Director Milap Zaveri candidly shares his career low after Satyameva Jayate 2’s failure, highlighting the crucial support from industry stalwarts like Indra Kumar and Bhushan Kumar. He expresses excitement for Mastiii 4, Bollywood’s sole adult comedy franchise reaching its fourth installment, promising a script that unleashes the cast’s comedic brilliance.
Writer-director Milap Zaveri, fresh from the success of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, opens up about one of the most challenging periods of his career, the aftermath of the disappointing performance of Satyameva Jayate 2 starring John Abraham. In a candid conversation with ETimes, Milap revisited how he navigated that difficult phase, the people who stood by him, and the creative journey behind Mastiii 4, one of the most anticipated adult comedy sequels in Bollywood.Milap makes no attempt to sugarcoat the emotional and professional impact that Satyameva Jayate 2 had on him. The film’s failure hit him hard, leading to a period of introspection and uncertainty.“So, it was a tough time,” he recalls. “But obviously, there were a lot of people who stood by me.”
Among the first names he mentions is veteran filmmaker Indra Kumar, whose support was immediate and unconditional.“There was Indira Kumar sir who stood by me,” Milap says with gratitude. The filmmaker went on to offer Milap the opportunity to direct “Tera Yaar Hoon Main”, a launchpad for his son Aman Indra Kumar alongside Akanksha Sharma. Shortly after, he entrusted him with Masti 4, handing over one of his most valuable comedy brands. Milap adds, “He gave me his brand and his beta.”Support also came from industry colleagues who recognised both his talent and his struggle.“There was Sanjay Gupta. There was Bhushan Kumar sir. There was Ritesh Deshmukh who stood by me very strongly, he was very insistent I direct Mastii 4 ” he says.Director Remo D’Souza and filmmaker Mohit Suri also offered him writing assignments during that period, helping him stay creatively engaged.The Legacy of Masti: “The only adult comedy franchise to reach part four”Milap speaks passionately about the legacy of the Masti franchise, a comedic series defined by outrageous humour, camaraderie among the central trio, and enduring audience affection.“Part one was a big hit. Part two was a blockbuster-the first A-rated film to do 100 crores,” he says proudly.The third film, Great Grand Masti, had a difficult release after a major leak weeks before its premiere.“Part three, unfortunately, got leaked before the release. And it suffered very badly because of that. But the love for that also has been strong digitally.”Despite the setbacks, the fanbase never wavered.“People have always loved this franchise, loved Ritesh Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi , Aftab Shivdasani. It is the only adult comedy franchise that has reached part four. And that’s only because of the love that audiences have had for the franchise.”Mastiii 4, coming after an eight-year gap, carries expectations not only from fans but also from the filmmakers who believe in its potential.Aftab Shivdasani’s joke: “We don’t need a script!”In an interview recently Aftab stated that when he, Riteish Deshmukh, and Vivek Oberoi are together they didn’t even need a script to pull off their comic chemistry.Milap laughs while clarifying the truth:“That’s their cute insider joke. Of course, there was a script which I had written and when people see the film they will realize it.The whole script, they heard and they loved it.”But he acknowledges their on-set energy and improvisational brilliance.“They added some amazing improvisations while we were shooting. They are so talented. Their chemistry with each other is brilliant. They added some madness along the way.”He admits that their banter was partly aimed at teasing him.“I think they were just trying to be funny and pull my leg—that there was no script. But I promise you, there was a script. And when you see the film, you will see that.”With a massive cast including Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, Aftab Shivdasani, Tusshar Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Shaad Randhawa, Nishant Singh, and actresses Ruhi Singh,Shreya Sharma and Elnaaz Norouzi. Mastiii 4 brings together some of the most spontaneous performers in comedy.Milap explains his approach to handling such a dynamic mix:“With love, with patience, with confidence, with humility.”He knew the key was not to direct them too rigidly but to give them space.“You’ve got to let them all do what they’re best at. They are great actors. I don’t have to teach them acting. I have to just set them free and let them enjoy their work, enjoy their roles.”The sets were buzzing with creative energy.“It was such a pleasure to see their madness—whether it was Ritesh, Vivek, Aftab, Tusshar, Arshad or Shaad or Nishant.”He extends equal admiration to the actresses:“The three girls—Ruhi, Elnaz and Shreya—they also contributed to the scenes.”For Milap, the joy was in watching all the performers “sink their teeth into the material” and elevate the script with their instincts. Go to Source
