Four years after it was first slated to, Govinda’s Naughty @ 40 is finally ready for release. The film, a remake of The 40-year-old Virgin, ran into legal hassles and the journey to its release is probably a metaphorical mirror of its lead actor’s career.
At the age of 52, Govinda is looking forward to Naughty and Run Bhola Run to revive his free falling Bollywood star. With no projects on the anvil, the actor has a lot riding on these two films — especially since his political ambitions have already floundered. In 2007, it seemed Govinda had finally managed a comeback with the Salman Khan starrer Partner. The triumphant actor went on a signing spree, bagging Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai, Chai Garam, Mastan and Con Flick. However, none of these have seen the light of the day.
Naughty @ 40 director Jag Mohan Mundhra says Govinda is not to blame for these delays.
The spate of bad luck has made the actor extremely superstitious and he has had numerous astrological consultations. He has also organised several havans and visited holy shrines all over the country. “In such a scenario, Govinda will either have to take up character roles that have some substance or turn producer and have roles especially written for him,” says an industry watcher on condition of anonymity. And trade analysts say not all is lost provided the actor manages to bag an exciting project.