Director Imtiaz Ali was still soaring high on the success of Jab We Met when he approached actor Saif Ali Khan with the story of his next film, Love Aaj Kal. Apparently the story left by an emotional impression on the actor, who keenly decided to venture into production almost instantly. While the actor has established his prowess over a multitude of films, even earning himself a National Award in the Best Actor category for Hum Tum in the year 2004, it’s the new hat he donned as the producer that has added an enticing characteristic to the man’s career.
Setting up Illuminati films with Dinesh Vijan, who had earlier produced his English film Being Cyrus, the production house created for itself a distinct space in the cinematic sensibilities of the audiences. As Illuminati’s next Go Goa Gone is scheduled to hit the theatres tomorrow, Koimoi traces the Box Office journey of Saif Ali Khan as a producer and whether Go Goa Gone is an apt successor of his distinguishable idea of cinema.
Love Aaj Kal (2009)
Love Aaj Kal Movie Poster
Exploring a newfangled perspective on love, how its notion has altered over the years, and where it stands in contemporary times, this venture from Imtiaz Ali was a sharp take on devaluation of romance in the new age era. Love Aaj Kal was a smartly made film that alternates between past and present making the differences of the times rather starkly visible. Saif Ali Khan along with Dinesh Vijan helmed the production and the film’s script along with a wonderfully designed publicity management ensured it was a superhit, making a business of 67 crores at the India Box Office. The film scored as one of the year’s biggest hits only after 3 Idiots which turned out to be the biggest money spinner of 2009.
Agent Vinod (2012)
Agent Vinod Movie Poster
Attempting to give India its very own James Bond, Agent Vinod was a damp squib as it largely failed to recreate anything remotely close to the colossal stature of a suave secret agent. The film despite trying to cash in the glittering chemistry of the real life couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, did not show an exceedingly promising growth at the box office. Cumulatively raking up an average sum of 44.06 crores, the film failed to attain the hilt of excitement it had drawn out for itself.
Cocktail (2012)
Cocktail Movie Poster
Teaming up with Homi Adajania, with whom Saif had previously worked in Being Cyrus, Cocktail came across as a gusty romantic tale. Revolving around the lives of three friends, critics lauded the well etched out roles of its female protagonist. Starring Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty along with Saif in lead roles, the film’s flat premise did not have an overwhelming impact. However, Deepika’s impeccable portrayal of ‘Veronica’ with vigor and strength nails as the film’s stronghold. The film’s collections however remained steady all through its hilt period and finally zeroed on 76 crores making the film a hit at the domestic box office.
Go Goa Gone
Go Goa Gone Movie Poster
Go Goa Gone being the fourth venture from his production house has high expectations from it. Introducing a brand new paranormal premise of Zombies for the first time in Bollywood, the film is mostly a comedy. Starring Kunal Khemu, Anand Tiwari and Vir Das in lead roles, one can expect hilarity given their accurate sense of comic timing. The film has built up an average buzz for itself so far and will hence open to a favorable mood from the audiences. Given the script and its overall appeal, the film will gradually move towards its target audience. By the look of its trailers and the impression it has emitted, it mostly intends to be a multiplex oriented affair, but given its genre, it might evoke a better response from the single screens than expected.
Saif Ali Khan, as a producer, has always preferred radiant script. Though mostly sticking to romantic comedies, this time he is trying his luck with a first-of-its-kind concept. Tracing Saif’s track record as a producer, his brand name, though new, has a strong footing in the market and will surely deliver an above average response. Personally, I sincerely hope that for the sake of boosting out of the box thinking, the film fares well.
