After a challenging period of flops and setbacks, filmmaker Mohit Suri has made a remarkable comeback with the blockbuster Saiyaara. He recently opened up about his journey and revealed how he was dropped from Aashiqui 3, faced doubts from even his own family, and struggled under immense pressure.
Dropped from Aashiqui 3
In a YouTube interview with Shubhankar Mishra, Mohit discussed his plans for Aashiqui 3, revealing that he had been writing the script with the intention to direct it. However, the studio decided not to wait for him to fine-tune the story and brought Anurag Basu on board instead. Mohit felt their decision was influenced by his recent lack of box-office success with films like Malang and Ek Villain Returns. He admitted that at the time he was struggling under pressure and was overly influenced by the advice of others, which added to his challenges.
Facing pressure and self-doubt
The filmmaker further reflected on the challenges he faced after working in the industry for over 20 years. He admitted that a series of box-office flops made him feel the pressure that his best work might be behind him, especially as people had already started questioning his success. Regarding Aashiqui 3, he explained that the film moved forward without him, partly because the studio didn’t want to wait for him to perfect the script and partly due to the performance of his previous films. Mohit noted that even his own family, involved in the business, were hesitant to wait. He emphasised that his focus wasn’t on proving anyone else wrong but on challenging himself and overcoming his own doubts.
Lessons from Ek Villain 2
He also admitted that while making Ek Villain 2, he was following a formula he thought would guarantee success—creating a sequel, remixing popular songs, and casting multiple lead actors. However, the film didn’t resonate as expected. He reflected that in his eagerness to replicate the box-office success of the first Ek Villain, he ended up playing it safe and making creative choices for the wrong reasons, rather than focusing on the story and his own vision.Following the success of Saiyaara, Suri said he no longer regrets missing out on projects like Aashiqui 3 or Awarapan 2. He felt that without the original cast, the essence of Aashiqui wouldn’t have been the same. While the first film had a modest opening, it grew into a cult classic over time, and now the brand is being used more as a project than a film. Mohit confirmed that he had been writing the script for Aashiqui 3, but the producers were in a hurry and didn’t want to wait for him. He was okay with the decision, and the studio eventually brought in Anurag Basu, whom he respects greatly.
No regrets after Saiyaara’s success
He also mentioned that he isn’t sure if the new film will retain the Aashiqui title. Anurag Basu is currently directing a romantic drama starring Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela, which has yet to be officially titled. Addressing comparisons between this film and Saiyaara, Mohit clarified that the only similarity is the male lead being a rockstar and the story focusing on his journey; the plots are not being rewritten or duplicated. He highlighted that key elements of Saiyaara, like the female lead’s condition, are unique to his film.
