Post a dark thriller he surprisingly comes up with a children's film set in modern-day India and Hanuman taking on the role of a school boy. It's the funny antics of the kid which involves action, comedy and drama - some of the most loved ingredients of a hardcore Bollywood potboiler - that seems to be clicking well with the film's target audience i.e. children. His film is all set to break the records created by its predecessor ‘Hanuman'.
Q: How was the experience of working on the film?
A: The ‘Return of Hanuman' gave me an insight into how animation movies are made. The script for an animation film vastly differs from that of a feature film script.
Here, you have to consider even the smallest of details like dust blowing, leaves falling, etc while writing for the film. It was a wonderful and enriching experience. Especially since it's an out-and-out fun movie and is not at all connected to ‘Ramayana'.
Q: Is this your first children's film?
A: Yes, this film is dedicated to my daughter, who says my films only have policemen, people getting beaten up, etc. But have no songs, dance or masti. I have written this film for her so that she can enjoy it with her pals.
Q: How was it working with PPC?
A: Brilliant. PPC fully trusted me from day one on a project that was totally different from my genre of dark and commercial films.
Q: What was you reaction when you were offered the project by PPC?
A: I was pondering on what to do when I got a call from Percept who asked me to write the script for ‘The Return of Hanuman', which I eventually went on to direct. But I did all this for my daughter.
Q: Your inspiration...
A: The general mindset of children acted as a reference point. The Hanuman of this film is a child. He goes to school, solves his friends' problems, steals mangoes and behaves like a kid. Some childhood memories also came in handy.
Q: What is your take on the music of the film?
A: The music of the film is overwhelming and goes with the film very well. I love the music very much.
Q: Do you think ‘The Return of Hanuman' will prove to be a successful as ‘Hanuman'?
A: I feel ‘The Hanuman of Return' will be the biggest blockbuster ever.
Q: What fascinates you most about the industry?
A: The possibilities and the challenge posed by the industry fascinate me the most.
Q: Don't you think that Hindi cinema is now getting versatile?
A: I love the direction in which Hindi cinema is heading.
Q: What other projects do you have in the pipeline?
A: My other forthcoming films are ‘Dev D', ‘Devki' and ‘Gulaal'.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: I see myself right here talking about my films.