Golmaal-3

COMEDY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS ...says Rohit Shetty, who’s ready with Bollywood’s first comedy trilogy and Diwali special Meena Iyer I TNN      Golmaal” started four years ago as an innocuous comedy. Director Rohit Shetty recalls that the film came shortly after the train blasts in Mumbai. “And until Monday, it didn’t even take a start,’’ he says. “Of course, once it started, it became a runaway hit.”      In an attempt to ape the success, the part two of the franchise returned. This time, the critics panned it but once again the public patronized it. “Golmaal Returns” (2008) became the highest festival grosser. And from then on, it also chartered its own course. “We had no exceptional marketing strategy,’’ says Rohit. “All we knew was that we were giving the janta fun unlimited.’’      Not to let up on the entertainment quotient, Ajay Devgn and Rohit combined forces on “All the Best” last Diwali. After a sluggish start, the film ran to packed houses. “And now, we are hoping to replicate the success with “Golmaal-3”,’’ says Ajay. “Golmaal-3”, produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd and Eros International, is set to release on November 5. The formula of this franchise is based on pure entertainment and the fact that they have consciously been choosing the biggest festival season for Indians worldwide. “Comedy and festivals go well together,’’ says trade analyst Amod Mehra. “In the case of this trilogy, the public has put its faith in them because it is what we call a family entertainer.’’      Even film-maker Karan Johar has admitted that he hopes to get Diwali back from Rohit someday. Rohit would like to continue making the “Golmaal” series. “But it has to be a natural progress,” he adds. “I can tell you proudly that “G-3” has a fantastic storyline; it has enhanced action, better comic situations and even better performances. While laughter still remains the core of this franchise, I’m not complacent in my approach. Even tickling the funnybone constantly is a serious affair.” Kunal Khemu, Tusshar Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Rohit Shetty, Kareena Kapoor, Arshad Warsi and Shreyas Talpade

Sourse TOI