Chance-Play

There is something about the title sequence of Zoya Akhtars Luck By Chance. The camera,as it lingers on the faces of the spot boys,dresswallahs,carpenters and extras who give shape to Bollywood dreams,is introspective.

There is something about the title sequence of Zoya Akhtars Luck By Chance. The camera,as it lingers on the faces of the spot boys,dresswallahs,carpenters and extras who give shape to Bollywood dreams,is introspective. Even before we are introduced to the lead players of this film,we know that Luck… is just not about them. It clearly urges us to spare a moment to acknowledge the contribution of the no-name extra who walks across the screen or the sandpaper-handed carpenter who crafts the sets where the lead players cavort in chiffon ensembles. In conversation with Premankur Biswas,the films director talks about thoughts that made Luck By Chance such a potent comment on Bollywood.

First of all,congratulations on making a really good film,what kind of reaction have you received so far?
Thank you. Well,people seem to have a lot of good things to say about the film. The critics in the US love it. Im not really complaining.

Its a script you have nursed for more than six years. What took the film so long to be made?
In retrospect,I feel the time wasnt right for it back then. Actors were apprehensive about taking on Farhans character. Eventually,things changed. The concept of multiplex films developed.

Speaking of Farhans character,what according to you made it such a risqué role?
Well,the problem with established actors who are comfortably settled in their images,as I show in the film,is that they are afraid to push the envelope. Farhans character is a manipulative charmer. He is a natural. Which makes him,in the conventional sense,a negative character.

Luck By Chance has a brilliant ensemble cast. How did you manage to bring them together?
Well,when I was scripting the film,I knew I wanted these people. Rishi Kapoor,for instance was meant to be Romi Rolly. He has a brilliant sense of humour and had a lot to give to the character. Similarly,Juhi Chawla said that she will love to do the character when she heard the script. Though its a small role,she felt she will never get the opportunity to play such a character.

Konkona Sen Sharmas character ends up being the protagonist of the film isnt it?
Actually if you ask me,the film has two protagonists. Vikram (Farhans character) and Sona (Konkonas character). The film uses their stories to explore the industry.

Interestingly,the story of Farhans friend in the film ends up being an interesting parallel
His story was not exactly of failure,but thwarted ambitions. He pretends that he doesnt care for success in the conventional sense,but you realise that he really does care.

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Do you source your material from real experiences?
I have worked in this industry in different capacities. I have interacted with strugglers and yes what you see in the film is quite authentic.

Your next film,Kismat Talkies is based on the industry too,isnt it?
Actually,Kismat Talkies has been postponed.

What projects are you working on now?
As of now,nothing. Am planning a vacation in Goa.

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Chance-Play

There is something about the title sequence of Zoya Akhtars Luck By Chance. The camera,as it lingers on the faces of the spot boys,dresswallahs,carpenters and extras who give shape to Bollywood dreams,is introspective.

There is something about the title sequence of Zoya Akhtars Luck By Chance. The camera,as it lingers on the faces of the spot boys,dresswallahs,carpenters and extras who give shape to Bollywood dreams,is introspective.