The trailer of the Vicky Kaushal-Ammy Virk-Triptii Dimri starrer Bad Newz has received a rocking response. Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to Tarun Dudeja, who wrote the screenplay (along with Ishita Moitra) and the dialogues of this comic caper, about the film, his directorial venture Dhak Dhak (2023) and a lot more.
EXCLUSIVE: Writer Tarun Dudeja talks about Katrina Kaif joke in Bad Newz and hints at a potential sequel; explains why Vicky Kaushal-starrer wasn’t titled Good Newwz 2: “What unfolds in the story can’t be good news for anyone”
How has been the response to the trailer?
The feedback has been really good. Many told me, ‘Aisi comedy kaafi time baad dekhne milegi’. And that was always our intention that the audience should have a gala time and go home feeling happy.
Have you worked with producer Amritpal Singh Bindra and producer-director Anand Tiwari before?
Yes, in a series. The story was written by Ishita Moitra and she, along with Somen Mishra of Dharma Productions, built a world around it. I then got involved. Anand and I further built up on the script, the world and the characters.
Bad Newz’ one-liner is very hilarious – a woman is pregnant with twins from different men. Was it a challenge to ensure that the script and dialogues do justice to such a terrific plot?
It was a very big challenge. The one-liner that you explained sounds funny but it can be tragic for the people involved in it. But we have to convey it in such a manner that people can’t stop laughing when they see the madness unfolding on the screen. At the same time, they also understand the gravitas of the situation. And writing comedy is anyway very challenging. I remember, for some scenes, I wrote 16-17 drafts to get the right punches out. Anand and Amritpal were totally involved and pushed me to get the best. They explained how to even get the right duration for a joke. We would narrate the funny one-liners to the internal creative team. We’d then see if it’s landing properly or not. We also had to ascertain whether some jokes are becoming too niche for the mainstream audience.
The Katrina Kaif joke stole the show in the trailer…
Vicky Kaushal was an amazing support. Also, credit also goes to his comic timing. On paper, it might not sound funny but then you know that this actor will bring something to the table and then the joke will elevate to another level.
The idea was to insert pop culture references. Hence, we looked for Bollywood and also cricket-related stuff.
Was Katrina Kaif informed about the dialogue?
I have no idea about it.
How was it working with Ammy Virk and Triptii Dimri?
Ammy’s work in Punjabi cinema speaks for itself. His command over comedy is commendable. I was very excited to know that he’s going to play this part. I come from the North and I am aware of what a huge following he has. As for Triptii, people have seen her in Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022) which were in a very different space. In Bad Newz, she has done a mindblowing job.
Karan Johar had earlier produced a similar film in this space called Good Newwz (2019). Did the team ever contemplate naming Bad Newz as Good Newwz 2?
I wasn’t involved in the process of the film title. And the film couldn’t have been titled Good Newwz. After all, what unfolds in the story can’t be good news for anyone (laughs)!
How was it working with Karan Johar?
He was the best producer to work with. He constantly guided us in the right direction. He was very encouraging as well. Since he makes you comfortable, you can, without hesitation, put forward your idea. He’ll then give valuable inputs. I was blessed to sit in that room, work with him and get a pat on the back from him!
Is Bad Newz 2 in the offing?
You never know. Film ke end mein iss sawaal ka jawaab aapko mil jaayega!
You have also acted in the past…
Yes, and I am a part of Bad Newz as an actor as well. I was narrating a scene and was reading the lines of a character. Anand said, ‘Tum bahut badhiye tarike se lines padh rahe ho’ and he suggested I should essay the role. I was on the set anyway. Hence, I decided to go for it. It was a wonderful experience.
Your directorial venture Dhak Dhak was well-made but sadly wasn’t promoted. Another small-budget-high-concept film 12th Fail (2023), was released two weeks after Dhak Dhak but the makers managed to make some noise about it. How do you look back at this whole episode?
Whatever happens, happens for the good. It would have been great if Dhak Dhak was well-promoted and got a 500-screen release instead of releasing in just 150 screens. If people don’t know that the said film is released, how would they turn up to theatres to watch it? Dhak Dhak’s trailer was released 4 days before its release. It hardly got any shows in Mumbai. Nevertheless, Dhak Dhak jaisi film ko rok paana mushkil tha. And we all saw that when it premiered on Netflix. It was released on the OTT platform along with a biggie and trended at number 1. In short, it managed to find its audience.
Dhak Dhak was a different type of film compared to Bad Newz. I am fortunate to have had a chance to work in such diverse films. I have given my best to both.
Also Read: Bad Newz: Vicky Kaushal shares photos and video with Triptii Dimri and Karan Aujla after ‘Tauba Tauba’ becomes a hit
More Pages: Bad Newz Box Office Collection
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