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In a career spanning three decades, Gulshan Grover has played the villain many times – but the film that earned him his nickname of “Badman”, and which set the tone for much of his Bollywood career, was that of villain Kesariya Vilayati in Subhash Ghai’s 1989 film Ram Lakhan. As traditional villain roles have become rarer in Bollywood (with heroes taking on roles with more shades of grey), Grover has found his way to working in other industries (in the U.S. and Canada), as well as appearing in films that find their way to the festival circuit, such as Soumik Sen’s Badman.

Director Sen (Gulaab Gang) allows the talented actor to step into a fictionalized version of himself – Gulshan Grover the Badman who longs to make a change in his career, to relaunch himself as a hero. The film is, quite frankly, a hoot, sending up a number of Bollywood tropes. This fictional Gulshan Grover has two hapless sons, Suresh (working as an assistant to director/choreographer Farah Khan and writing his own screenplay) and Gaurav (radio show host always looking for money to invest in questionable business schemes).

The film opens with the fictional Gulshan Grover celebrating his birthday – one of his birthday gifts is to be handed the reins of the Bollywood Villains Association by his friend and fellow villain Ranjeeth.

After suffering a sudden heart attack at his birthday party, and faced with his own mortality as well as the incompetence of his sons, Grover decides to liquidate his assets and set up a film fund which he will put at the disposal of his sons if – and only if – they work with him on a film launching a new hero: Gulshan Grover – “Gg” — himself, in a venture entitled, appropriately “Goodman”.

The film sends up contemporary Bollywood film and social media culture, from a nurse who asks to take a selfie with the star in his hospital bed, to the doctor treating him who brings his son to see his patient, to director/choreographer Farah Khan announcing Grover’s death on Twitter. It’s also a biting satire on the current state of filmmaking in Bollywood, where star kids are launched and where heroes in their forties play college students and woo women young enough to be their daughters, where women in their thirties are resigned to playing mothers to men hardly older than themselves, a world in which social media experts are hired in order to make films trend, where images are “refurbished” and hashtags rule.

The film follows Gg’s quest to put together the film that will launch this new, updated, 21st century version of himself, from the search for a director, a heroine, and, most importantly, for the actor who will agree to become the villain. The endless string of cameos are worth the price of admission alone; the turn by Chunkey Pandey, who agrees to become the film’s villain – hysterically, his costumes always match the furniture on which he’s sitting — is delicious.

But at the centre of it all is Gulshan Grover himself, anchoring everything that happens around him, by turns frustrated at the roadblocks he runs up against (veteran actor Rishi Kapoor advises him to forget about becoming a hero and focus on the underserved 90 to 100 year old man slot), frustrated at the stupidity and incompetence of his sons, accused of “corruption” by those in the Villains’ Assocation (who see both his desire to become a hero, and his willingness to cast Chunkey Pandey as his villain as a sell-out) and occasionally baffled by the events that go on around him as he works to create something new out of his life and career. “Badman” defined much of Gulshan Grover’s career, but Badman allows us to remember that he’s a fine actor with a gift for comedy, in a film that guarantees you will “Lol”.

Directed by Soumik Sen (Gulaab Gang), Badman showcases Gulshan Grover in a fabulous “mokumentary” look at a Bollywood legendary villain trying to stay relevant by becoming a “Goodman” in a new film. The actor plays “himself” in a story that is literally laugh out loud funny, fun, touching and full of crazy reel and real characters. Not only does the film feature Gulshan Grover, it also has Farah Khan as “Farah Khan”, Chunky Pandey as “Chunky Pandey” and amazing special appearance scenes with Rishi Kapoor, Mahesh Bhatt, Manisha Koirala, Jackie Shroff, Shootjit Sarkar, Sujoy Ghosh and many more!

Soumik Sen took the time out of his busy schedule to give us an inside look into the making of this brilliant film. Check out what he had to say in this exclusive interview!

How did the first thought of Badman come to you?

I’ve always had this idea of what happens to a villain’s career graph in Bollywood today, when heroes and heroines (Juhi in my last film too if I may add) are taking on negative roles. Where does that leave the specialised villain? Nowhere except Prakash Raj. And what would they be doing to stay relevant? And this idea came from that thought.

