Renowned comedian and scriptwriter Varun Grover, recognized for his notable contributions to projects such as ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ and ‘Sacred Games,’ is poised to venture into the directorial realm with his upcoming film, ‘All India Rank.’
In the current landscape dominated by high-octane, action-packed blockbusters, the release of a film like ‘All India Rank’ might be perceived as a daring move. Undeterred by the prevailing trend, Grover remains optimistic about the film’s prospects. During an interview with FM Fever, he humorously proposed the idea of renaming the movie to ‘Animal 2’ without altering the script, playfully aiming to attract a broader audience enticed by the expectation of intense action sequences.
Addressing the discourse surrounding Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal’ and Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of an alpha male character, Shailesh Lodha offered insights into the ongoing discussions.
Varun Grover, in an unconventional move, utilized Google to scout for potential star kids to cast in ‘All India Rank,’ adding a distinctive touch to the film’s production.
Following Anurag Kashyap’s endorsement of ‘Animal’ director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the filmmaker faced criticism from fans and former colleagues, with Neeraj Ghaywan expressing his disapproval with a succinct yet impactful comment – ‘Cringe.’ In a straightforward response, Varun Grover echoed Ghaywan’s sentiments with a resolute ‘No.’
Set against the backdrop of the 1990s, ‘All India Rank’ unfolds the narrative of Vivek, a young boy navigating parental pressures to secure admission into an IIT. The film explores the challenges of leaving home, embarking on a new life chapter, and contending with fierce competition among teenagers aspiring to claim a coveted spot at the prestigious institute. Presented by Sriram Raghavan, the film is slated for release on February 23rd.
In an interview, Grover acknowledged that the decision to release the film wasn’t solely his, particularly in light of the prevalent trend favoring intense, male-centric narratives. Despite the cinematic landscape’s inclination towards blockbuster action movies, Grover emphasized the significance of securing a theatrical release for a film like ‘All India Rank,’ a project that took nearly a decade to materialize. Advocating for diverse offerings in cinemas, he stressed the importance of creating space for gentler films that delve into everyday life, drama, comedy, and straightforward rom-coms without extravagant elements. According to Grover, cinema halls should serve as platforms for a spectrum of films to thrive.