Govinda to Star in Pahlaj Nihalani’s Film on Vijay Mallya

Pahlaj Nihalani has carved out a comeback role for Govinda in a film based on Vijay Mallya.

“I have made a movie inspired by the life of Vijay Mallya, and Govinda is in the main lead...”says Pahlaj Nihalani. 

Now that the the controversial ex-chief of the Central Board of Film Certification is not making life difficult for filmmakers with his snipping sensibilities, he’s back to making films. In fact he was back to the film industry within a month of his ouster with a sequel to the 2004 Neha Dhupia erotic film, Julie.

Now he’s on to bigger things - a film based on the life of the liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who faces extradition efforts to try to force his return from the UK to India for his financial crimes. He will reportedly attempt to cover the international scam in the film.

“I have made a movie inspired by the life of Vijay Mallya, and Govinda is in the main lead, audiences will be surprised to see his new avataar. The movie will be completely entertaining: Pahlaj Nihalani, producer & director.”

Pahlaj Nihalani, Producer & Director told ANI

According to the Free Press Journal, the film is reportedly called Rangeela Raja and is set to open in August. The film will reunite Govinda and Pahlaj Nihalani after 30 years.

He has also apparently shot a song-and-dance sequence with Govinda.

“Not the Mallya card, the Mallya calendar. The entire look feel appearance and rhythm of the song sequence is based on the Kingfisher calendars. As for Govinda playing who you say he is playing, let’s just keep the suspense going. I am neither denying nor admitting it. A lot of people asked me who Govinda is playing. All I can say at this point of time is that Govinda plays a man who is the biggest scamster of our times. Need I say more?...It felt just like the old times when we shot together for his debut film Ilzaam. Govinda is fitter now than he has ever been. And Chinni Prakash who has done many of Govinda’s dances in my films gave Govinda steps this time that only Govinda can do. No concession for age. And Govinda wasn’t looking for easier steps.”

Nihalani told Free Press Journal

“It is titled Rangeela Raja and it’s an out-and-out comedy. But comedy of a kind never attempted by Govinda before. Unlike the streetwise comic characters, Govinda is famous for, he plays a very sophisticated character in Rangeela Raja...He has a double role. But he slips into four different characters. Audiences who have been waiting for Govinda’s comeback will be very pleased to see what he has done in ‘Rangeela Raja’. It is almost like a rebirth of Govinda and I feel happy to be doing his comeback film.

Nihalani told The Indian Express.

With inputs from The Indian Express.