Tell us about writing and developing this script.

I always had the story sorted in my head. And I knew this was an attempt of a villain trying to reinvent himself as a hero, completely unaware of his age. Once Gulshan came on board, referencing his illustrious career and an era when characters were more cardboard-ish than what they are now in an evolving story telling industry, it became more fun.

You worked with Anuvab Pal on the story.

Anuvab and I are friends. And I’ve in fact acted in his web shorts too. And definitely wanted him as part of the cast given his natural comic timing. Writing wise – just jamming lines and scenarios with him was a blast.

When you went to Mr. Gulshan Grover what was the main thing you wanted to show him about the film?

Well, the idea was to cast a Real villain and do it like a mockumentary. And of course to get someone who would be sporting enough to mock himself. Apart from his illustrious career, the fact that he is a legend, it was also important to showcase that behind his larger than life roles, he is a fabulous actor anyways.

What was his first reaction?

He loved the idea. And Without any reservation.

How would you describe Badman?

I’d like to think it’s the first out and out instance in this industry where legends, stars and directors have come on board, lent their names and helped make this first web feature exclusive meant for an online platform.

What is the essence of the film?

I guess the larger story arc is about the never say die drive and endeavour that makes an artist adapt to the changing times and survive, irrespective of his age.

Tell us about working with Gulshan Grover and especially in a part like this.

Incredibly professional and committed to his craft. His infectious energy was like that of a newcomer on set. And yes, his no holds barred diving into the skin of the character. Also comedy requires an actor to be very reactive to lines, and while he has done stellar comic roles in the past, for a different audience and storytelling, his timing was always spot on.

How long did it take to shoot the film?

I shot the film in approximately 15 days.

What did you keep in mind during the shooting of the film?

Have fun. Only then will it reflect on screen.

Badman takes a lot from films and the film industry, so how much of it is true and how much of it is exaggeration and how much of it is what you guys invented for this world?

A lot of it in ways is true and then there is obviously a leap that comic imagination takes.

What was your favorite scene to shoot?

The scene where all the yesteryear villains come together to wish Gulshan on his birthday. To see the legendary Ranjeet, Deepak Shirke (Gendaswamy from the cult classic Tiranga), Shiva (Captain Zattack from Hum) and the original Badman sit down and discuss the Villains Federation of Bollywood was a memorable high.

Also to have Farah choreograph Chunky and Gulshan and the ensuing madness on set was uproarious.

So you played the Social Media director, how was it shooting for the film and directing it? And was that a commentary on Social media today?

Well absolutely. The social media manager in the film is a guy who is essentially fibbing someone alien to jargon, trends and technology and making a quick buck out of him. And like how anything new intimidates us, his persona was meant to be someone who bamboozles clients with his jargon. I’m sure we know plenty of guys like him who take advantage of the eager and moneyed.

Tell us about those amazing guest appearances, how did those all come about?

They were written into the film as you probably would have figured. And thereafter it was all a function of meeting the stars and telling them what it was. Thankfully they were all a sport and agreed.

Favorite guest appearance scene?

Very tough to pick one, but to have Rishi Kapoor who just played a 90-year-old man in Kapoor and Sons to actually tell Gulshan to follow his footsteps was a favourite.

The title song is killer, how did that come about?

It was written on a brief by the extremely talented Protiqe Majumdar, and composed by me. I had sung a scratch and when the energy was upped, I knew only Vishal Dadlani could pull it off.

You also had Farah Khan as Farah Khan, how was it to work with her?

Farah is a dear friend and a legend in her own rights. Without a doubt the person who revolutionised the way we picturise songs. But what drew me to her was the fact that she is way madder and fun a person than the film might suggest. She is a dynamite.

What about the great Chunky Pandey?

Chunky had to be cast because the script needed us to cast a man as villain opposite Gulshan who has been a hero and thrashed him (on-screen) in many films. And who better than him with his incredible comic timing. I’d like to add that it takes a special kind of confidence to be absolutely ridiculous on screen and ‘be’ Chunky Pandey. And he pulled it off like only he could.

What do you love about Badman?

The fun that I had while on set. The challenge to work within a tight budget and pull off a product, which is one of its kind. And to be the first to do anything like this in the online space before Amazon and Netflix had commissioned anything for India.

