Ram Gopal Varma: ‘Ladki’ will change the thought that women are the weaker sex – Times of India

Ram Gopal Varma is the maverick who doesn’t mince his words. Speaking to ETimes about his new martial arts movie Ladki, he chooses to compare the film and his protagonist Pooja Bhalekar’s high-flying action to more seasoned male action stars. He said, “When Tiger Shroff or Ranveer Singh bare their torso, it makes headlines. But when you shoot a martial artiste turned actress at her cinematic best, people ask why is she wearing a bikini? These are double standards.”

“This film will redifine the thought that women are the weaker sex. Ladki is my tribute to Bruce Lee,” he explained. Few are aware that RGV has had his tryst with martial arts, too. With a wry smile he said, “I found my calling in filmmaking.”

Ladki is slated to open in India and China on July 15. The film has is said to have 40000 screens in China, making it the first martial arts film from India to have such a wide release.

It is also releasing in RGV’s home turf in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in Telugu apart from Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada. Revealing more he added, “It is my most ambitious film till date. I have been a huge fan of Bruce Lee from my childhood days and I was also into martial arts myself. But July 15 is the day when I realise my dream and release the film across the world. I even shot the film in China and have Chinese actors in the movie. This is nothing short of a dream come true.”

Staying true to his experimental ways, the filmmaker took a leap of faith, signing on a martial artiste and training her in acting rather than casting an actor and teach them basic fighting skills. He explained, “Pooja struck me as an awesomely talented personality and she also has the glamour element to add to her wonderful repertoire of martial arts. It was a no-brainer for me to cast her.”

His heroine and action hero, Pooja joined the conversation and added that she was thrilled to be the one manifesting RGV’s pursuit. She explained that Ladki is a cross between Rangeela and Enter The Dragon. She added, “It is a film about a girl who has to choose between her real love and her relentless pursuit of Bruce Lee. I am glad that RGV sir chose me while pursuing his dream of making a film on Bruce Lee‘s philosophy. I am playing a fan of the original martial arts master.”