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I was very keen that the film releases in India,which is an important market. The film received good responses in other parts of the world and we were always interested in knowing how Indians felt about it.

Brick Lane reaches Indian theatres after three years,but director Sarah Gavron still sounds excited

The film Brick Lane was made in 2007. But its releasing in India only now.
I was very keen that the film releases in India,which is an important market. The film received good responses in other parts of the world and we were always interested in knowing how Indians felt about it. Though its releasing late,I am still very happy as the right people,UTV World Movies,are distributing and marketing it.

Though the story is set in the Bangladeshi community,you shot parts of it in India. Even the actors,who play the two main characters,are Indians. Why?
Working in India was a fascinating experience for me. I got to know so much about the people,who are very professional,and the country,which is very vibrant. I came across a whole range of fantastic actors in India. However,I chose Tannistha Chatterjee and Satish Kaushik because I found both of them really inhabit the character. Filming in West Bengal,where we shot the childhood of Nazneen (the character played by Tannistha),too was an enriching experience.

What are the risks involved when cinematically adapting a novel?
Those who have read the book are in love with it. I was aware of the storys reach. So I tried to capture the essence. Even though the book spans over three decades,we have seen the story through the prism of one year,2001.
We have made lots of changes,but retained its spirit.

Post Slumdog Millionaire,there has been a renewed interest in Indian subjects. Is this change perceptible?
There has definitely been a change in the way the world views India after films like Slumdog Millionaire. India now has a modern feel about it and is ready to interact with the rest of the world. I had worked on a documentary here in the mid-1990s. But while making Brick Lane,I got to know more people.

Do you have plans of working in India soon?
I have made many friends and developed many contacts in India. I also read literature related to India. But I dont have anything concrete lined up now.

Why do so many western filmmakers love adapting literary works?
The trend is growing because much before filmmakers take up a book,writers spend years developing the characters and storyline. Of course,later on scriptwriters mould them for movies.

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What are the projects you will be working on next?
I will be filming a documentary set in the Arctic. Im also developing a drama based on a father-daughter relationship and a historical film on womens fight for equal rights to vote in the UK.

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