Vidhu Vinod Chopra steps into Hollywood with Broken Horses

Vidhu Vinod Chopra scaling Hollywood with ‘Broken Horse’

By Neeru Saluja

Vidhu Vinod Chopra is one of India’s most successful director and producer. He has challenged norms, touched controversial topics, played with politics, but all with a pint of laughter or romance. His films are a reflection of his beliefs – be it the controversial PK or the crime reality Parinda.

Today he has realised his childhood dream with his Hollywood debut film ‘Broken Horses’, a tale of a drug war on the US Mexican border,  a   gritty, epic thriller about bonds of brotherhood, laws of loyalty, and the futility of violence starring Chris Marquette, Anton Yelchin and an upcoming Hollywood young actress Maria Velverde. The $20 million feature, co-produced by Chopra’s banner Vinod Chopra Films with Reliance Entertainment opens worldwide on April 10  released in Australia by  Mind Blowing Films.

Vidhu has written, produced and directed the film as his first foray into Hollywood  as Avatar and Titanic director James Cameron says about the ‘Broken Horses’, “beautifully written, acted and imaged, this film wraps slowly around you like a king snake and squeezes.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chopra, spoke with The Indian Down Under to tell us more about his new venture:

After delivering a series of successful films in Bollywood, what inspired you to make a Hollywood film?

For me, more than an inspiration it’s a dream. I came from Kashmir with a small dream just to make films. While I started gaining recognition with Parinda and Khamosh, my career actually started with Hollywood. In 1979, my short documentary film ‘Encounter with Faces’ was nominated for an Academy Award for Documentary Short Subject. Not many people know about this.

I’ve also had another crazy dream. To make a film in the English language. Imagine – I’ve studied in DAV Hindi school and for fifteen years I didn’t even know ABC in English. My dream became a reality as I had a lot of support from my team for this film. All the people worked with me on half salary. I was not alone in my dream.

You started your career with Parinda and we’ve heard Broken Horses is an English adaptation. So have you come a full circle with Broken Horses?

Not really. Broken Horses is different from other films. You will forget that Vidhu Vinod Chopra made this movie. It will make every Indian proud. It is a film for the western audience.

How would you compare your Hollywood experience with Bollywood?

I can’t even compare the experience. Bollywood has a lot of warmth while in Hollywood the relationships are not very warm. While Hollywood is very organised and professional, Bollywood is more fun. The shot will be ready in time – it’s just a different way of making films in States.

But as far as I know you also like your cast to be on time?

Yes you are right. I like my crew to be on time. I’m slightly eccentric! I don’t like it when my crew comes late. It infuriates me.

Talking about punctuality, you have now brought together the most punctual and multi talented actors of Indian cinema in your next film Wazir. How is it working with Farhan and Amitabh?

I’ve been very lucky to work with Farhan Akhtar and Amitabh Bachchan. I’ve brought two stars together, but the most important thing is how nice is your crew. It’s all about having a good time with your team. It’s never fun working with a horrible boss! Making a movie is a different experience and I’ve had a great experience working with them.

1942: A Love Story was a classic romance amidst political and social unrest. Your other films Parinda, PK, 3 Idiots or Munnabhai all have a special message weaved with a love story. How do you bring out romance amidst such strong stories?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vidhu’s PK became the highest grossing film in the Indian film industry  making more than 600 crores

 

I have married thrice, who would know romance better than me! I’ve always been a romantic at heart. I was 19 when I married my first wife Renu Saluja in FTTI. She was the editor for 1942: A love story and has always brought out the best in my films.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vidhu with wife Anupama Chopra

What about your current love of life – your wife Anupama Chopra? Does she review your films?

Anupama is the best woman in my life. She doesn’t watch my films and I don’t read her articles. That’s how our relationship works!

Your film PK was the highest grossing foreign film in Australia. But back home, PK faced a lot of opposition. What message did you want to convey through this film?

PK had a simple message. Lead life with a belief that comes from the heart. I’m grateful to people of Australia for appreciating my film. I believe I have succeeded in conveying the message. Religion is a beautiful thing provided it is used in the right manner. Otherwise it can be taken in the wrong way.

And a few last words to your film lovers in Australia…

But be it 1942 or PK, I really want to tell my fans I have always made Indians proud. Broken Horses is a film where you and your families and friends can go to see it. Go and watch the film and make yourself proud.

 

View movie sessions for Broken Horses on  http://www.hoyts.com.au/movies/2015/broken_horses.aspx

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