Wouldn't have done Drishyam without Tabu: Nishikant Kamat

Hi, you seem to be becoming a favourite with the top stars now with everyone wanting to work with you.

(Smiles) I feel blessed, as I am still quite new to this industry. But the same time I feel it is one’s work that speaks. I am grateful to the audience that they have liked the kinds of films I have made so far. That is the biggest complement and the source of inspiration.

Your last film Force was high on action and now Drishyam is more of a psychological thriller.

Yes, this is a completely different film. In fact, all my films have been completely different from the other. My first Hindi film Mumbai Meri Jaan focused on a very serious issue. Prior to that I made a Marathi film, Dombivali Fast, which was again very different. Then Force was mainly raw action and now Drishyam is again completely different. In between Force and Drishyam I made another Marathi film, Lai Bhaari. I have completed another film Rocky Handsome with John Abharam, which is yet to release and that too deals with a completely different subject.

What was the idea behind making Drishyam, which is a remake of the hit Malayalam film of the same name?

There was no particular reason behind it. I had watched the film and I liked it and felt that this film could be made in Hindi and the audience might like it. It has a very interesting story line and the story is also very fast-paced. So there isn’t a single moment where you will feel that the story isn’t moving forward.

Okay, so how did you manage to rope in Tabu? She is too choosy and doesn’t do too many films.

I am lucky (laughs). On a serious note, I think I wouldn’t have done this film had she not accepted the offer. But there’s an interesting story behind it. When I decided to direct this film, the first who I could think of playing Mohanlal’s role was Ajay Devgn. So, we screened the original for him and he agreed to do the film. Next I went to Tabu with a copy of the DVD of the Malayalam film. I first asked her if she has heard the name of this Malayalam film Drishyam and I would like her to watch it. Interestingly, she said that she had already watched the film almost two years ago and she liked the role of the IG and wished she could play it. And that was it. I said that I have come with an offer and I would like her to play that role. So, things were finalized in some three-four minutes. I think that was the shortest narration I have ever given to any actor. (Laughs again)

Ajay Devgn is known more for his action and here you have presented him in a completely different way.

Yes, that was the idea. People have seen him doing a lot of action and comedy of late but he is one of the most versatile actors and has done intense roles in films such as Zakhm, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and so many others. The idea was to present him in such a way that he doesn’t do any action at all despite the film being a thriller. I am extremely happy with the way the film has shaped up.

Is it difficult remaking a film because there are always chances of comparisons being drawn with the original?

There are chances but we were very sure and we are still very confident that Drishyam if made in any language will be lapped up by the audience just because of the story. I have made a few changes without changing the basic story because the film is for pan-Indian audience and it’s not a straight copy. When remakes are done the first thing that we have to think is of the sensibilities of the audience. So, here the protagonist is based out of Goa. Had I chosen a Bengali or a Punjabi protagonist, I certainly would have changed not only the name of the character but a lot of other things too. It’s not at all easy remaking a film. There are a lot of challenges but that’s also the fun part of it.

How was the shooting experience in Goa?

Goa has been shown in a different way in films. It’s because it’s one of the biggest tourist destinations in India and people knowGoa for its party life and beaches. But here we chose to do something different because the story is about a person who runs a business in rural Goa. There’s another side of Goa which people haven’t seen much. We decided to put up a set in the interiors of Goa…rural Goa, which is not about beaches and nightlife. So, it was a different kind of experience altogether.

Now that the film is set to release, what are your expectations?

I have been confident from the very first day. It’s a thriller where the action is more mental where the two protagonists are playing psychological games. It’s an interesting story and not too many films like this have been made. So I am hopeful about the film and I am sure the audience too will like it.

Image of director: Bollywood Hungama/Wikipedia