing that interview. He’s delivered a fantastic performance in the film.
The supporting actors of the 90s not getting work.
Having lived through the 90s, I am quite familiar with that era and its comedy legends. I brought together some of those actors for this film. I also cast Rakesh Bedi and Archana Puran Singh, who fit their respective roles perfectly.
