Anil Kapoor's dream to make 24 into a feature film thwarted

Considering the mammoth budget and the production values being invested, it comes as no surprise to know there are plans afoot to turn Anil Kapoor’s serial 24 (Colors) into a feature film. Says a source close to the project, “24 has shaped up like any major potential blockbuster. And Anil is very keen to use the amazing footage that he has shot for the serial for a feature film. However, the original American producers of 24 are reluctant to part with movie-making rights for the serial.” Anil Kapoor is forthright enough to admit that his plans to convert 24 the serial into a feature film have been thwarted by the American producers. Says Anil, “They are not allowing me. I did try for the rights for the film. While they’ve been very generous and accommodating in giving me the serial rights the only precondition that they have is that I would not turn the series into a feature film.” Apparently there is a very good reason for the American producers’ demurral. The American makers of the original 24 series are making their own feature film based on the series. Says Anil, “They want to make the film first. In fact by the time their film releases the serial would again be in the minds of people all over the world. That would work to my advantage. Also in 2014 they will telecast the 9th season of 24 all over the world.” Anil won’t feature in Season 9. “I can’t be in it because my character is dead. But the iconic brand of 24 is being constantly renewed. So even if I am unable to make my film out of the serial I would still have a phenomenal interest-rate among audiences for the Indian version of 24 on television.”