Direct now, produce later

They must be two of a kind. At a time, when all the topline directors have quit taking on freelance assignment, Abbas-Mustan are still at work for other film production banners.

The men in white have started their own film production banner Burmawalla Brothers. But so far, they have farmed out the projects to other directors (including one made in Tamil). Meanwhile, they are just completing Race for the Tips banner.

The film's penultimate shooting spell was concluded in Goa this week, with a dance sequence picturised on Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif.

A-B will direct one more film for Tips after this. In addition, they are committed to directing a film each for Mukta Arts, Venus and Balaji.

What is the point of setting up their own banner if they are to working for others? To that Abbas responds "A commitment is a commitment.. we cannot renege on them." From the look of things, Abbas Mustan will not make a movie for their own banner in the next two years. Their instincts as producers will be restricted to assigning projects to other directors. For long, their brother, editor Hussain Burmawalla has also been ready to direct a film.

Added attraction
Meanwhile, the Race song picturised in Goa is to serve as a ‘bonus' to the film. It doesn't feature in the film's CDs already in the market.

Initially, another number by Taz, formerly from Stereo Nation, was to be picturised on Khan and Katrina Kaif.

"But we have heard this composition by Pritam, and we liked it so much that we opted to shoot this one instead," explains producer Ramesh Taurani, adding, "We might shoot Taz's song as a music video later."

Elaborating on the song, Abbas says, "This is part of a flashback which Katrina narrates to Anil Kapoor, who plays a detective."