The real story behind ABCD 2

In Badlapur, Varun Dhawan plays a real-life criminal from Central Europe who went on a vendetta spree after his wife was murdered. The actor’s tryst with real life roles will continue in his next release as well, ABCD 2. In that Varun plays a character called Suresh who is based on a real person called Suresh, a dancer who lives in Nala Sopara. Interestingly, the real Suresh also has a role in the Remo D’Souza directed film.

The story is based on the lives of four boys who are part of a dance institute called Fictitious Dance Academy. Remo says, “I thought I had exhausted my appetite for a dance film when I made ABCD. But then I came across the real-life story of these boys from Nala Sopara who went all the way to Las Vegas and won a dance show there. I knew I had to tell their story. So these four boys Pavan, Rohit, Vernon and Suresh are part of the story and yes, Varun plays Suresh.”

Varun’s dancing skills made him an obvious choice for Remo. “I needed someone who could dance, and I mean really dance. I also needed a very good actor since the character’s journey is not only about dancing but also his aspirations and dreams. Varun is both a dancer and an actor. I am convinced he will bring Suresh to life. He better do it right, since the real Suresh is also in the film.”

The film also stars Prabhu Deva, Shraddha Kapoor and Lauren Gottlieb. Remo says, “I am often asked why Shraddha in a dance film, as we’ve never seen her dance in any of her previous films. I just felt she has great grace and enormous fluidity in her body language. And I was right. Shraddha is a fabulous dancer, besides of course being a terrific actress, which she has already proved.”

Unlike Varun’s character, Shraddha’s character is fictitious. “We needed a strong female presence, so I weaved her character into the real story,” he adds.  

Remo says the sequel to ABCD would be far bigger in terms of canvas, scope, characterisation and budget. “I hope to take the sequel much ahead of the first film. And it’s a true story, therefore it’s a double responsibility,” he says.