Ranveer Singh, quite obviously, was subject to some serious banter as Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, and Rohit Shetty picked on him at the trailer launch of their upcoming film, Sooryavanshi. The film will see all three actors come together on the big screen for the first time, in what is being termed as the beginning of a new 'cinematic universe'.
With the backing of Dharma Productions and Rohit Shetty Picturez, the film will also star Katrina Kaif as the leading lady, with Kumar taking on the role of Veer Sooryavanshi. Inevitably, with all three stars (Devgn, Kumar, Singh) set to be on stage, the event began late.
The two senior stars were quick to indicate that Singh, the youngest, was responsible. Even as Singh protested and tried to placate Kumar by offering his chapstick, water-bottle (eco-friendly, he insisted), Kumar rebutted with "Well, if you had arrived on time, that would have been beneficial enough for me."
Kumar also pointed out that this is not the first time he is sharing screen with Devgn. Recalling Devgn's debut, Phool Aur Kaante (1991), the actor said, "Me and Ajay, we have worked together on so many films. Even our first film, Phool Aur Kaante, I was supposed to be in it, but later went to Ajay. We have been working over these years. And with us, this time is, late lateef Ranveer Singh. (laughs)"
Even before Singh could protest again, Devgn stepped in by saying, "And after arriving 40 minutes late, the excuse he gives us is that 'My wife lives in town'!"
Later, when a mediaperson asked Kumar about his habit of supporting charities, the actor was left a little stumped. "Thank you, but I simply do it because I can," he said, to which Singh said, "After this film, he is going to donate a helicopter to me." Even as the audience was starting to get that joke, Devgn piped in with, "You will find traffic there as well."
The wisecracks did not stop with Singh though. Inviting Kaif on stage, Kumar said, "She has given such a performance in this film. There is one scene that left me stunned. It turned me into a fan of her acting." Ever quick on the take, Devgn said, "So you were not before?", to which Kumar replied, "I never lie. I was not, it is only after this scene that I have become a fan of her as an actor. Before I was a fan of her beauty."
Praising Shetty for bringing the trio together, producer Karan Johar said, "Before anything else, I have to say that this man [Rohit Shetty] is a bonafide rockstar. I think it takes a certain kind of talent, a certain kind of ability, to create this kind of universe, and he does it every year. Here, I have not directed a film in five years, and he has made box-office of more than Rs2000 crore!!"
Naturally, when it was Shetty's turn to answer a question about who would have the biggest entry in the film, he pulled up Johar, saying, "Karan. He will also be in the next part of the franchise."
Unable to hold back, Singh declared, "With Vardi by Louis Vuitton!" Singh also revealed that the film will feature a special song which will see Devgn dancing.
On playing a policeman once again, Kumar said, "Not just a policeman, the army, the navy, or the airforce, there is a certain dignity associated with wearing any uniform. I always consider myself lucky that we get to play these parts. So, I felt very proud and happy when I wore the uniform."
Sooryavanshi is directed by Shetty and features Kumar, Kaif and Jackie Shroff in key roles with Devgn and Singh in special appearances. The film will release in theatres on 24 March.