It's all about money

Ninety-nine down, one more to go.

With Aamdani Athani Kharcha Rupaiya, director K Raghavendra Rao is close to making a century, as this happens to be his 99th film.

AAKR boasts of Govinda, Juhi Chawla, Tabu, Chandrachur Singh, Vinay (Govinda's nephew), Isha Koppikar, Johnny Lever and Ketki Dave (Daksha of Kyunki Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi).

The plot revolves around four couples and their financial problems.

Padmalaya Films, the banner responsible for superhits like Himmatwala, is at the helm with Aamdani...

The set is abuzz: Juhi and Govinda are in a room, Chandrachur and Tabu peek in through the window.

Govinda is chatting about the day's events while helping Juhi bring the food to the table. Juhi, too, is pitching in with her account.

Tabu and Chandrachur are amazed at the rapport Juhi and Govinda share.

Cut. The shot is okayed.

Director Rao is thrilled with the film though it is a remake: "I have enjoyed working with such a huge cast. I had heard a lot about Govinda and his latecomings. I feel he has been quite professional. We were well-organised."

Rao reveals Aamdani is about middle class couples staying in a chawl. "I think all families in India face monetary problems. We have tried to give it a funny touch."

Govinda is now ready to do the next scene and starts rehearsing. Juhi spots a sheepish Tabu, who flees after mumbling something. Govinda misses the cue though and they start all over again.

Sipping lukewarm water from a steel mug, Govinda chats about his character: "My character's name is Sajanva, he's from Bihar. He is quite diplomatic but gives tit for tat. It's nice to be paired with Juhi and to work with Tabu -- both are such fine actresses."

"We have always tried to make socially relevant films which give a message in a comic vein," asserts producer G A Seshagiri Rao.

Revealing the film was shot in almost three months, Govinda states emphatically that in future, he would shoot all his films in this manner.

Meanwhile, Chandrachur is touching up for the same shot as they go in for another take: "After Maachis I am paired opposite Tabu once again. She is an amazing costar. I play a typical MCP husband. There are lot of situations which demand comedy. I hope to entertain the audiences."

Enter Tabu, flying high on the success of Chandni Bar: "Isn't it great that this comic film follows Chandni Bar, which was a really serious film? The other reason why I am glad to be in this film is that I did my first Telugu film with Raosir. So working with him after a gap of about 11 years is wonderful."

Tabu is clearly inspired with the theme of the film: "Household expenses in India are very high. It is important for women to be economically independent. Men must let their wives work. Even if a bunch of housewives step out of the house to earn after watching this film, we will be glad."

India News Feature Service