De Taali explores Bollywood's two favourite themes – love and friendship.
De Taali is the latest film to use the two elements that have always fascinated Indian audiences – friendship and love. A light-hearted film, it was directed by E. Niwas and stars Aftab Shivdasani, Riteish Deshmukh, Ayesha Takia and Rimmi Sen.
A lot at stake
Ram Gopal Varma's protege, E. Niwas, whose first film was the sensational Shool, teamed up with Shivdasani for his second film, Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, a moderate success. But since then, Niwas has made three duds – Dum, Bardaasht and My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves. He is now be pinning his hopes on De Taali. But it's not just he who is banking on the success of this film. Shivdasani hasn't had a hit since he starred in Masti (2004).
Partners in crime
Shivdasani feels optimistic about this film as it also stars Deshmukh, with whom he teamed up for the hit Masti. "Riteish is extremely talented and has a very good comic timing. We share a great chemistry and take our rapport to the next level in De Taali," says Shivdasani.
Deshmukh, Shivdasani and Takia performed some death-defying stunts for this film. Shivdasani confirms, "Riteish, Ayesha and I jumped from a building that is 750 feet tall."
Title and casting flip-flops
The film was to be called Jalsa. But the director thought it sounded boring and changed it to De Taali after he heard the lyrics of a song recorded by Vishal-Shekhar. Besides the title change, the heroines were also changed. Amrita Rao and Koena Mitra were supposed to be in the film. But they were replaced by Takia and Lara Dutta. Dutta was finally replaced by Sen, who has a great track record when it comes to multi-starrers. Hopefully, her presence will make a difference.
With a peppy soundtrack, vibrant setting, youthful theme, talented comedians and glamorous heroines, De Taali seems to have all the ingredients needed to make a film entertaining. Let's just hope that Niwas has got his act right this time.
