“I’d rather do television than do a remake” – Rensil d’Silva

By Subhash K. Jha -

May 16, 2014 - 10:39 AM IST

Filmmaker, ad-maker, screenwriter and now author Rensil d'Silva speaks to Subhash K Jha

When is your second feature film Ungli releasing?

It is being released on November 7. Two of my songs were not ready. I also needed to shoot one of them. 'The Ungli Anthem', as we're going to call it, is yet to be shot.

What made you write a novel when you are so busy with so many other things?

I have always done many things at the same time. The idea for my novel Kohinoor Express was with me for some time. Initially I thought it'd make a great screenplay. Then I realized it had all the makings of a novel including a, expansive classic format, period thriller with many characters. So I decided, why not a novel? I thought, why should I force it into a particular format when it has life of its own.

“I’d rather do television than do a remake” – Rensil d’Silva

Will you make a film out of Kohinoor Express?

I would for sure. But right now I am very happy to have it as a novel. It has an epic scope. So maybe I could make a mini-series on television. Writing 24 gave me a good idea of how innovative television can be. Now I hear other American series like The Killing and Homeland are being adapted to Indian television.

24 has completely changed the way we look at Indian television?

Now Season 2 is on the way. Anil Kapoor has to first finish his film Welcome Back. It's so amazing. Before we started working on 24 a lot of marketing guys told us that it wouldn't work for Indian television. But once we went on air we realized those very people who enjoyed the Saas-Bahu serials were enjoying 24. That was quite heartening. I feel there is an audience for all kinds of tele viewing experience. A lot of people told us they had given up watching television until 24 came along.

Are you getting offers to write more on television?

As a matter of fact, I am. But I've just finished a film, and a novel and one season of 24. I want to see how much time the second season of 24 would take before I commit myself to something else on television. 24 is something very close to my heart. The people who have been working on the American 24 have been at it for 24. It's impossible to leave 24 behind. It's great fun to shoot.

Do you think adapting a large number of serials from abroad is a good thing?

Not really. I think we've some fine writing talent in our country. We should be developing indigenous stuff. I think people in the film and television industry like to follow a road map. They're happy if they know where exactly they're going with a project. But there is a lot of excitement on television. I think Ashutosh Gowariker is making a serial on the Everest.

Your film Ungli looks like an interesting dark thriller?

No in fact it's a fun film. A caper tonally akin to Catch Me If You Can. It's about vigilantes who strike at night. It's actually about characters who pull pranks on the system.

Some of your actors' destinies have changed while you were shooting Ungli?

Yes Neil Bhoopalam who stars in Ungli found fame as a lead in 24. And it's one of Randeep Hooda's better performances. And my leading lady Kangna Ranaut is quite the Queen right now. She has fun role. But not playing it for laughs.

And Mr Sanjay Dutt's last release for a while?

Unless he is in Raj Kumar Hirani's PK. He is fabulous in my film. He plays a cop his own age. He completed his entire work.

What next?

I will decide only after Ungli is released. Maybe a bio-pic. Finally the nation is open to true stories. I loved Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. What a performance from Farhan Akhtar. There are so many Hollywood adaptations, rom-coms and South Indian remakes happening. I'd rather do television than one of this me-too things. That's far more exciting right now. I am proud to say Ungli is absolutely original. Not too many vigilante films have been made in the country. It's an anti-corruption film that is not angry bitter or violent. I am confident about the film.