Ring Road Shubha, which has already made headlines because of its all-women crew, a trend much less explored across the world, is edging to a finish with two songs pending. The film is now in its dubbing stage. Priya Belliappa, the director of the film speaks about the journey that has taken her to various levels of filmmaking that have never been tried before.
Strengths & weakness
When we started the movie, I didn’t think of anything except that the film was very special. In terms of work, there was no apprehension because everybody in the technical crew whom we selected was talented in her own field. Where there is talent, gender becomes immaterial for me.
The disadvantage in making the film was that I could not get anybody locally. I had to get my classmates, bring in a lot of people from Mumbai and other places. Honestly, the Kannada industry supported us wholeheartedly. In spite of union rules in place, which don’t not allow people from outside Karnataka to be part of a movie, the industry allowed our crew to work. Since this was a special project and was being tried for the first time, they were very supportive.
People involved
We have almost 17 people, including associates of mine and of the cameraperson. Cinematographer Reshmi Sarkar studied with me at Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune and this is her first independent film. Chitralekha Shetty, the art director, worked in some Marathi films. She is now based in Chickmagalur. We all have little experience and for most of them, this is first time. I would say, we are relatively new in the industry. With an all-women crew, we created a good atmosphere.
In spite of this being her first film, Reshmi has delivered her work just the way I had dreamt of. I too come from a visual background and if somebody can achieve my visualisation and deliver, nothing like it. My sensibilities match with her work. The art director was a real go-getter.
Real life incident
There are many truths to this incident and this is my version of Ring Road Shubha; how I imagine her life. There is immense depth to her character and how it unfolds is told through the couple Vijay and Nikitha Thukral. Khushi, who plays Shubha and who is making her debut, has given a fantastic performance.
Actor Vijay’s character is different from his previous films. I chose Vijay not for what he is known, I wanted to show my character through him. Apart from Vijay and Nikita, there is Sagar Puranik, Patre Ajith, Shrunga, Avinash and Malavika.
Though the movie has some real facts, it is made in a very commercial manner. Everybody can watch it and love it. I wanted to find a balance for everybody and so there is commercial value added.
On the streets
Shooting a song sequence at Police Quarters on Mysore Road was an achievement because acquiring the permission itself was a big thing.
Since I had already imagined the sequence, I was determined to try it out. Thanks to Rekha, she met the higher officers and could convince them to let us use the place.
Promo song
A lot of women from the crew will be dancing to the tunes of a promo song. They all look good, hep and happening. It is a fun number. Marketing is the biggest thing now.