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PeepingMoon Exclusive: Producer Jay Shewakramani reacts to comparison between Freddy & Dexter; calls Kartik Aaryan a superstar for being 'fearless' with his choices

Kartik Aaryan and Alaya F's Freddy is garnering much attention, thanks to the intriguing teaser which dropped on November 7. The romantic thriller, produced by Jay Shewakramani and Ekta Kapoor, will release on Disney+Hotstar on December 2. Ahead of Freddy's much-anticipated trailer and release, PeepingMoon.com got in touch with Jay, who is bankrolling the film under his banner Northern Lights Films.

Talking to us exclusively about Freddy, Jay revealed fans will get to see a completely different Kartik whereas Alaya will impress all with her growth as an actress. He further opened up about people comparing the film with the American crime drama television series, Dexter. Jay also dropped in a major hint at Freddy 2 and the release date of Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vijay Varma and Jaideep Ahlawat's adaptation of The Devotion of Suspect X

Excerpts from the interview: 

What prompted you to back Freddy?

The idea of Freddy came to me around 2 and a half years ago. I fell in love with it immediately and decided to greenlight it. 

Was Freddy made for the OTT or was it a decision taken considering box office uncertainties? 

No, Freddy was always made for the digital space. Even before we started the shoot, it was clear in our minds. 

Do you believe grey sells more than white or black now?

I believe films should be beyond any category. Grey is always better than black or white.

What do you have to say about the comparison with Dexter?

Once you see Freddy, you will know that it has nothing to do with Dexter. People are comparing because it revolves around the medical profession. I think it is a great reference than comparison. Dexter is such a huge success and people draw parallels but Freddy is completely different. It is a romantic thriller.

With Freddy, do y’all intend to try out a more Hollywood-ish style of filmmaking?

Not Hollywood-ish but Freddy is a noir, a dark film, and Shashanka (Ghosh, director) has created an atmosphere that can be called international.

It is your second collaboration with Alaya F. What are the changes you’ve seen in her as an actor?

Her growth from Jawaani Jaaneman to Freddy is unbelievable. She gave Jawaani Jaaneman a whole new life with her energy and performance and in Freddy, she has a completely different shade. She has grown immensely as an actor.

People are trusting Kartik Aaryan with content. Do you see him as the next superstar? Will people get to see a different Kartik in Freddy?

Kartik is already a superstar. A star is defined by choices and Kartik is making some really interesting choices. The good thing about him is he is fearless and doesn’t mind trying new things. He brings so much to the table. He is unstoppable because he is making bold and brave choices.

People will get to see a different Kartik in Freddy. Their reaction to the initial assets of the film indicates that they are excited to see his new side. We are sure that their expectations will be met when the film releases.

After Saif Ali Khan, you worked with Kareena Kapoor Khan on the adaptation of The Devotion of Suspect X. Can you tell us something about the film?

The adaptation of The Devotion of Suspect X is directed by Sujoy Ghosh. Vijay Varma and Jaideep Ahlawat share the screen space with Kareena in the film which is based on a Japanese book. Hopefully, it should be out early next year on Netflix.

Is Freddy a franchise? Will it be made with Kartik Aaryan again?

Hopefully. If the film gets appreciation, then Freddy 2 is definitely on the cards. We haven’t thought of anything yet but yes, Kartik will always be Freddy.

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