Wedding season is just around the corner andBright Vachirawit Chivaareeaka Bright, along with his gorgeous co-starBella Ranee Campen, got fans in a mood for love with their Thai-Indian rom-com, ‘Congrats My Ex’.The film that also starsMahir Pandhi, andAnahita Bhooshan, is charming audiences with its cross-cultural plot with a perfect blend of Bollywood magic, complete with a song and dance sequence.The four stars, in an interview with ETimes, discussed their latest film venture, the intricacies of their characters, the cultural synergy on set and of, course, the King of romance,Shah Rukh Khan. Excerpts:Bright and Bella, given the Bollywood flavour of the film, can you tell us about your film’s cross-cultural theme?Bright: It’s a great opportunity to work with this amazing cast and crew and especially because this rom-com is infused with Bollywood and Indian-ness. It’s very interesting and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.Bella: To be able to play in a romantic comedy movie in this format and I believe that people all over the world will watch it. I want this movie to be able to be a friend to the viewers in every city. On the day they are happy and watch this film, they will be happier or on the day they are sad they will feel better. I feel that romantic comedy gives more to the audience than you might think.
Mahir and Anahita, I appreciate the cultural richness you and your fellow cast members infused into the film, particularly in portraying the Desi side. How do you perceive your characters’ roles in shaping the ambience of the chaotic Indian wedding?
Mahir: I don’t think there’s gonna be any drama without the ex, so definitely playing the ex was fun as it brings a lot of drama, humorous situations and miscommunication.I’ve known Anahita for the last seven-eight years, but it’s been a fabulous experience working with Bella and Bright, not only because they’re humble, but because they’re very professional and very good human beings. They were there to make us feel comfortable and help us communicate our thoughts. I think that the friendly nature we created together ended up making this movie a lot more special for us.I hope that feeling from us reaches out to you guys as well.Anahita: I totally agree with Mahir! The entire crew and the cast of this film were so warm and so welcoming. It was an amazing experience working with all of them. For Monica, I would want to say she brings in an element to this film which leads to a very chaotic climax scene. I would just want to conclude that it was an amazing experience working with all of you (co-stars).
Bright, can you share your experience and elaborate on the dynamic chemistry that developed among you, Bella, and Mahir during the making of the film?Bright: It’s really interesting to be able to work with people from different cultures in itself and also bring all the fun elements into this movie. As for Tim, who is quite clumsy at the wedding, you might be able to see that. For Isha it’s her first time organising this Indian wedding so it’s very funny. It’s very hard for her. We made so many funny things that you will see in the movie and I’m sure you will love it.Bella and Mahir since you play the exes in this film, how do you think ‘Congrats My Ex’ will influence young couples and possibly set #WeddingGoals?Bella: For Risa, she is a character who keeps lying to herself and thinks she can’t move on, but actually she realises that she cannot stand him, once she sees him. Mahir: Well I feel this is a story where the exes are together. One ex is helping the other to get married, although they’re still in love. I believe this just gives an insight into how humans are vulnerable and how unpredictable life can be. Could you each reveal your all-time favourite romantic hero or heroine, and perhaps share a cherished movie dialogue that continues to resonate with you?Mahir: Shah Rukh Khan! I’d say Shah Rukh Khan, any day. “Pyar dosti hai, Dosti hi pyar hai…”Anahita: I’d also want to say that it’s Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol because once they are on screen they’re hooked onto the screen and we just can’t take our eyes off. So yeah it’s them definitely and my favourite dialogue is from the film DDLJ, ‘Bade bade deshon mein aaisi choti choti baatein … hoti rehti hai, Senorita.’Bella: For me, I like Chun Ji-hoon, a Korean actress from the series ‘You Who Came From The Star’. But I can’t remember the dialogue she spoke in Korean. Bright: I don’t have a favourite movie star but, my favourite romantic movie is ‘About Time’. I really love it. I cannot remember the exact dialogue but it teaches us to do our best and to live in the present.