At the time when Dhoom 2 had released, many of those close to Abhishek including filmmakers who were that time working with Abhishek or planning projects with him, felt Abhishek had been given a raw deal in Dhoom 2.
One of them had said, "The film was designed as a Hrithik Roshan vehicle. Abhishek did it only because of his relations with the Chopras and because he didn't want to break the chain of the sequel."
Now when much water has flown under he box-office bridge, Gadhvi has pitched his Kidnap right next to Abhishek's Drona. Gadhvi thinks there's room for both the biggies at the box-office. "We have a four-day weekend starting with Thursday, October 2, when we're both releasing. And then they're two completely different kinds of films. Earlier we've had two films on the same day doing well. Gaddar and Lagaan, for example. Besides it's Eid and a festive time. Everyone releases films on Friday. We're releasing on Dry Day. We were supposed to release in August but were pushed forward."
But before that Gadhvi wants to show the film to his mentor Aditya Chopra. "After the screening for the cast and crew, I'll hold a special show at Yashraj Studios for Yashji and Adi. And as a sign of respect, I also gave the first CD to them. I am what I am because of them. Adi gave me the title and the script rights for Kidnap. I go to the Yashraj office every fortnight have lunch and hang around. They send me CDs of all their films. I'm in touch with Uday and Aditya."
In fact, Minissha Lamba was cast in Yashraj's Bachna Ae Haseenon after she started shooting for Gadhvi's Kidnap. "I was at Yashraj's office once. And Adi asked me how she was. The next thing I knew she was cast in a Yashraj film."
After the release of Kidnap, Gadhvi intends to take a break. "I feel burnt out. I haven't had a break in 19 years. I live with my parents. I've a wife and kids. The children are not brats, fortunately."
Gadhvi's dad is a Gujarati filmmaker. "He has made two Gujarati films both with music by Kalyanji-Anandji. I grew up in their house with Kalyanjibhai's son Viju Shah. We Gadhvis are community of storytellers. I hope I've done a good job of it in Kidnap."
