JOIN USFilm-maker Mahesh Bhatt says a film works at the office only if a director is able to translate a writer's vision on the screen.
He feels stars can add to that. “We confuse ourselves by thinking that stars have the power to deliver blockbusters. No. If the story doesn’t work, if the director does not translate the vision that is embedded in the story with the adornments that the film needs, there are no chances of it coming anywhere close to success,” says Bhatt, known for directing films like Arth, Saaransh, Zakhm and Naam, which were high on content.
Bhatt, known for launching new talent under his banner Vishesh Films, has this time roped in relative newcomers Aditya Roy Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor for Aashiqui 2.
Directed by Mohit Suri, the Rs 12 crore romantic-musical saga grossed over Rs 20 crore on its opening weekend. The film-maker gives credit to writer Shagufta Rafique and the entire team for the success. “What made the film work was the magic that came out from Shagufta's heart. Shagufta has a very unusual background. She is the salt of the earth and pulled the narrative from her heart,” the 65-year-old says.
“The way she narrated the story to us, we knew it had the throb and love of life,”adds Bhatt, who has also produced films like of ‘Gangster - A Love Story’, ‘Murder’ and Woh Lamhe.
“So first it was there, pulled out of the heart, then Mohit came and added a dimension to it, gave it a soul with the music and the singers, and actors gave life to it,” he adds.