“Half the people on sets were clueless around zombies” – Raj and D.K.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

May 6, 2013 - 11:31 AM IST

They made a humble beginning exactly a decade back with a film called Flavours (2003) that was basically a US production and hadn't really seen a mainstream Indian release. After a struggle of over half a decade, they did bag a Bollywood project in the form of 99 which ended up turning into a decent success. While Shor In The City is what got them good critical acclaim, it is with Go Goa Gone that the director duo of Krishna D.K. and Raj Nidimoru gain further footing into the world of commercial entertainers with none less than Saif Ali Khan, Dinesh Vijan and Sunil Lulla backing the effort. Over to the director duo.

When the promo of Go Goa Gone arrived online, it ended up making a sudden impression as not many were expecting it to be such a riot. Still, were you always geared up to see the kind of reactions coming your film's way, considering the fact that you had worked on it for so long and knew all along what was in the offering?
What helped our case was the point that people out there know we don't mess around with our films or make something frivolous. We have made some serious quality cinema like Shor In The City and hence there is a definite credibility attached to our names. Having said that, I know that no one expected a film of this kind of magnitude from us, as has been the case with Go Goa Gone. That has added to the buzz.

“Half the people on sets were clueless around zombies” – Raj and D.K.

Was it easy to convince your own team though that there was something special in the making?
(Laughs) It was actually very funny because half the people on the sets were clueless around why there were zombies walking on the sets. It was hilarious to see so many artists dressed up as zombies and obviously there were a few who were unsure around how the final product would eventually shape up. It's okay, that happens when you are tackling a new subject.

While there are zombies all around, there is Saif Ali Khan in there as Boris. So what's the real deal about him? Is he playing a Russian or a 'Dilli ka Gunda'?
To begin with, if Saif is seemingly really outlandish then our job is done before we really wanted him to look that way, what with blonde hair, leather jacket, macho personality and stuff alike. In fact tattoos and cigars were put in for added effect so that he comes across as a real mix of weird and cool. To answer your second question, back story of Saif's character is that basically he is an Indian guy who mixes up with the Russians and hence behaves like a fusion element out there. He is enacting one of the wackiest characters ever written on screen.

He also seems to be enjoying mouthing expletives...

Well, this is where the exact sense of humour of his character comes in. The fact that Saif is ready for all the challenges and is happy to mould according to the set up is gladdening as well.

How about the characters finding them amidst all the blood and gore as well? After all this is expected in a zombie flick.
See, the idea is not to make it all look yucky and repulsive for the sake of gore; it has to be kept in a cool and fun zone. In fact you end up enjoying the action sequences since there is certain style there by the virtue of them being a little exaggerated.

Other than action, there seems to be a lot of 'masti' and 'naachgaana' in there as well.
(Smiles) Yes indeed. We have a song each for a Saturday night ('Slowly Slowly') and a Monday morning ('Khoon Choos Le') which is a rarity. And now we have also released 'Babaji Ki Booti' which is about getting trippy. I guess that should take care of the entire weekend!

Well, weekend collections are what one is looking forward to for Go Goa Gone which is coming in the wake of Cocktail that had the same team (Saif, Dinesh, Sunil). Guess you must be assured of a good start here?
These are people who are really smart. Dinesh is a very smart producer and one of the best creative minds. I really enjoyed working on every aspect of the film with him. Saif is cool and when he is around, you enjoy being in a chilled out environment. As for Sunil, when he comes on board, you are assured of a very good release.

While a good release is something that you are sure of, how is your confidence level when it comes to getting a good response from the audience? After all, your film's subject is as quirky as it gets.
We are audience turned filmmakers instead of many others out there who are writers or Assistant Directors turned filmmakers. While we have enjoyed different kind of cinema, we also know that if we bring in such cinema in a right package, a lot of people would love it. Yes, our ideas may be whacky or quirky but we are sure that if presented well, they would be appreciated more than a regular movie.

Watch Promo: Go Goa Gone