Govinda had agreed to do Priyadarshan’s assistant Rajiv Kumar’s comedy Chal Chala Chal only for one reason. The actor was indebted to Priyan for giving him his comeback film, Bhagam Bhag. But little did Govinda know that the outcome of his goodwill gesture would be disastrous.
A week after the resounding flop of Chal Chala Chal, a regretful Govinda says, “After Bhagam Bhag I was told that I’d do a solo lead with Priyan. That’s the impression Priyan gave my wife, Sunita. Although it was his assistant who was directing Chal Chala Chal, Priyan assured Sunita that he’d be around during the making of the film to ensure that all goes well. My wife had great faith in Priyan and I went by her faith and agreed to do Chal Chala Chal. But, I was upset when I saw the final product. Just like Money Hai Toh Honey Hai, there was a world of difference between what was narrated to me and what was shot. I had debts to pay off. Little did I know that I would have new debts to pay off after Chal Chala Chal. Now I’ll never do such a film.”
“In Mumbai, you’ll always find such people. During the film’s making they kept saying ‘Bus karo bus karo’ and made a film that revolved around a bus! When I complained to Priyan, he reprimanded me and told me to just be an actor on the sets. I think Priyan doesn’t like any actor’s contribution,” says Govinda.
Govinda says Priyadarshan ceased all communication with him after a point. He says, “When I tried to express my misgivings over the film, Priyan kept assuring me from Chennai that they were going through the rushes and the film was looking fantastic. They cheated me and then accused me of interference. I know there are some powerful people in the industry who don’t want me to do well.”
Responding to Govinda’s accusations, Priyadarshan says, “I had nothing to do with Chal Chala Chal. My former assistant Rajiv made the film. During the making Rajiv was disheartened because he’d endlessly wait for Govinda. Eventually, Rajiv lost interest and fell ill after which he refused to reshoot when things didn’t look right. As for me, how could I be looking out for someone else’s film when my hands are so full? When I saw the final version of Chal Chala Chal, I knew what the outcome would be.”
After this bitter experience, Govinda says that now he will only do films if he has a strong role. “In the past six months, I have only signed Mani Ratnam’s film.” 