Not often does one see Bollywood promoting their films in Kochi.
The Southern market is mostly seen to be too enamoured by its own stars and movies.
Moreover, the Mammootty-Mohanlal phenomenon is all pervasive to give Hindi films a serious chance.
And yet, slowly but surely, cosmopolitan centres like Kochi are beginning to warm up to Hindi films.
The new-gen makes it a point to watch most of the Hindi hits - if not in the theatres, then on the net.
Then there is the considerable outstation and floating public in the city which wants its dose of Bollywood masala.
Recently, ‘The Dirty Picture’ saw a full house everywhere.
Ditto ‘Kahaani’ that has become a hit here.
And increasingly a need is being felt to cater to the rising demands, with more multiplexes coming in.
Vishal Mahadkar, the debutant director of the just-relesed ‘Blood Money’, cites these as some of the reasons why he made a trip to Kochi.
The young director, who assisted filmmaker Mohit Suri on ‘Kalyug’ and ‘Raaz 2’, came to promote his film, as well as to launch the remixed number done by citybased DJ Savyo for ‘Blood Money’.
“I believe Savyo is a great talent and I want him to be known nationally, which is why I came to Kochi.
Through him, I got an opportunity to get acquainted with people here,” he says.
Vishal also perceptively notes how Kerala is an under-utilised market for Hindi films.
“Just like other South Indian states, Kerala too is an emerging market for Bollywood, whose potential has n o t been tapped yet.
I thought this would be a good opportunity to break that barrier.
Also, I want to establish my brand here.
So that next time a film of mine releases, people will recogonise me,” he says, with the same forthrightness and eloquence that marks the speech of young talents working for the Bhatt banner.
The filmma ke r , who has been with Vishesh Films for a while now, is completely in tune with his mentors, and their penchant for dark, edgy themes.
“Yes, the Bhatts tends to break rules and go against established norms.
I’ve grown up watching Mahesh Bhatt movies, and I see my work in the same domain.
Though if I had my way, I would make a far darker film,” he says, laughing.
‘Blood Money’ is about the ugly side of the diamond trade.
How it has links with the mafia and terrorists.
“So the diamond you could be innocuously buying for your girlfriend could well be going into plotting a bomb blast.
I f o u n d t h e subject interesting and wanted to explore it further,” he says.
The film’s script was penned by Vishal, but later writer Upendra Limaye (‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’ fame) came on board, and the story changed quite a bit, though both worked in perfect tandem, he says.
Why Kunal Khemu, a s t h e l e a d s t a r ? “Because he is an outstanding actor.
He is a dear friend, and I had a rapport with him since the time we worked together for ‘Kalyug’.
I needed a very strong but subtle performer.
The character is an everyday g u y , ” V i s h a l says.
The director, who enjoys flicks like ‘Satya’, ‘Company’, ‘ S a d a k ’ a n d ‘Gumraah’, says he’s an action junkie and enjoys all guy flicks.
“I like the action and horror genre.
But I might want to try a romantic comedy.
I’m basically a very non-romantic guy, so I’d like to take it up as a challenge,” he says.
‘Blood Money’ that released last week took a slow start at the boxoffice, but picked up in the s i n g l e s c r e e n s .
Vishal says the film is on its way to be declared a success.
So by the looks of it, the Bhatt mentors, known for their shrewd ability to spot talent may well have found an ace in Vishal.