Ratnam goes by film content, not genre
Subhash K. Jha - 3/26/2007
Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) Director Mani Ratnam, who is not sure if he will make another biopic after "Guru", stresses that he takes on a project if he sees "a film in it not because it fits into a particular genre".
"Will I do more biopics? I don't know. If a character is exciting enough to hold your attention for over a year and the audiences' attention for over two hours, then maybe it has movie potential," Ratnam told IANS in an interview.
Asked why "Guru" tended to subvert the reformist zeal as seen in films like "Lage Raho Munnabhai", the filmmaker said his film was a reflection of today's reality.
"Some films offer hope. Some are reflections on life. I like both kinds of cinema. But when you reflect you should be willing to look at reality. 'Guru' isn't cynical. It's a reflection on today's reality."
The director dismisses rumours about his next film "Lajjo", starring Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor, being about an older man married to a young girl. He adds that the much-awaited film has been delayed to enable him to do "effective pre-production" work.
Excerpts from the interview:
Do you think making biopics suit your creative purposes? Will you do more biopics if the opportunity arises?
When you take a project you do so because you see a film in it, and not because it fits into a particular genre. Will I do more biopics? I don't know. If a character is exciting enough to hold your attention for over a year and the audiences' attention for over two hours then maybe it has movie potential.
Abhishek says he borrowed mannerisms from producer Vashu Bhagnani to play the role of Gurukant in "Guru". Are you aware of that?