“My next is relentless thriller set in Kolkata titled Kahaani” – Sujoy Ghosh

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

September 8, 2010 - 3:24 PM IST

He redefined the genre of rom-coms with his first film Jhankaar Beats. The superhit music of the film was the icing on the cake. He is also the man who can be credited for turning the legendary Amitabh Bachchan into a 'genie'. He is the super-talented filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh.

Sujoy has some big plans for his next. In this exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, the director speaks about his reasons to turn down a three film deal with YRF and his next big project titled Kahaani which will star Vidya Balan in lead role.

“My next is relentless thriller set in Kolkata titled Kahaani” – Sujoy Ghosh

On hindsight, everything was fun, but it squeezes every drop of life out of you.

You have been a story writer, dialogue writer, director and even an actor. What has it been like?
On hindsight, everything was fun, but when you are actually doing the work it squeezes every drop of life out of you. It's extremely tough to make a film, irrespective of what hat you wear. Toughest of them all is to find THAT story which you want to tell. Once that is done... it gets tougher. Seriously! I love films and I try to venture out with every film. From Jhankaar Beats to Home Delivery to Aladin, each was a new turf for me. Each demanded my blood and sweat, and I gave happily. For me, there is no shortcut to make a film. Every film is my independence struggle.

I, sort of, developed cold feet about the 3 film deal with YRF

Just recently there was news that you have been signed on with YRF for a 3 film contract? What are the updates on that front?
Nothing I'm afraid. That's not happening. I, sort of, developed cold feet about the 3 film deal. It's totally my loss!

So, what's going to be your next film?
It's called Kahaani and it's a relentless thriller set in Kolkata. Kahaani is about this aspect of women which always fascinated me. When it comes to protecting someone they love, a woman is the most fierce and deadly warrior. Take any mother for example, you try messing with her child, she will rip you apart. Even if she doesn't know how to, she will learn/ teach herself how to protect her child. It's awesome how a mother does it, and for me, that's the closest one can get to God.

I feel like that dude in 300 faced with an endless sea of Persian soldiers, except that I don't have the six packs!

Sounds interesting...please continue

Kahaani is about a woman who finds herself in an environment which is completely alien to her and where she doesn't have the skills set to survive. But she just has to. She teaches herself how to. Of all my films, Kahaani is the biggest and the toughest. It's a completely new turf for me. The logistics are driving me loopy. I feel like that dude in 300 faced with an endless sea of Persian soldiers, except that I don't have the six packs!

Well, a little birdie just told us that you have signed on Vidya Balan for the female lead.
Yes, it's true that Vidya is the female lead for Kahaani. This movie needs her more than any of us. It's an incredibly tough role to play and with Vidya, it's in safe hands. If what I have written was 10, she has already pushed it to 15 and let me tell you that, it's just the tip of the iceberg!

And who plays the male lead in Kahaani?
You know what! There is no male lead. Vidya Balan is the man! She is the dude who is going to lead us to victory.

Yes, it's true that Vidya is the female lead for Kahaani

Sounds even more interesting! So, when is the film going on floor?
October. Gulp!