How exciting is it that the film has now gone on to film festivals and received such a wonderful response?

It’s actually way more than I had expected. I certainly didn’t anticipate it would touch the chords of so many people, despite not having a theatrical release.

Are you excited for the premiere at the London Indian Film Festival?

Yes I am. It is such a prestigious festival and I’m glad that an online film, and more importantly a comedy has found a place in such an esteemed lineup.

What is next for you?

A few things are being written and set up as we speak. A feature, another web show and a few more things.

Badman is screening at the London Indian Film Festival at Cineworld Wembley June 24, 2017 6:00 pm, Cineworld Leicester Square June 25, 2017 3:00 pm and Stratford Picturehouse June 27, 2017 6:30 pm. It also will be showcased the sister festival the Birmingham Indian Film Festival Cineworld Broad Street June 25, 2017 6:00 pm.

If you haven’t, be sure to also check out our amazing interview with Gulshan Grover as well! It is not to be missed!

Gulshan Grover is one of the most respected actors in Hindi films. Since 1980, he has thrilled audiences with his characterizations and is known for his outstanding performances in villain roles. In fact, if you mention his name, most likely you will hear him called ‘Badman’. His new film, called Badman, done in a mokumentary style, has the actor playing himself in a very interesting tale. Directed by Soumik Sen, Badman is a mad, comic caper, that sees Gulshan Grover, the legendary villain of Bollywood, decide to re-launch himself in the film industry, but this time as a hero! He enlists the help of his dysfunctional sons and begrudging Bollywood stars including Chunky Pandey and Farah Khan plus a host of special appearances of many famous faces to help him achieve his transformation. Badman is a brilliant, laugh out loud funny and moving look at the world of Bollywood… but more on that later.

First let’s set the scene with the trailer

I was very honored to get the chance to have a conversation with Mr. Grover about Badman, which is screening at this year’s London Indian Film Festival. In a fascinating and fun interview, the actor talks about playing “himself” in Badman, about those special appearances, about his love of acting and so much more! It is not to be missed!

Was acting something you always wanted to do?

Yes, but I would not say always. In the early years the thrust was education and academics because that is what my late father had outlined and made us understand that no matter what our economical conditions are, which were very, very, very bad, we were very exceptionally poor, he said that education is something that you give uttermost importance too – it is something that is truly important. So, I was doing that. I was a brilliant student. I reached Shri Ram College of Commerce, which is the top most college in our country and Asia, where today the cutoff point is 100% marks. At that time I had 92% with distinction in 5 subjects so I was truly brilliant in my studies. I had had a little exposure to acting here and there. It was only after I went to the college and looked at larger things, looked at various prospects that I realised am I going to pursue my academic career or am I going to listen to my heart and go towards art? In the end I did that. Acting assumed the stronger position after I grew up. It was always there, but as I grew up and was in college and was looking towards which direction do I take my life too.. and I followed my heart.

What were your first thoughts when Soumik Sen narrated the concept of Badman to you?

I loved it! I thought it was fantastic. I also thought it was gutsy and courageous to make fun of yourself as opposed to generating humor that makes fun of others. Here the humor is on me! The person who is being laughed is me. I thought that was interesting. I also thought that this is amazing that here is an iconic character played by villain and that villain is expected to play the hero in that film. That was another very interesting thing which has never been done before because there has never been a film called Angry Young Man, there has never been a film called Prem, or Rahul or Lakhan (laughs) so I thought it was truly brilliant and let me be the first one to do this.

I also asked Soumik, is the studio Viacom 18 as passionate in making this and reaching it out to people? The CEO Gaurav Gandhi and Monika Shergill, the head of production, their passion translated, and I was more than happy and excited to be in the movie.

How would you describe Badman?

I would say that it is not just as the tagline says ‘A villain trying to be a hero’, I mean that is an integral part of the film but here it is that you are famous, you are successful, you are a name, and how interesting and comical things can be when you try and do something else. And since it is set in Bollywood and all my colleagues are acting in it and all my colleagues being referred to in the dialogs – it is a very interesting way of looking at the happenings in Bollywood.

It takes a lot of little things from your life, so how much did you contribute to developing and adding to the script from his first narration to the final product?

