YRF brings on Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Singh think beyond Khans

Guess Yash Raj Films’ decision to start showing faith in newcomer actors has started paying off. Over the years they were reluctant to launch any male star and the only exception made by them was Ranveer Singh. The youngster rocked with Band Baaja Baaraat and that only instilled further confidence in the premium production house to bet their money on newcomers. Now that Ishaqzaade too has opened on a largely good note, what with its First Look promo seeing an all around visibility, it is apparent that Chopras are putting together their Plan B.

“It is a right move in fact. After all, how long can they continue to rely upon the Khans”, says a trade veteran, “Yes, they have the best line up in the whole industry today with Aamir Khan (Dhoom 3), Shah Rukh Khan (Yash Chopra’s yet untitled film) and Salman Khan (Ek Tha Tiger) on board. However, such a scenario can’t be expected to be repeated every year. The need of the hour is to have younger breed being groomed and with Ranveer and now Arjun on board, it is a step taken in the right direction.”

However, one does wait to see how the youngsters continue to perform in the long run. Though Ranveer Singh was appreciated all over again in Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl, the film managed just about average business. Also, even Arjun Kapoor would have to walk the line of fire since going by the promos of Ishaqzaade, he isn’t quite making a conventional hero debut.

“That shouldn’t be alarming though”, defends a filmmaker, “When the promo of Band Baaja Baaraat had first come on air, even Ranveer Singh hadn’t seen an all around positive response for himself. However, there was a huge turnaround once he was seen in the film. Ultimately when the film works, everything works. In any case, there is no dearth of chocolate boys in Bollywood today. What matters is whether a leading man is suiting the character and the film or not. Going by Ishaqzaade, it indeed seems to be the case.”

While the film has indeed been noticed for its ruggedness and especially Parineeti Chopra, who seems to be at her earthy best yet again after Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl, what is indeed surprising is to hear a comment made by a fellow actor who wished to be unnamed. He says, “This one seems like Bunty Aur Babli caught in the Dabangg land.”

Now whether this was genuine appreciation or back handed compliment is something that would be known once the final product is seen. However, what is apparent is that Chopras are in mood to experiment and are willing to put their money where mouth is. Now one just hopes that the decision turns out to be justified enough.