'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' is not a comedy: Bhushan Kumar

By Subhash K. Jha Oct 10, 2007, 15:10 GMT

Mumbai, Oct 10 (IANS) The promotional clippings of 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' may give the impression that it is a really funny film, but producer Bhushan Kumar says its not a full-fledged comedy.

'Of course, 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' has a lot of funny moments. But those moments are combined with a supernatural element. This is a supernatural comedy, something never done before,' Kumar told IANS.

The film -- starring Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Shiney Ahuja, Vidya Balan and Amisha Patel -- releases Friday.

The T-Series head honcho feels the days of out-and-out comedies are numbered.

''Partner' did well. But 'Dhamaal' and 'Dhol' were not the hits they were expected to be. I think the audience is looking for a twist in their comedy. 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' provides that twist.'

There is also some controversy surrounding the film. While the chant 'Hare Krishna Hare Rama' in the film had some right-wing elements incensed, another song 'Allah hafiz' seems to be targeting the Muslim audience to coincide with Eid.

Kumar, however, completely denies this.

He said: 'We had the catchy phrase 'Allah hafiz' in mind for a long time. You know how these lines like 'Mashaa Aallah' and 'Ya Ali' are working with the younger generation.

'So there was a situation for a road song in 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' where 'Allah hafiz' worked fine. That the film is being released on Eid and that Muslim audiences would like the number is just a coincidence.'

As for the 'Hare Rama' chant, Kumar explained: 'Yes there was some objection to the visuals of a Buddha statue and some glamour element. We removed them. Even then some people objected to the song. But since it was approved by the censors there isn't much that anyone can do.'

Two of Kumar's forthcoming films aren't comedies either.

'We have Nagesh Kukunoor's 'Aashayein' and the other project is tentatively titled 'Tasveer'. Both are serious films.'

© 2007 Indo-Asian News Service