I would say I only translated what Soumik sent and the other writer Anuvab Pal, who plays one of my sons; he is a stand up comedian, famous name in writing and also a very famous journalist. So I didn’t interfere at all to be very honest. It was not my area of expertise. I hadn’t done anything like this before. I had faith in Gaurav Gandhi, Soumik Sen, Monika Shergill and Anuvab Pal as to what they were making.

Yes, I translated what they had in mind on screen, in their opinion far better and far larger than what they had thought. I wasn’t scared of letting me be the subject of ridicule. You know, in the movie like you are in the hospital room and the nurse wants to take a selfie (laughs) or the doctor wants you to recite some dialogs from your movie while you are in pain, and while your kids are only interested in that they can’t find a will. They don’t give a shit about your legacy or who you are all they want to know is where is the money. All those very human things are also an integral part of the film.

It’s a wholesome film where you will laugh, you will enjoy, and you are really seeing the Bollywood from close quarters. We actually shot with Bollywood stars, actors, technicians, directors and along with all this, you also see some of the emotional side of it.

It takes a lot from films and the film industry, so how much of it is true and how much of it is exaggeration and how much of it is what they invented for this world?

It is not an exaggeration to be very honest. You can really go mad trying to pull favor from your colleagues. You can really go crazy if you are a villain wanting to be hero and at the same time a hero wanting to do something else could also have an interesting, funny reaction of participation of the other colleagues. All of that – nothing is exaggerated.

Like there is a dancing scene and I am a terrible dancer even in real life so that is not an exaggeration at all. (Laughs)

So Ms. Farah Khan was really getting annoyed..…

Yes! That is why the scenes look real! (Laughs)

It must have been fun to play this character, because you are you in a form but you get to expand it into so many different aspects, the more emotional, the funnier, to play the hero…

Absolutely! I would also say enjoy was not the only emotion that I went through… I was also partially scared. I was partially scared that I hope it translates the right way. There is a large part of it where I am called a failure and also in the movie I am called a failure father. There is also a funny certain thing about all this. So I felt all emotions while portraying that and I wanted to play it correctly. That is what sort of has translated into it.

Also the tremendous support of my colleagues – be it Manisha Koirala, Rishi Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Farah Khan, Mahesh Bhatt, Shootjit Sarkar, Sujoy Ghosh, and even Vishal Dadlani, who sung the title song, Goliyan Chidkta Aaya Badman.

I loved seeing all the special appearances. That one scene where you are sitting opposite Mr. Rishi Kapoor, and you both are just staring at each other, I was wondering were you about to crack up?

(Laughs) Yes, yes we were. We shot the scene in the legendary Mehboob studio. And yes we were absolutely about to crack up. Also we had great fun shooting this scene because Shah Rukh was shooting right next to us for his film Raees. We had a very, very enjoyable time while shooting that scene. I also made my friend Shah Rukh hear the whole story of the film and made him hear the title song sung by Vishal Dadlani. And Shah Rukh kept complimenting and saying this is going to be an interesting and amazing film. It was really fun shooting that scene.

One you saw it all together with all scenes, special appearances and everything involved what did you think?

I did not see it for a while to be very honest. I sort of rolled on the faith of Gaurav Gandhi, Monika Shergill, Soumik Sen, Aritra Mukherjee and various others involved. I had faith in their faith. I normally don’t see the films. It is like once it is done it is like I have kicked the ball – whether it hits the goal post or not… we will see. It is gone it is out of my hands, I have kicked the ball, I have hit the ball with my bat in the cricket.

Is it hard to play straight in a comedy like this? You were the straight man throughout the entire thing…

It is very hard, it’s very difficult. See comedies are perceived in a certain way – comedies in India are done a certain way. We were very clear on this – that I am going to play it real. Soumik is not only a very good director; he is a very tough director as well. He is clear what he wants and he does not really want to change or stop. He is clear how he wants it and that is how he wants it, which was good. It didn’t leave any room for any ambiguity or any should we do it this way or should we do that way? He had it all clear. It was good. And good or bad it was his way of thinking.

What is your favorite thing about Badman?

