“There is no violence or anger in Ungli; in fact it is humourous” – Rensil D’Silva: Part 1

By Soumya Anantharaman -

November 25, 2014 - 3:14 AM IST

Tracing the path in Bollywood, as a writer and a director, Rensil D'Silva collaborated with Dharma Productions once again for his upcoming film Ungli

which has been a long journey. From being delayed due to Sanjay Dutt's imprisonment to adjusting release date to accommodate Tiger Shroff's debut Heropanti, the film has

“There is no violence or anger in Ungli; in fact it is humourous” – Rensil D’Silva: Part 1

finally found a clean slate to release. Rensil who has written Rang De Basanti and directed Kurbaan, once again opts for a rebellious film that questions and 'fingers' the

corrupt elements in the system. Catch the filmmaker in a candid chat with Bollywood Hungama as he talks about Ungli and what triggered the idea of making the film.

Why the name Ungli?
Ungli karna, Ungli dikhana, hence Ungli. It's the tone of the film. It's about fun and it's a rebellious film. Until now, it was candle marches, protest and agitation. Now, I

think Ungli is the new form of rebel where you turn the tables in the system.

How did the idea of Ungli originate?
Replying and finding a solution for corruption was always a subject that was close to me. I had earlier written Rang De Basanti and now ten years later, I just felt the need to do

another film because the role of media has become more important. In this era of social networking with Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, the gang of friends (in Ungli) use media

and the social network to get their ideas to the people so that they can become a part of the movement. So, I wanted to make a modern contemporary film about friends and their take

on corruption. I have always wanted to live in a time where the power goes back to people. 20 years ago, the government ruled and had their power imposed even on radio stations

and the television. But now, with the social media platforms, they have to listen to people. I wanted to make a film on that, but at the same time I did not want make an angry film.

Films on corruption are either angry or violent. There is no violence or anger in Ungli; in fact it is humourous. The system is so ridiculously corrupt, that you can only ridicule it

and not take it seriously anymore.

Did you always have this star cast (Emraan, Kangna, Randeep, Neil, Angad, Sanjay) in mind?
I had a few of them in mind; like Emraan (Hashmi), Kangna (Ranaut), Randeep (Hooda), Sanju (Sanjay Dutt) and also Angad (Bedi) because I had met Angad at a party during casting. In

case of Neil (Bhooplam), I had to actually go through auditions where he was selected to complete the gang. But this is my wish list, this is what I wanted because I can't think of

anyone else for these roles.

Kangna and Emraan are being paired opposite each other after Gangster and Raaz 2 but this time it is a complete different storyâ€¦ Was it your idea to choose them?

I didn't think about Gangster since I haven't seen the film or Raaz 2, since I haven't seen that either. I saw Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, in which, actually they were not

paired together but I liked their performances in that film. And I have seen Kangna in films like Life In A Metro and Emraan in films like Murder 2. I always thought of them

as individual performers and that's why got them in the film.

Where has the film been shot? Any memories?
It has been completely shot in Mumbai. But it has been a difficult task to get permissions in the city. I have shot only in real locations without using a set and that is very tough.

Mumbai is very crowded and at times very dirty too, hence it becomes very hard to find a nice clean frame but I am very happy with the way the film turned out. Mumbai is a really

tough place to shoot and it should become easier with time. Every day was difficult, as I was shooting action sequences, there were crowds of people gathering everywhere. Once, I was

shooting on Carter road (in Bandra, suburban Mumbai) with Emraan Hashmi and Sanjay Dutt and it was nothing short of a nightmare. As I looked down to shoot and later, looked up to

check again, there were two more people in the frame shouting 'baba baba'. I had no idea as to where they came from, because, ten seconds before they were not there. It's just bad

for the director to encounter such situations. However, there are lots of happy memories with the cast and crew. I think we became a tight bunch and bonded really well. Despite being

through such excruciating situations together, we always made fun of it and none of them really lost their cool. There was no shouting or screaming on set, no matter how hard the

condition was.

How important is the music that plays in this film?
A very important role! The title song 'Adarniya Ungli' which features on my entire title montage is also the background music of the film. And it is the song which is most in

touch with the theme of the film. Music has played a big part and I don't think any film without music has a chance in promotions or marketing.

Your favourite song?
I love 'Pakeezah'. It is the love track between Kangna and Emraan and also shows the bonding of the group. For me that is the most special number.

'The Middle Finger' is often considered a taboo but with time, it has gained acceptance in Bollywood as a normal phenomena. So as a filmmaker, how much do you think

Bollywood has evolved with time?
I think we are just about starting to take baby steps. Generally, we prefer to make entertaining films. It's rare to make films with social messages because we think the audience doesn't

want to be preached to, but I am of the belief that we can make a film entertaining with a social message instead of just entertainment, so that people leave with a message. I think we

are evolving but I would like to see some more (changes). However, we are surely better than what we were ten years ago.

Do you think social message films are more impactful?
What one must pay attention to is the crafting. It should have elements of entertainment, in order to not bore people and subtly slip in the message because Indians don't want to hear

too many messages. They go to the theatre to have a blast! Like if you are taking a bitter pill you have to have a sweet coating. That's how you slip it in.

Watch this space for Part 2 of the interview