Subhash Ghai's Kissa Kisna Ka...! 

By IndiaFM News Bureau, July 28, 2004 - 06:47 IST

Lounging in his vanity van was the Showman of silver screen, Mr.Subhash Ghai. In an all-exclusive interview to IndiaFM , we re-affirmed that everything about this movie man is larger than life, Kisna included.

Kisna has stirred a lot of curiosity both in trade and junta. What is your reaction?

That is right; there has been a positive buzz about Kisna in both, the audiences as well as the film fraternity. My last film as a director, Yaadein apparently, didn't agree with everybody. So, there has been a very conscious effort to set the flaws right. There's extra sweat that's gone in to better the film.

The expectations from Kisna are sky-high . How are you dealing with it?

See, Kisna is magnum opus. The movie has a new narrative. It's well researched and fresh. The treatment of the film is lavish. Also, you will get to see some extraordinary performances in this film. Besides, Rahman and Ismail Darbar have tuned the music. I hope all these factors collectively will meet the expectations of the audiences.

Bollywood is still playing safe with lovey-dovey, cute films. Has Subhash Ghai managed to resist this temptation with Kisna?

[Smiles] Honestly speaking, I have done that too, and got away with it. And that's the reason I am here making Kisna. Subhash Ghai will always be associated with entertainment. But today, there's an urge in me to simultaneously deliver responsible cinema too. So, in Kisna , you will see clean entertainment marry good cinema.

What is the plot of Kisna?

Kisna tells the story of the pre-partition era where Britishers and locals lived in like a close-knit family. It showcases that not all goras thought of India in poor light and that, amongst foreigners too were people who loved and revered India. Contrary to the hatred that has been shown in movies all along, the film talks about warm vibes between the two.

So, apart from being a love story set against the 1940 backdrop, Kisna tries to break away from the stereotype of calling all firangs villains.

The title Kisna has a very native feel to it. How did you decide upon this name?

During the script research sessions, we learnt that the localities pronounce ‘Krishna' as ‘Kisna'. We wanted to remain true to the characters and so used it. Kisna is the local dialect that you hear.

Vivek Oberoi stars as Kisna. He is playing the central protagonist. How was it directing him?

Ah, Vivek was great. He plays a mountain boy in the film who falls in love with Catherine [Antonia]. Vivek is an actor who delivers his goods. Exactly what a director expects from his artists. Trust me, the guy has pitched in a brilliant performance. Directing him was a pleasurable experience

You share a flamboyant equation with all your actresses. How was it with Antonia Bernath and Isha Sharvani?

[ Smiles coyly ] It was fabulous working with them. Both are young girls with a lot of potential.

Tell us about your foreign actress, Antonia Bernath?

See, they have a very different work culture in the West. But she skillfully adjusted to the bollywood work ethics. Besides, she is hardworking and a good learner. Antonia was a delight to work with.

What about Isha Sharvani?

Isha is the Indian actress in Kisna . Young, attractive, she is possibly the finest dancer in India. Watch out for both the beauties. They have done a commendable job.

Yes. The shooting is currently happening. Can't disclose much. AlI I can say is that it is a very integral angle to the plot.

A Ghai production delivers on dual levels. Firstly, in the domestic market and also on the international platform. What's the case with Kisna ?

Kisna has a very native, Indian treatment and theme. This will suit both the Indian as well as international tastes. Besides the regular Indian release, we are also planning an English version for the film. The movie with its dynamic appeal would be able to bring in the crossover audiences as well.

Irrespective of the fate of the film, the Mukta Arts has been offering different plots to its audiences. What keeps you going?

Yes, to an extent. In a producers capacity, I have tried to give variety. Be it Rahul , Badhaai Ho Badhaai or Ek Aur Ek Gyarah . With Kisna , it will be a different experience again. Cinema is dynamic. We are trying to keep it that way. Repetition will kill it.

When will Kisna hit theatres?

Kisna will be in the theatres this winter. December-January should be a fair release date.

“Kisna is an outcome of the drive to make something different” - Subhash Ghai