Writer-director Karan Razdan has come a long way since his days as a film actor. His two releases "Hawas" and "Girlfriend" reaped rich dividends at the box-office, and his latest flick "Eight" promises to have all the right ingredients of titillation and thrills.

"It too has sex but portrayed with more sensuality. In addition it has suspense and thrill. In other words 'Eight' is a mixture of sex and religion with a modern look," Razdan said.

Produced by Britain-based businessman Lucky Kohli, who is into manufacturing music and video CDs, the film stars the "Hawas" flame Meghna Naidu, Gulshan Grover, Raju Kher, Ashwini Chopra and Vastavikta.

Razdan denies he has adapted it from an English film. "'Eight' is an original script. I am only giving it the eerie feel of 'Omen'," tells Razdan.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: What is "Eight" all about?
A: "Eight" is a supernatural thriller. Like my earlier film, it too has sex but portrayed with more sensuality and in addition has suspense and thrill. In other words "Eight" is mixture of sex and religion with a modern look.

Q: Isn't "Eight" an unusual title?
A: Gone are the days of straight and simple titles. Since the title is unique, it evokes encouraging response. People become more curious about the film and its content.

As this film is a supernatural thriller, hence the title "Eight". It is the number of Saturn. It is commonly believed that many miseries in life are caused due to the rays of this planet. Revolution, anarchy, earthquakes, all sorts of evil and uncommon events are represented by this number. My film, in a one liner, states: "Surrender to the power of Shani (the Hindu god of Saturn)".

Q: Any special reasons for shooting a major portion of the film in London?
A: I wanted the film to have a natural feel like the Hollywood film "Omen". I wanted a sculpted Cathedral, the bareness and the emptiness of a city like central London. Such weird locations are only available in European countries.

We have shot in London and various parts of Britain like Brighton, Weymouth, central London, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and others. Most of the film is shot in London.

Q: Is your film adapted from any English film?
A: You are getting it wrong. "Eight" is an original script. I am only giving it the eerie feel of "Omen".

Q: In all your films you prefer to work with new faces. Comment.
A: "Hawas" dealt with infidelity. "Girlfriend" was about lesbianism. "Eight" is a supernatural thriller. It is the story that has to stand out while the actors lend freshness to the subject. I have cast Raj Tara, a new boy, who plays a mysterious character.

Q: You have repeated only Meghna Naidu in this film!
A: Meghna Naidu has carried the role of a middle-aged married woman in "Hawas". Here she plays herself. She is an amazing actress, vivacious and full of life. It was good working with the likes of Shawar Ali, Ashish Choudhary, Isha Koppikar and Amrita Arora.

Q: In "Eight", you have re-introduced three ladies.
A: Oh! You might be meaning to say Leena Chandavarkar as a singer, Padmini Kolhapure donning the grease paint again after a gap of 13 years and Raj Kumar's daughter Vastavikta, gaining a re-entry into Bollywood. I am happy to be a part of this brigade. I can pat myself for having convinced these ladies to take up the assignment.

Q: What about the songs?
A: We have four melodious tracks composed by Daboo Malik. Penned by Praveen Bharadwaj, they are foot-tapping numbers. All of them are canned in UK under the supervision of choreographer Pony Verma.

Q: What are your plans for releasing the film?
A: I have another 20 days of shooting left to complete the film in various Mumbai locales. We should be ready to release our film during October-November.

Q: What's next on the cards?
A: There are a couple of scripts lined up which are in the primary stages.

Q: Do you wish to only write the scripts for others?
A: There is only one commitment for my friend Harry Baweja. Lack of time does not permit to write scripts. My hands are full.

Q: Did you ever feel like acting in your films?
A: Acting has never crossed my mind (in my films).