Getting it straight
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As Rajat Kapoor's "Mixed Doubles" releases this Friday, he wants people to watch it for fun rather than sleaze.
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I auditioned many actors for the film, even Konkona, Ranvir and Koel. When I saw them fitting the bill, I took them. Whether they sell or not, is not my problem
OFF-BEAT ONCE MORE Rajat Kapoor's "Mixed Doubles" raises some real life points.
They say Hindi film industry is coming of age! Swearing by a swelling audience for the films like "Murder", "Salaam Namaste" and "Oops!", etc. Of late, they believe that bolder topics, not necessarily better treatment, are getting acceptance among regular cinemagoers. Earlier people would stealthily go to cinema halls to watch films like "Chetna" or "Dastak" but now they no more feel apologetic about watching these films openly. Keeping in mind the changing taste of the audiences, Rajat Kapoor, model and actor whose "Raghu Romeo" couldn't attract the audience to theatres, is ready "Mixed Doubles" that releases this Friday. The film touches upon boredom in the sexual life of long-married but young couples, talks about changing partners and deals with real lives and the real people.
But hold on, those ready to watch the film to find some sleaze, please excuse. Kapoor labels it as a fun film minus the theme.
Real story
"It is a film about marriage and not partner swapping and has no sleaze in it. It is off course about sexual boredom in the lives of a long married couple Malti (played by Konkona Sen) and Ranvir (played Ranvir Shorey). But it should be seen as a love story. It's a funny film about real people. Those who are expecting some sleaze should stay away. It questions about where to draw a line subtly but doesn't sermonise. Doesn't preach. Gives no conclusion either," says Kapoor.
If you tell Kapoor that such a topic may not gel well with the so-called traditional audiences, he has a ready answer, "I don't make films to please any one.
I make films, which I believe in. Then whether they do well at the box office or not, I don't care. I make them to see how risky it is, to feel creatively satisfied."
Kapoor's choice of Konkona and Ranvir for the lead and Koel Purie opposite him also came after audition. "I auditioned many actors for it, even Konkona, Ranvir and Koel. When I saw them fitting the bill, I took them. Whether they sell or not, is again not my problem."
The actor-director who would next be seen as a top business honcho in Madhur Bhandarkar's "Corporate" doesn't think that if he had chosen stars for this film, it would have fetched him some more audiences.
"What's the guarantee that it won't fail then?" he questions.
Whatever the fate, Rajat is ready with the script of another film titled "Mithya". "It is a film about a very bad actor and I am looking for a very bad actor to play the lead role," he laughs!
RANA SIDDIQUI
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