Four young men and the law
M.L. NARASIMHAM
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Vijay Varma's film deals with women's issues and even touches upon the Jessica Lal case.
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LEGAL TANGLE Monalisa and Aditya Om on the sets of `No Entry'.
In the crowded courtroom, there was room for us only to stand in a corner and watch the proceedings. The set, constructed at Jagan Studios in Kukatpally, resembles a real courthouse. Four young boys were produced by a special officer before the judge. The public prosecutor reeled out the offences they had committed while the other lead players in the drama watch keenly from the gallery.
The camera lens, unlike the human eye, is impartial in its view of the world. It looks upon all that is visible with equal interest. Not being human, it does not suffer from human fallibility and human self-interest. Cinematographer Sivan looking through the viewfinder from a top angle and is pleased. As he descends from the crane, first time filmmaker Vijay Varma discusses the next shot. The film in progress is being produced by Shaili Creations. Titled No Entry, the tagline reads `a film that has a feminist stance'.
"This is a good venue for low budget films," says Vijay. "We have all the facilities here — such as a courtroom, a hospital set and a police station."
Vijay started his career as a film scribe and then turned an executive producer and produced a couple of films with friends and fellow journalists. Now, he has turned director and producer.
The shooting is stopped as the crane with the camera mounted on it has to be shifted to the other side of the room. The four boys are having an animated discussion. Aditya Om is the only known face among the fresh faces. "The subject needs newcomers. So we selected the four boys - Chandrahas, Tanisha, Nitin (can we call him Nitin Jr?) and Nikhil, from an acting school. Monalisa plays the heroine. Though it is her first film in Telugu, she has done two films in Hindi - Tauba Tauba and London Calling, which will be released soon. Amin plays a crucial role. He is also new to Telugu films but has acted in Lagaan and is the hero of Tauba Tauba. Seated in the judge's chair is Ravi Varma, a stage actor," informs the director.
Vijay moves towards his cinematographer for a brief discussion on the pre-climax scene. Sivan, a graduate from the Adyar Film Institute, is married to ace camerawoman Vijayasri. It is his debut film too. Even the music director is new. Taidala Bapu, an upcoming lyricist is scoring the music.
"So there are many debutants," the director says with a smile and adds, "The story and the narrative are new. The story talks about four young men who say "no entry" to those who exploit women. They have their own method of giving justice.
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