In a trailblazing move that combines wit, irony, and star power, director Rajesh Krishnan crafts a cinematic experience with his latest offering, “Crew,” featuring a stellar cast headlined by Bollywood heavyweights Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon. Yet, despite the undeniable presence of these powerhouses, Krishnan is hesitant to classify the movie under the oft-used umbrella of ‘female-centric’ cinema. Instead, he holds steadfast to the belief that “Crew” is propelled by a narrative that transcends gender classification, serving up a comedy driven by universal appeal.
Krishnan emphasizes the potency of humor in storytelling, stating, “Nothing convinces harder than good humor.” Forgoing the trend of marketing films based on the gender of the lead characters, he equates the trio of leading ladies to the magnanimity of male superstars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, placing the focus squarely on the relatability of their characters’ plight as three underdogs.
The film introduces audiences to three flight attendants caught in a precarious situation: working for an airline hovering on the brink of insolvency and facing the harsh reality of unpaid wages. Taking matters into their own hands, the trio devises a scheme as their means for financial survival, inciting a comedic chain of events. Krishnan delves deeper, explaining that while the characters may initially appear resigned to their fate, they exhibit resilience, transitioning from a passive “what can we possibly do?” to a formidable realization of “you have no idea what we are capable of.”
“Crew” extends beyond the laughs to tackle prevalent social issues, specifically the frequent disregard for airline staff by passengers. Krishnan hopes to inspire introspection among viewers about their own conduct, and to shed light on the respect due to those behind the ‘smile and namaste.’ Drawing from personal encounters with inspiring women who nurtured him, he honors the essential recognition of human dignity through his film’s narrative.
The pre-existing camaraderie between the leading actresses, Kapoor, Tabu, and Sanon, is a notable feature onscreen, reflecting in the film’s engaging trailer. Krishnan attributes this seamless connection to a collective appreciation for the humor central to the film, praising the actresses for elevating the script with their individual flair. He recounts instances where perfect takes dissolved into laughter, a testament to the unfiltered joy present on set. The director remained hands-off with their process, preferring to address technicalities before delving into the nuances of their performances.
Ensuring the production scaled such creative heights required substantial support, which Krishnan fondly acknowledges. Key roles filled by eminent actors Diljit Dosanjh and Kapil Sharma, and robust backing from producers Anil Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor, were instrumental in this endeavor. Their collective efforts enabled the team to access and shoot in locations typically beyond civilian reach, such as certain tarmacs at Goa and Abu Dhabi airports, underscoring the expansive scope of the film’s production.
Even amidst the occasional onset chaos—like when an excited crowd of fifty gathered just to catch a glimpse of the stars—the production pressed on without a hitch thanks to the preeminent producers’ exacting foresight in managing on-ground challenges. Rajesh Krishnan’s “Crew” thus stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, the resonance of humor, and the vitality of storytelling that defies conventional labelling, carving a niche for itself in Bollywood’s cinematic landscape.
