Shakespeare's Hamlet was successfully adapted by Vishal Bhardwaj last year, but Onir, whose "Veda" is also inspired by it, is not worried and says the movie is his understanding and interpretation of the Bard's famous work.
The 46-year-old "I Am" director said he began prepping for "Veda" much before any one else, but since the script took time to shape up, his movie will release next year.
"I had started work on it much before. It is just that my films took a long time to fall into place. I am a student of literature and I have read Hamlet and it is a fascinating tale," Onir told PTI.
The director feels there is nothing wrong in getting inspired by Shakespeare's works and cited that Romeo and Juliet is the most frequently adapted story of the writer in Bollywood, and people still throng in theatres to watch such movies.
"Why not 'Hamlet'? There are so many films in Bollywood which have been made on Romeo and Juliet. In the recent past there were films like "Ishaqzaade", "Ram Leela" and "Issaq" based on the tragic love story."
The first schedule of the movie, starring newcomers, has been shot in the UK and Onir will begin work on the second in Jaisalmer this December.
The director said Hamlet may not be a very popular story, but he is confident that "Veda" will find its audience.
"Not a lot of people know about 'Hamlet'. But I think when they come to watch a film, they take note of the story.
My film has a good chance," he said.
Besides "Veda", Onir has two other releases lined for next year- "Shab" and his production venture "Chauranga".
Tuesday, October 27, 2015 12:08 IST