MOVIE REVIEWS:Emraan misfit for Murder 3: Mukesh Bhatt

Emraan Hashmi, who ruled the Murder franchise, was replaced by Randeep Hooda in Murder 3. The promo of the film is out and Mukesh Bhatt in an exclusive conversation with TOI speaks about Randeep, Aditi Rao Hydari and Vishesh Bhatt as a director.

Emraan Hashmi was a part of Murder and Murder 2. Were you hesitant to cast Randeep Hooda in Murder 3?
Murder franchise make stars, stars don't make Murder franchise. In the past it made Emraan,Mallika Sherawat and Jacqueline Fernandez. Randeep is a great actor and he has performed well in the film.

Why not Emraan?
The story which Vishesh got to us required someone like Randeep. Emraan would have been misfit for Murder 3. When you will see the film, you will come to know that only Randeep could have done justice to the role.

With Vishesh's directorial entry in Bollywood was there any kind of hand-holding by his father or uncle?
Vishesh comes from a different world. He doesn't like any kind of interference in the film. He knows his work well and has a global view on things.

Bhatts have always believed in their franchise when it comes to films like Murder, Raaz, and Jannat. What keeps your confidence in the franchise?
We believe in content of the film. Murder 3 is ahead of Murder and Murder 2 when it comes to the content and it was only possible because of Vishesh. It's an intense film and we believe in content not in stars.

Aditi Rao Hydari has always carried a sweet image, while Murder has a record of sensual scenes. How did the casting happen?
Aditi Rao Hydari will surprise you. She is a good actor and that's the good thing about good actors. When you give them a role, they do it well.