Riteish Deshmukh and Vivek Oberoi are known for their impeccable comic timing. The duo who have previously entertained us with their banter and chemistry in films like Masti and Great Grand Masti, team up once again for Y-films’ Bank Chor. The film directed by Bumpy has Deshmukh playing a robber while Vivek Oberoi is a tough cop in this heist comedy.

Here’s what they have to say about the film and their roles.

Riteish Deshmukh 

Riteish Deshmukh in Bank Chor

Having largely done films in the comedy genre, would it be right to say that you are most comfortable in this space?

For me, it is not about the genre, but about the movie, I enjoy making movies. As an actor, I get on a set with an aim of playing that role and living that character. It is not about getting a comic or an intense role. For instance, in Bank Chor, I hoped that I could find the vulnerability in the character. He is a common man who has issues like any other person. There are loans that he needs to pay and make ends meet. People take drastic steps when they are under pressure. For him robbing is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Can you tell us a bit about Bumpy, how would you describe him as a director?

He is a crazy guy! Aditya Chopra told me about this film and asked if I would be interested. I said yes and one of the reasons for that was because YRF was one banner I had not worked with. That was where I first met Bumpy, he entered the room and I see this person with dreadlocks coming in. He started narrating the movie and I really liked it. I thought that the film was funny and there was a thrill, it is a comic-thriller, a genre we rarely do. This film is quirky and fun, at times stupid, but it keeps you guessing and that guessing game is fun.

A lot is being said about your next film, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. How is the prep going?

This is a film where people will see the glory of the man. We have just locked the screenplay and we working towards the other aspects like VFX, how the war sequences will be shot etc. There is a lot of work that is going into this. We are being careful because Shivaji’s life was documented and there could be many stories floating around that may or may not be real. Therefore, we are approaching this film with utmost respect and sincerity.

Vivek Oberoi 

Vivek Oberoi in Bank Chor

You have never played the character of a cop, how was it playing Amjad Khan?

Amjad Khan is there to uphold the law, but he believes that the law doesn’t apply to him; he is that kind of a cop. He acts almost like a diva; he knows that he is the best and has an arrogance of being competent. If you live in mediocrity, but are competent, there is an air of arrogance that comes with it. Amjad has an interesting relationship with the media. I remember the script said, ‘As Amjad walks, the media parts’. Everybody is intimidated by the guy.

Can you shed some light on your upcoming projects?

After Bank Chor, I go for a promotional tour for Inside Edge, the Amazon series which will release in July. Immediately after, I will go and finish my last session of my first Tamil film Vivegam, which is this extremely exciting project. After that is done, I will sit down to script Company 2. Over the years, Company has turned into this huge brand and has got such credibility that if the script isn’t brilliant, we can’t use that name. We have to make sure the script is brilliant and the minute that is ready, we will start shooting.