‘AK 59 is our ode to Sridevi’: Boney Kapoor on remaking Pink in Tamil with Ajith

In 1980, Boney Kapoor made his debut as a producer with Hum Paanch. He followed it up with Woh Saat Din (1983), Loafer (1996), Judaai (1997) and No Entry (2005) among many others. What’s interesting to note here, is that all these have been remakes of South Indian films. In fact, he reveals to us that he has reprised at least 16 movies from down South in Hindi!

PINK IN TAMIL

Now, for the first time, Boney is attempting a reversal of sorts. He is bankrolling the Amitabh Bachchan-Taapsee Pannu-starrer Pink in Tamil as AK 59. 

Superstar Ajith will revisit Big B’s role. What’s more, Vidya Balan will make her debut in the language. She will be seen in a special appearance as the 47-year-old’s wife.

Earlier, the Viswasam actor had played AB’s part in the Tamil version of the Sridevi-starrer English Vinglish (2012). “Actually, it was Sri’s desire that we do a film with him in Tamil,” says Boney. It was while they were exploring various possibilities that they watched Pink. “When we met him in Chennai, even Ajith said that he had seen it. Then, Sri suggested that we remake the social drama and he, too, jumped at the idea,” recalls the producer.

The late actress had also started her cinematic career with a Tamil movie, Kandhan Karunai (1967).  She went on to do many more films in the language as a child artiste, before her first role as an adult came at the age of 13 with Moondru Mudichu in 1976. AK 59, the filmmaker said, will be his and Ajith’s ode to Sridevi, who passed away last year on February 24. Talking about Vidya’s part, he mentioned that though it would be a special appearance, it would be “a short and sweet but special role”.

EXPLORING NEW TERRITORIES

Boney, who was the first Bollywood producer to back Hindi remakes of South Indian films, informs that he wants to continue doing so in the near future, too. “Pink is the first, and there will be many more to follow. I have the rights of Badhaai Ho as well, which will also be planned in Telugu and Tamil,” he adds.

As for his equation with Ajith, the veteran producer mentions it’s based on mutual respect. Post Pink, he plans to make another film with him in Tamil. “That however, will be a fresh subject. It will be a full-on action-oriented commercial flick,” he concludes.

What’s Pink about?

The 2016 Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury directorial sees Amitabh Bachchan playing a retired lawyer, who takes up the case of three girls after they file a molestation case against a politician’s nephew. The movie, also starring Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari and Andrea Tariang, won the National Award for Best Film On Social Issues.