Ramu has a strange humility: Mazhar Kamran

How do you see your transition from a cinematographer to the director?

I did cinematography from FTII in Pune. Satya was my debut as a cinematographer. But, I wanted to direct films from day one. Film is truly a director’s medium. I became a cinematographer to be a director. I wanted to direct a film as I was running a film society.

I got a freehand while I was working for Satya. I was a reluctant cinematographer because I always wanted to be a director. Infact after Satya, I stopped cinematography for a while.

How far do you think a cinematographer can make a good director?

Cinematographers make good directors. Actors too make good directors. Actually direction (as an art) is very abstract. Raj Kapoor believed that a director should be a good editor. But yes, one should be at least proficient in at least one area of filmmaking before settling for direction.

You should be proficient (in the art of filmmaking) so that the paraphernalia does not bother you.

How was your experience working with Ram Gopal Varma?

Working with Ram Gopal Varma has been excellent. He gave me ample space to work. Not only that he gave me a very good start to work. He has a strange humility while he is working on the sets.

What type of films would you like to work on as a director in future?

I believe in meaningful entertainment.

Why did you select Nakul Vaid when you could have gone for a more familiar face?

Mohandas being my first film, I wanted to start with people I was comfortable with. I have seen Nakul in ‘Ab Tak Chhappan’. I wanted a contemporary face with innocence.

How did you hit on the idea of Mohandas as the title of your debut film? Was it to draw mileage out of the popularity the name Mohandas enjoys?

(Mahatma) Gandhi has become the metaphor for the movie. No doubts, this title has the resonance to draw the attention but it is not a gimmick not attract the attention. The title forms the thematic part of the film.

In your opinion as a director, who is the target audience of Mohandas? Classes or masses.

I see it as a good film and am sure people who like good cinema will certainly like ‘Mohandas’.