Are controversies good or bad? Well, we may get different answers for this question but after the 3 Idiots story credit controversy, the filmmakers are treading the path with caution.
Bollywood filmmakers have time and again been inspired by Hollywood flicks and best-selling novels. But, the recent spat between writer Chetan Bhagat and the team of 3 Idiots has led the makers of ‘Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?’ to ensure that no such controversy is created around their film.To be on the safer side, director Ashwni Dhir, whose Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? is inspired by atirist late Sharad Joshi’s ‘Tum Kab Jaaoge Atithi’, will be mentioning the author’s name right in the opening credits itself.
He says, “While penning my film, I had read Sharadji’s piece and had therefore, got a letter of consent from Sharadji’s daughter since the titles are similar. The position of credit has not been specified in the letter of consent. Though our team is yet to decide on the position of the creditline, I have no problems crediting Sharadji in the beginning.”
“I’m also producing a serial on Sharadji’s works titled Lapataganj: Sharad Joshi Ki Kahaniyon Ka Pata. Here, I’ve included Sharadji’s name in the title. Giving due credit to an author adds credibility to my project,” includes the filmmaker.
‘Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?’ is scheduled to release on February 26, 2010. The movie revolves around the story of a middle class couple who land up with an unexpected guest at their home.
The movie, a laugh riot, is produced by Warner Bros. Pictures India and Wide Frame Films starring National Award winners Ajay Devgn, Konkona Sen Sharma and Paresh Rawal. The music has been composed by Pritam. Amita Pathak, daughter of producer Kumar Mangat, has taken on the reins of a producer for the first time with this project.
