By Glamsham Editorial
In a time when films based on best-selling novels are fast becoming a trend, market-savvy producer Sajid Nadiadwala who has in his long career, been responsible for many blockbusters including the recent HOUSEFULL 2; purchased the rights of Chetan Bhagat's 2 States at an exorbitant sum. From that point onwards, 2 STATES has been making headlines continuously. Every top actor's publicity machinery has leaked out fake stories on how it was their client who was being considered for the role of the Punjabi college lad. Now the speculation has come to an end.Sajid has joined hands with Karan Johar for 2 STATES. And the hero is Arjun Kapoor. Debutant Abhishek Varman, who worked with KJo on MY NAME IS KHAN and is also the creative director on STUDENT OF THE YEAR, will direct 2 STATES.
Sajid, on vacation in Europe, called us to explain how his association with Karan is an emotional one. Said he, "I looked up to Karan's father Yash Johar when I started out. Yashji was my friend, philosopher and guide. Whenever I needed advice, I'd drive to his Mahalaxmi office. So you see my association with Karan is not new. For some time now, there has been speculation about this association. There has also been tremendous curiosity over the casting. The suspense is over. Karan and I are co-producing 2 STATES and Arjun Kapoor is our hero."
Reciprocating sentiments, Karan says, "Sajid is an exceptional producer. His pulse on mainstream cinema coupled with his tremendous track record has placed him in an enviable position. I'm honoured to collaborate with him on 2 STATES; a film that I believe is one of the most traditionally identifiable love stories that I have recently read."
Both producers are also unanimous in their views on the hero of the film. Says Sajid, "I have known Arjun since the time he weighed 140 kgs. He's now a cool dude who's turned out to be a good actor and a heartthrob for millions. He is the perfect hero."
Karan quips, "Arjun is wonderful and a supremely talented addition to the young bracket of actors in the movie industry. Both Sajid and I have implicit faith in his portrayal of our protagonist."
Both producers are also on the same page as far as their choice of the film's director goes. Said Sajid, "I bought the rights of 2 States because I loved the book. Abhishek (Varman) has done a fantastic job of the adaptation. The love story in this book is very beautiful."
K Jo adds, "Abhishek Varman who is my creative director on SOTY is a true talent in every way."