"The scene where Isha washes dishes in D had stuck in my mind. I was taken in by her utter submission to her role" – Lalit Marathe 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, February 2, 2007 - 11:10 IST
Lalit Marathe started as a writer for Ram Gopal Varma’s Bhoot and even played a walk-on part in the film. And now the writer is taking the directorial baton in his hands with Shabri starring Isha Koppikar in title role. This promising writer-director opens his heart out in his first ever interview to IndiaFM.
From a writer to a director, how does it feel being the captain of the ship?
It has been fulfilling to bring a mere idea to a complete fruition. When I wrote Shabri I hadn’t envisioned that as a director. I would have to be brutal with the material I had written. Actors, locations, cinematography brought in their own flavour. The film began to grow beyond the written word as we started shooting. The experience has made me slightly aware of what not to do with both the crafts. I discovered that being at the helm of affairs is the best place to learn.
| When I wrote Shabri I hadn’t envisioned that as a director. I would have to be brutal with the material I had written. |
Shabri sounds an unconventionally interesting title. What is the film about?
It is an apt title for this unconventional film. Shabri is the story of a woman in a man’s world. It’s about survival, determination, dignity and human triumph in the face of impossible odds.
Isha Koppikar reportedly plays a lady gangster. How did the idea of a lady gangster come about?
The idea germinated following an interesting episode narrated by Mr. Verma.
What made you choose Isha Koppikar for the role?
Shabri is a complex and tricky character to portray. She is raw; she pervades spaces, looks and does things on screen that would perhaps have prompted most actors to work around her details, thereby allowing their own personality to trickle into the portrayal. A sanitised and image wary approach would have taken the real shades off the character, making a crucial difference.
The scene where Isha washes dishes in D had stuck in my mind. I was taken in by her utter submission to her role. In that brief moment she made me forget about her as an actor playing the part. She was the part. This led me to believe Isha could go through the rigours, allow to be pushed that extra length. More importantly I thought Isha could take chances. Over and above being emotionally and physically draining playing Shabri was a tough mental exercise. Isha displayed a fine mind, digging into the role with all she had got, bringing a searing intensity to her performance.
From drastically changing her look to kicking down rusted metal sheets and jumping balconies she did it all with full throated conviction.
| The scene where Isha washes dishes in D had stuck in my mind. I was taken in by her utter submission to her role |
Isha said in an interview that “Shabri is more than a turning point in my career. There are very few female protagonists that stand out like this.” What’s so special about the film?
As a film goer I would find Shabri worth the price of a ticket. With its unusual spaces, riveting performances, look and feel I would find it a rewarding cinema going experience. I would carry a lot of the film with me after leaving the theatre. And might want to return for another viewing!
Isha Koppikar is quite often seen as the item girl. Do you think Shabri will be a career-defining movie for Isha Koppikar?
Isha is an underrated artiste. Her talent is phenomenal. In Shabri she leaves you mesmerised. Isha has been a revelation. As far as her acting prowess goes I have reason to believe Shabri is the tip of the ice berg. Casting Isha as Shabri turned out to be the single most important decision of the film.
| The detached precision and cold blooded fury of a spurned woman can be far more lethal than the might of any man. |
Do you think a woman can run some gang? Do you believe that the female of species can be more dangerous than the male?
Certainly! Perhaps more efficiently than a man! A woman has more strength. The detached precision and cold blooded fury of a spurned woman can be far more lethal than the might of any man.
Is it another film on underworld?
No, it isn’t a film based on the underworld
Where is the movie set? As in Mumbai or some rural setting?
Shabri is set in Mumbai. We have shot the film on real locations, traffic filled streets, and the ghettos. It has been a no-holds-barred exercise in pushing the limits of reality cinema.
| Shabri has been a no-holds-barred exercise in pushing the limits of reality cinema. |
Tell us about Raj Arjun who is Isha’s co-star in the film. How did you decide on casting him?
Raj Arjun was born to play Murad in Shabri. He has made the character shockingly life like, taking Murad far beyond our expectations. One day in office I saw a man in silhouette slowly walk up a corridor. I instinctively felt he was Murad. That man turned out to be Raj Arjun.
| Raj Arjun was born to play Murad in Shabri. |
Who else is there in the film? Can you give us a gist of the other characters?
Beside Isha Koppikar and Raj Arjun, the film stars Manish Wadhwa, Pradeep Rawat, Neeraj Kumar, Ragesh Asthana, Vijay Khadechkar, Sanjay Kulkarni and Zakir Hussain. I have had the good fortune of working with a talented set of actors in my first film.
Did RGV have any suggestions or inputs to the movie? How easy is he as a producer?
His suggestions have made all the difference, keeping us right on course. Mr. Verma is a courageous Producer. He had the vision to back Shabri and the heart to allow his team push the limits of narration. The man allows you to take decisions. The freedom he has given us during the making of Shabri reflects in the finished product. The credit for which goes to him as a producer. He has solidly stood by us and the film throughout its making.
RGV films usually don’t have music. Does this one have any songs?
The emotional intensity of the film would be broken with songs. You won’t miss them in this film.
| The emotional intensity of Shabri would be broken with songs. You won’t miss them in this film. |
When are you planning to release the film?
As soon as it is ready.
The film has been under making for long. What’s the current status of the film? Is it complete or still under production? Why is the film taking so long to release?
Films do take time to complete. Shabri is towards the end of the post production. We should see it release soon.
Is RGV currently too busy with his self-directed films like Ram Gopal Varma Ke Sholay and Nishabd, that he has kept his other productions like Shabri on a backburner?
Mr. Verma has always been a very busy man. But for his enterprise, a film like Shabri could never have been made. Shabri is on schedule and headed towards completion.
What next after Shabri? Any more projects with RGV?
I hope I can make for him something as special as Shabri. If not better!
Any future projects as a writer?
None!
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Isha gets into the skin of ‘Shabri’
