“Aksar is a Hitchcokian suspense thriller” - Anant Mahadevan 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, January 24, 2006 - 00:45 IST
From performing in television serials to directing them, to acting in films and subsequently directing them as well, Anant Mahadevan has come a long way. His first two movies (Dil Vil Pyar Vyar, Dil Maange More) didn't work despite his sincere efforts. But he seems to be quite confident about his third film Aksar.
IndiaFM gets a one on one with Anant Mahadevan.
What is Aksar all about?
It's a different foray from what I've done so far. Dil Vil Pyar Vyar was India's first retro musical. Dil Maange More was an irreverent kind of romantic comedy. This time I have a suspense film on hand. Aksar is my first foray into suspense. It is something I have wanted to do for a long time. Having done it on television, this is my first feature film based on suspense. It is a dark film, very adult and immoral. At the same time, it is humorous with black humor. It is Hitchcokian in the sense that you keep guessing what will happen next.
Tell us something about the characters.
Emraan plays a very wild fashion photographer who overdoes his bit of romance with the models. Udita plays a fashion diva-turned-actress. Dino is an aristocratic guy who has settled down in London. The game between the three begins. The person who has set the trap finds himself trapped in his own game. The story is about who finally comes out of it in the end.
What was your equation like with the actors?
The three of them were absolute revelations. Emraan was a thorough professional, a person who treats his work with a lot of respect and seriousness. Dino, for all his frivolousness has probably given the best performance of his life. Udita is a very hard worker. This was a role that she went hammer and tongs at. I think she will get a lot of accolades and she will be taken seriously as an actress after this film.
This is the second time we are seeing Emraan and Udita together, after Zeher? Will we get to see a lot of hot scenes?
It is not because Udita and Emraan are in it together. The film has an adult story. The plot required Udita and Emraan to have a passionate moment together. Otherwise, the rest of the film would not follow. When you watch the film, it won't stand out like a sore thumb, or as a gimmick that is associated with films where kissing is shown. It sounds like a cliché but it is very integral to the script. When you see the film, you will realize the importance. It is not just an add on.
What about the music of the film?
As usual, Himesh hasn't let me down. We did some good work in Dil Maange More. When we sat down to do the songs of Aksar, I knew that I wanted - 4 out of 4 and not 1 out of 4. That is generally the trend in music albums today. They say that if you have that one winner of a song, your film's opening is guaranteed. I am a very greedy person and I made Himesh miserable! He has actually come out with 4 very good numbers. Although Jhalak Dikhlaja has already become a rage, Lagi lagi is my favorite. Then there is a melodious romantic number called Soniye. And another toe tapping number called Khuda Khair Kare. I am looking forward to the people's reaction to the remaining numbers.
On a parting note, what post-Aksar?
Post Aksar, a film for Shyam Bajaj's next. We have already agreed on that. Maybe another suspense, because this one has worked out so well, in all aspects - like story, economics and music. There is also a film for T-Series. And one film for HMV has been pending for a while now. It is a delightful, romantic comedy.
|
‘Aksar’ is hot
