Filmmaker and writer Karan Razdan wears many hats in the film industry, but few know that he was the screenwriter of the ambitious but shelved film The Time Machine. The project is led by Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla Directed by Shekhar Kapoor, it created a huge buzz before being eventually abandoned. Razdan shared details about why the film was shelved. Talking about the story, Razdan further elaborated on the message revealed by senior art director Bijon Das Gupta in a 2021 interview. The film revolves around a character played by Aamir Khan who accidentally travels back to the Mahabharata era. Explaining the scene in an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Razdan said, “The character doesn’t know how to operate a time machine. Woh machine ko leke udd jaata hai. He landed in the past. When he woke up, he heard the sounds of war. He looked down and saw a fierce battle was going on. Lord Krishna happened to meet him. The protagonist asks the Lord, “Yeh kya ho raha hai?”. Lord Krishna replied: “Mahabharat ladi ja rahi hai”! He was surprised and said, “Oh, this is the Mahabharata!”.“He further revealed that the protagonist’s journey is driven by deep personal desires. “He wants to meet his parents. Paresh Rawal and Rohini Hattangadi play his cha cha cha. ND Balraj and Gulshan Grover are their sons and princes. They used to abuse the protagonist and he was a servant.”Razdan also recalled how the idea for The Time Machine stemmed from a personal tragedy he and director Shekhar Kapoor shared.“Shekhar Kapoor lost his mother and I lost my father within six months. This is when we study Dushmani. We sat and expressed our desire to see our late parents again. This is where Shekhar came up with the idea of a time machine and we developed it. In just three months, I wrote the story, script, and dialogue. Shekhar was not happy about this, so he invited Laxmikant Piarral to join him. I narrated the idea to them and later also to Anand Bakshi Saab at his residence. I also narrated to the entire cast including Aamir, Paresh Rawal and others. Paresh told me, “Climax ke waqt mujhe nikalna padega.” I asked him why. He replied: “Jiska climax sunn liya, woh picture chalti nahin hai”! He believes this. I immediately told him, ‘Toh fir bhaag, mere baap’! After the commentary, everyone was charged. “When asked if the project could still be revived in today’s era of large-scale film production, Razdan revealed that several prominent producers have shown interest over the years.“Manmohan Shetty, Ramesh Taurani and Karan Johar all wanted to do it. I even sent the script to Karan, but the price he quoted was ridiculously low.” He then narrated his interaction with Dharma Productions, in which Jujjar Hansraj Headed the story department at the time.“Jugal Hansraj was in charge of the story department of Dharma. Shekhar had spoken to Jugal and the former asked me to meet the latter. I told Jugal that I myself would provide the narration. But Jugal said it was not possible as Karan likes to read scripts. Then I was told that I will be paid Rs 25 lakh. I was shocked. Sona kharidne aaye ho yapital kharidne aaye haha?Razdan also expressed disappointment with the progress of the discussions.“Karan Johar didn’t even come face to face. Also, let’s not forget that Shekhar was also involved. It’s basic courtesy.”He further revealed that producer Firoz Nadiadwala is also exploring the possibility of reviving the project.“Firoz Nadiadwala wanted to produce it. I did the entire narration at Guddu Ji’s (Rakesh Roshan) house. Hrithik was also there. But the thing couldn’t go ahead as they didn’t know who should direct it. Shekhar has made it clear that since I am a screenwriter, I will not direct as the team needs my written input.”Razdan ended up revealing that another famous filmmaker’s name was ultimately considered, but he wasn’t convinced it was a suitable fit.“Rajkumar Santoshi’s name popped up. But I don’t agree because it’s not his style.”
