The Ugly Truth

Rann’s promos display the catchline “when democracy is remote-controlled”. How true do you feel this is in today’s context?
Democracy is expression of thought,speech and action. There are certain people in the society who are in power,but cannot quite exercise it. Rann focuses on such characters who have been remote-controlled.

As a filmmaker you have often been media’s target. How would you define your experience?
People often tell me that I am media’s favourite target. But I say I am not. The only difference between other filmmakers and me is that,I come out with a film every three months and the others take two to three years. Hence,I become an easy target.

Have you put in some of that experience in the making of the film?
No. This movie is purely a work of fiction.

Media and Bollywood share a very symbiotic relationship. Where do you think media should draw the line?
It is the duty of the media to foretell the truth,but not at the cost of hurting somebody. Media does not have the right to hold a trial before the guilty is accused.

Media bashing seems to be a favourite with most Bollywood filmmakers. Will you be doing the same in Rann?
Bashing seems to be media’s favourite job. All they do is bash actors,filmmakers,politicians,sportspersons etc. And they are not completely at fault because we as audiences,enjoy such things and derive pleasure out of it.

You have had this fascination of using a single tone for your movie. Why so?
It is a deliberate effort on my part. Hard-hitting,serious films always require a certain colour tone which will right from the word go make the film look intense.

You have cast Amitabh Bachchan in most pivotal roles of late. Never thought of trying out someone else?
It is not that I don’t want to work with anyone else. But when I think of a towering personality,it is Amitabh Bachchan who comes to my mind first.

After a host of successful comedies,do you think Riteish Deshmukh will fit in well here?
Riteish has been very successful with comedies,but I have always seen him as a very intense actor. With this movie,his career graph will certainly have more variety.

You are also known for giving a break to South Indian actors in Bollywood—Sudeep in Rann and Surya in Rakta Charitra. Do you find more talent there?
It is just about the suitability of roles. Being from South India,I know their acting capabilities well.

How far have you gone with Rakta Charitra?
Almost 50 per cent of the film is complete. The first part will release in June and the second part two weeks later. I have shot most portions with Vivek (Oberoi) so far. I will soon start shooting with Surya,who appears in the second part.

You are also working on Phoonk 2 and Raksha,an adventure film in the 3D format.
Phoonk 2 is releasing on April 9. It is too early to talk about Raksha,which is still in the scripting stage.