EXCLUSIVE: Was Vicky Kaushal in running for Kartik Aaryan’s role in Luka Chuppi? Zara Hatke Zara Bachke director Laxman Utekar reveals

Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan are all set to come on screen together for the first time in Zara Hatke Zara Bachke on June 2. Their chemistry and the film’s music are already a hit. Recently, director Laxman Utekar got in an exclusive chat with Bollywood Bubble where he revealed many interesting details.

Laxman revealed the journey of the film’s title and clarifies if it is Luka Chuppi 2. He also opened up on the film’s small promotional campaign, being thankful to Shah Rukh Khan and getting back to the theatres. The director also revealed if Vicky was ever considered for Kartik Aaryan’s role in Luka Chuppi. Excerpts from the interview:

The music of Zara Hatke Zara Bachke just hits different. It has become the USP of the film. How important does music of a film becomes for you as a director?

“Music is a very important factor for a film. People like to watch a film whose music they feel connected to. This film’s music isn’t just pleasant to hear, it touches your heart. It is a soulful album, not just some random music. Also, all the songs in the film take the narrative ahead and tell a part of the story. The way Amitabh Bhattacharya sir has written ‘Phir Aur Kya Chahiye‘, it so rightfully reflects small-town feelings. Even Sachin-Jigar have given a soulful melody with a modern touch that is connecting to the youth. The success of the music just spreads positivity around the film.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Laxman Utekar (@laxman.utekar)

There was a time when the film was being called Luka Chuppi 2. Was the film conceived with that notion only to serve as a sequel?

“Actually that was never the thought that we were making Luka Chuppi 2. The film had many names when we started. We started with the title Ghar Ki Baat, then we thought of another option Khel Khel Mein. When we were shooting in Indore, the locals had taken pictures and videos of the shoot. Since, I was the director of Luka Chuppi, they made it that we were shooting Luka Chuppi 2. We never thought that because that title was never with us. It was during the post-production that designer Rahul Nanda suggested the title Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. We all liked it as it fit the story.”

After an intense subject like Mimi, was it refreshing to come back to a light-hearted film with Zara Hatke Zara Bachke?

“I must tell you that this film is a mix of Luka Chuppi and Mimi. It will make you laugh and cry as well. The film is about a beautiful relationship and the dreams of the people involved in it. I haven’t revealed much in the trailer so that the audience can see it and enjoy it in the theatres. It is not just a laughter riot, it is also an emotional journey where you will find yourself as well while watching the film.”

After releasing Mimi on OTT, as you return to theatres with Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, do you feel you were missing it?

“You are right. A film is good or bad, that you come to know on OTT as well as theatres. But releasing a film on the big screen is like a celebration and a festival for any filmmaker. On OTT, there are 2 people watching the film in their living room, but in theatres it’s 250 people watching it together. Seeing those 250 people laugh, cry and clap together is the appreciation you crave for.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Laxman Utekar (@laxman.utekar)

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke has had a very small duration for its promotional campaign. Was that always the plan or the release date being finalised quite close to release was the reason for it?

“Jawan was to release on June 2. So, obviously we never had a plan to release our film on that date. But that is such a good date with it being right after IPL. Our film was ready, so when Jawan got pushed, we thought of taking that date. Thus, we got a small duration for our promotions. But with the kind of songs we have, it has created such a buzz that the film is reaching to the people.”

Do you feel thankful towards Shah Rukh Khan since with Jawan getting pushed, you got that release date?

“I want to thank Shah Rukh Sir that he pushed his film’s release for whatever reason. Our film was ready and it wasn’t like there was much work left on it. But if Jawan would have released on June 2, all the releases around it would have got shaken up because it is a big film.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09)

During the music event of this film, Vicky had said that you and him had discussed making a film together many years ago. Was he in the running for Luka Chuppi as well when you were making it?

“Yes, me and Vicky had shot for an ad together a while ago. Before that, I had worked with his father Sham Kaushal. I had seen Masaan and just knew that I needed to work with Vicky. But when it comes to Luka Chuppi, that film was always for Kartik. When we were making Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, I had decided on the writing stage only that it has to have Vicky Kaushal. The reason is that the story of this film is about a lower middle class family from a small town. A hero fitting perfectly in that world had to be Vicky. Someone who knows middle class values, is good looking and handsome but also a boy-next-door. So, that the audience can relate to him when they watch it.“

This is Vicky and Sara’s first film together. How did you see them as a couple on screen?

“I believe that every film should have a fresh casting and fresh pairing. The audience enjoys seeing something new. Earlier it used to work having duos like Govinda and Karisma Kapoor having 10 films together. Now people get bored easily, they want something new in everything. That’s how we thought of Sara. She and Vicky had never come on screen together.

Also, in real life Sara is very similar to the character she has played on screen. She is a little bubbly, a little stubborn. Thus, I felt Sara and Vicky would be perfect for the film as how Sara is in real life, I wouldn’t have to do much to make her transform into her character. Their chemistry has also worked quite well.”

Also Read: Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan promise ‘laughter, romance, drama’ in Zara Hatke Zara Bachke trailer- WATCH