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Talking terror

Photo: Murali Kumar k.

Maverick musings Ramgopal Varma does not believe in making movies for a target audience

Ramgopal Varma is the maverick in the Bollywood scheme of things. The formula of weepy family dramas and college romances, replete with massive opulent sets and other props is not his style. His movies have consistently been different.

While all his experiments might not work, Varma can never be accused of staying with the safe.

His underworld movies have been spectacular successes as was his musical “Rangeela” and his nifty little horror movie “Bhoot”.

However, for every stunning success there have been an equal number of spectacular flops from the regrettable remake of “Sholay”, rather pompously called “Ramgopal Varma Ki Aag” to the remake of his debut film, “Shiva”.

In town to promote his latest movie, “Contract,” that would hit movie screens tomorrow, Varma says: “The movie revolves around the nexus between a terrorist organisation and underworld gangs.

“Many people think that terrorist and underworld groups are similar to each other. That is not the case. Both organisationsare very different in every aspects ranging from their cause, attitudes and motivation.

“‘Satya’ was based on the story of a gangster and ‘Company’ was based on the manner in which an underworld gang functions. ‘Contract’ has elements borrowed from both these films.Over the years, the face of the underworld has also changed. I hope that all the new aspects have been included in the film.”

Of future projects, Varma says: “I am currently involved in the production of ‘Phoonk,’ which features the Kannada actor Sudip.”

Explaining his preference of walking with rank newcomers, Varma smiles saying: “Working with lesser-known actors or newcomers is easier because they do not carry any excess baggage from previous films. Unlike top stars there are no date problems to contend with.”

Ask him about his disdain for the candy-floss romances mainstream cinema is peppered with and Varma says: “I do not know what a ‘masala’ film is. As a director, I feel everyone must have the liberty to make their own kind of films. I cannot stop anyone from making films they want to.”

The non conformist director insists he does not make movies for a target audience. “I do not make films for any particular audience. I make films on ideas that I like and excite me. Those interested in watching my movies can watch them.”

Continuing in a similar vein, the genre-jumping auteur analyses the failure of “Darna Mana Hai” saying: “‘Bhoot’ was also part of the horror genre and was a huge success. ‘Darna Mana Hai’ was not a horror film per se. It had elements poking fun at suppositious beliefs and practices.”

Varma started his career as a director with the iconic “Shiva” in Telugu. After making his name in the Telugu film industry with movies like “Kshana Kshanam” and “Raatri”, Varma moved to Mumbai.

Ask him if he has any plans of returning to making films in Telugu and he says: “No, I am sticking to making Hindi films for now.”

NIKHIL VARMA

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