I think I like the scene where literally I have had a heart attack and I am lying on a deathbed and all the kids are discussing the will and calling me an idiot for not really having done enough for the children. You know, that scene is beyond the golden jubilee trophies, the fans, the stars, the stardom, the fans that want a piece of their star… it is beyond all that. It is the real world of a celebrity, a star where kids have a certain perspective have a certain way of looking at things. That scene, you know, I really, really felt very strongly. I am told that that is a very moving scene. That scene was really something that I felt very close too.

Do you still have the acting itch, as Mr. Mahesh Bhatt told you in the film?

(Laughs) I have nothing else but acting itch honestly. The only itch that I have is the acting itch.

Looking back over your career what would you say?

To be very honest I am of the opinion – I don’t look back. I don’t do this throwback photograph, posting ‘this film 15 years back what an amazing time we had on set’ bullshit. Are you relevant today?! Are you relevant in your chosen craft today?!. Are you better than what you were 15 years back in areas where you lacked?! That is what I am interested in. That is what inspires me. This bullshit about when I did this or when I did that or you did this… Many other external elements supported you and that is how you became what you became and that is why we are interested in your story of the early years because you became something. There are many who were left back there and we are not interested in their story. So therefore I am absolutely against this thing about early years and nostalgia. Nostalgia to me is like a soft tranquilizer. It sort of gets the logic out and everything looks nice and beautiful in the movies you know? The earlier years are always in sepia and have beautiful lighting and everything. I don’t really look back honestly. I am looking at the present and I am staring at the future. I am looking at the present very pleasantly and staring at the future and that I am Passionate about acting! I love acting! There is nothing else I can do. I hope and I am very sure that I will continue to do that until the end of my being here in this world.

How exciting is that the film is coming to London Indian Film Festival?

I came many years back; I had such a fantastic experience! There is tremendous energy! I Loved It! I stepped in for another actor, I think Irrfan Khan was supposed to come for The Lunchbox which was being shown and something didn’t go right so I came as the guest of honor and I opened the festival. It left such a warm, nice feeling and memory in my mind. The clarity of Cary Sawhney and all his colleagues and their passion for cinema. The audiences and everybody that I interacted with – their love for cinema was something that left me with the feeling that I want to come back. It happened in a perfect way that I am now coming with a movie that is my film! A film where I play the lead. India’s first mokumentary feature film. Never ever has India made a feature film where everybody plays themselves. Mahesh Bhatt is Mahesh Bhatt, Gulshan Grover is Gulshan Grover, Farah is Farah and there are more. I am proud and happy that I am coming back to the festival with a film that is my favorite film that has me in the lead. And it’s a film that would be a unique entertaining wholesome experience for the festival audiences.

Badman is also the opening film at the Moscow Film Festival in the Indian Panorama on the 23rd. It is one day prior to the London Film Festival. So I literally leave the screening halfway through in Moscow and fly to London to be amidst and in the activity of the London Indian Film Festival that I truly love and adore. The screening opens on the 24th at Cineworld Wembley. I would like to convey through you to my fans that I shall be present at all of the four screenings Cineworld Wembley Cineworld Leicester Square, Stratford Picturehouse and Birmingham’s Cineworld Broad Street. I want them all to know I would be happy to meet my fans, take a picture with them. I will be there throughout the festival!

If you are in London or Birmingham be sure to go experience Badman and meet Mr. Gulshan Grover at the screenings at London Indian Film Festival!

Europe’s Largest Indian Film Festival returns to Birmingham again this year for the third year in the row. Sister to the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival, (Liff), Birmingham Indian Film Festival will run from Friday 23 June until Sunday 2 July 2017. This year’s festival promises to be one of the best showcasing 11 Independent Films, 2 Music Documentaries and a host of talent over 10 days in 3 cinemas!

Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Liff & Biff Director, says: “We are delighted to bring Birmingham audiences a carefully curated selection of the very best new Indian and South Asian independent cinema; all films are English subtitled, offering a rare window into over a billion South Asian lives. This year’s selection includes premieres of new comedies, gripping thrillers, shocking horror and insightful true-life documentaries as well as bringing together UK previews of major award-winning films from the world’s greatest film festivals.”

The festival opens on Friday 23 June at Cineworld Birmingham,...

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Check out this totally cool trailer (created by Parag Sankhe) to get an idea for what is in store for you! It has some amazing clips of the films that you must see!

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