Abhinay Deo who is in Banglore to promote his directional debut Game is as excited about his first movie as his next. Expresso hears what he has to say.
* What made you choose Game as your directorial debut?
I am somebody who would direct strictly as per the script. I found Game very unique because it’s a movie that has all the cards on the table. You have to watch the movie closely and will need the intelligence to understand the plot. It’s fascinating that the script explores five different cities and brings together four different people whose life change when they meet the protagonist. The concept of detective movies and the ‘whodunit’ genre is brought out in Game. Hence I chose it.
* Whodunit genre was popular in the early 90s. You are getting that genre back in Bollywood. What inspired you?
I think storytelling is what I like the most. I have been an avid reader and a huge fan of Alfred Hitchcock, Sherlock Holmes and the likes. Detective stories have always interested me.
* Would you ever do a Dabbang?
Dabbang is something very different and interesting. It’s a very entertaining commercial movie. I would definitely do it, but only if the script is convincing and I can identify with it.
* Aishwarya Rai was supposed to play the leading lady? In the end why did you pick Sarah Jane Dias, who is making a debut?
Well, Aishwarya had problems with dates and hence she could not do the movie. If it was not Aishwarya then I wanted it to be someone who is new and came with no baggage. I wanted someone the audience would not expect much from. Her character goes through different phases and to different cities. I needed someone who had a girlie and a simple face but at the same time, could portray all these phases in life casually. So she fit the bill. Abhishek is the hero in the movie.
* To what extent do you think is the Indian audience ready to appreciate this genre?
I think the audience today has matured to a level at which they appreciate different forms of cinema. The genre is rare in Bollywood, but it will respect the intellect of the audience. I could only hope right now that they like it. I am quite optimistic about it.
* You have done over 350 ad films and have won several international accolades as well. How has the transition been to the silver screen?
I would give a cliched answer. It is different, but at the same time, it is the same. As I mentioned earlier, I like the whole concept of storytelling. The transition has been quite smooth and frankly speaking, there has not been much difference. I would say that a feature film is a sum of all the ad films that I have made together.
* Your parents are veteran actors in the Marathi film industry. Would you direct a regional movie? How different do you think is regional cinema as compared to commercial Bollywood movies?
Yes, I would direct one. Different states have different cultures. A regional movie exhibits a cultural canvas of a particular state. Also there are issues that could be brought out only through that particular language. So I will try and bring out something different if I make a Marathi or Kannada movie.
* It’s been two years since you directed Delhi Belly for Aamir Khan productions. A lot of articles were making the rounds about the rift between you and Aamir. People especially said that Aamir was interfering with your work? So what exactly is happening with Delhi Belly?
It will be out on July 1. To be honest, Aamir and I sometimes sit together and read these articles and laugh. I think these are all speculations that will end when we start the promotions for the movie.
* Delhi Belly or Game? What’s closer to you?
They are like my twin children. One came out a minute later than the other. Both are equally crucial.
sachie@expressbuzz.com