Was it the success of Golmaal and Golmaal Returns that prompted you to come up with another slapstick comedy All The Best?
Yes, but the script of All The Best was ready even before Golmaal released. But then with Golmaal’s success, I got busy working on Golmaal Returns. Since both turned out to be huge hits, there was no reason not to make All The Best.

How different is All The Best from the two?
The cast is very different, except for Ajay Devgn who is a constant part of all my films. I could have repeated Tusshar Kapoor and Shreyas Talpade but it would look like another Golmaal. Also, this one is more of a dialogue-based comedy, while the previous two were situational.

Dil Kahe from All The Best is touted as the most expensive song till date. You enjoy splurging, don’t you?
The previous most expensive song was from Golmaal Returns. This time, we set up a stage in Hyderabad and we got dancers from all over the world. I enjoy grandeur in everything I do. And I fail to understand why young directors do not like to take risks.

How far does your association with Ajay Devgn go?
I have known him for the last 20 years and we have been great friends. I worked as an assistant director on Phool aur Kaante, Ajay’s first film. He is a permanent fixture in all my directorial ventures.

Aren’t you afraid of being stereotyped as a comedy director?
No. In fact I will like it if people associate me with only slapstick comedy. That way I will have no competitors.

... contd.