RK banner to return to filmmaking by year-end

Mumbai, Aug 18 (UNI) RK banner, set up by lengendary showman late Raj Kapoor, is set to be revived by this year-end with an announcement of two films.

Talking to reporters here last evening on the sidelines of a programme to announce the launch of a festival of Raj Kapoor's films on ZEE cinema, the showman's eldest son actor-filmmaker Randhir Kapoor said one film would be directed by him and the second by his younger brother Rajiv Kapoor. He said the details of the films will be announced before they go on floors by the year end.

''We are also planning to sign outside directors to make films for RK. Rest of the cast and crew is to be finalized. But, many actors would definitely be from the family,'' he said saying that successive generations of the RK family will keep the banner's flag flying high in the film industry. RK banner was set up by Raj Kapoor on August 6,1947. Randhir expressed happiness and pride that the RK banner is celebrating its 60th anniversary along with that of the country's independence.

When asked about the subjects being chosen for the upcoming two projects, Randhir refused to divulge details saying that the scripts were in the finalisation stages. ''We will announce the details at an appropriate time,'' he added.

Rajiv Kapoor said the family was also planning to open the RK memorablia like his costume from Shri 420, the doll from Mera Naam Joker, production stills from Satyam Shivam Sundaram, photographs to the public in form of a museum or memorial to their late father.

Replying to questions, Randhir said he and his brothers had no plans to re-release their father's films in colour. '' We want his fans to see the films as he had made them,''he added.

To a question on whether the movies would be re-released again in theatres, he replied,''first see it on ZEE TV.'' Randhir said ZEE TV had procured the rights of the RK films. ''My father died a sad man because his most favourite project-Mera Naam Joker had flopped miserably. But, these days the film is doing well when shown on television. Perhaps he was ahead of his times and audiences did not understand the film when it was first released,'' he said.

He said Raj Kapoor moved with the changing times and it was always reflected in his movies. '' He was disheartened when Mera Naam Joker flopped. But, he was not dejected but came up with Bobby, which was a classic teen romance of its time,''Randhir recalled.

To a question on whether the forthcoming RK projects will have a stamp of Raj Kapoor style of filmmaking, Randhir said they would be a blend of RK style and keeping in times with the present flavour of audience tastes.

Randhir said the festival of RK films on Zee cinema will be called ''The Showman Show'' and will be aired every Sunday at 2030 hrs. The show will not just be about showcasing the films but also an opportunity for the audience to experience the man that he was.

''Aaj be Raj-a retrospect', one minute segments would run during the breaks of every movie. The segment would be hosted by filmmaker Kunal Kohli. Raj Kapoor's family and friends who have been associated with him will be seen with Kohli sharing information about the late legend never known earlier.

Deputy business head of Zee cinema Mohan Gopinath said Indian cinema is evolved and grown with each Raj Kapoor film. Zee cinema has crafted a break content based on trivia and interesting snippets about the legendary filmmaker called Aaj Bhi Raj.

We are happy that the RK films are back on satellite television after three years and that too on Zee cinema.

UNI