'Bhagawan' is safe: Prashanth Mambully
May 20, 2009 NRHailing from Kunnamkulam, which is very near the temple town of Guruvayoor, Prashanth Mambully hasn't worked under any director till date. After making some ad films, he has come to direct 'Bhagawan', his maiden feature film in that role.
The film, produced by Vijeesh Mani under the banner of Anaswara Cinemas, narrates in just over two hours the happenings that take place in a hospital on a particular day.
The cast includes, besides Mohanlal, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Daniel Balaji, Shafna, Sudheesh, Sivaji Guruvayoor, Lakshana, Lena, Ibrahimkutty, Sreelatha, Sreejith Ravi, Baby Nayanthara etc.
Here's Prashanth Mambully speaking to Nowrunning.com about 'Bhagawan' and his experiences during the making of his debut film. Excerpts:
How did you happen to take up such an interesting project? How did the concept of this one-day film come up?
I wanted my debut film to be different. I wanted to come up with something new. And when this particular story came up in my mind, it was none other than Lal sir (Mohanlal) who seemed to suit the role. He was impressed with it too. A debutant director like me couldn't think of getting bulk dates from an actor like him. So I thought of making the most of what I could, and it was thus that I came up with the concept of shooting it in a single day.
What are the highlights of 'Bhagawan'?
The first thing that I would like to point out is that we had conceived the subject and had written the screenplay much before the Mumbai terror attacks. The striking similarity not only surprised us, it shocked us too. When I initially spoke of commandos landing on the roof of the hospital by helicopter, there were murmurs suggesting that I was going a too far. But after the Mumbai attacks and the subsequent rescue operations, everyone seemed to be thinking on my lines.
Another thing that I'd like to mention is that Lal sir worked really hard, not even bothering to take rest. The other artists too had work to do, but his character is the pivotal one with the most number of scenes and is there all through the film. He reached the sets at 6 in the morning and was there all over the place till the last minute of the shoot. His involvement is worth the highest praise.
Was your plan to shoot the film in a single day an attempt to create news or create some kind of a record?
Not really. Of course it has become news and is sort of a record too. However, the film that I made in one day does not in any way fall short of films made in 30 days or even more. It has all the ingredients of a commercial movie, including songs, fights and all. The idea to make such a film in fact came from the thought that Cinema in Kerala is not a big thing - in terms of money, in terms of the territory and the market available to us. In this situation, it would always be wise to make a movie in the least possible time.
Time in the world of Cinema, equates with money. I wanted to save on time and thus save as much money as possible. Such a film would of course be a safe bet for the producer too. 'Bhagawan' is safe indeed, from the box office point of view. I believe that changes like this will come over Malayalam Cinema soon. It was my planning that worked in the making of the film. Everything was well planned and we all were comfortable working as per the plans.
What was your experience, doing such a kind of movie?
My situation was different from that of other directors. Since I was shooting the film in one single day, I didn't have the liberty or the chance to modify any of my shots. Fortunately I didn't have to do it. I don't like having to do that. I'd always prefer to work this way, in a well-planned manner.
I was under quite a bit of tension though, doing the film. I had a commitment to meet - towards the work I was doing, towards the producer, towards the people who would be seeing my film.
What else is special about 'Bhagawan'?
A major highlight of the movie is that it's a real time thing. The movie has a duration of just over two hours and it narrates happenings that take place in just about that span of time on a particular day. 'Bhagawan' is a full-fledged commercial movie, with Mohanlal there in as many as 52 scenes. This would be a different thing in mainstream Malayalam Cinema.
We used the latest techniques. Seven cameras worked in tandem to can the film. The camera unit, headed by Loganathan, comprised of six other associate cameramen, all of whom work as independent cinematographers in Tamil. This is a film of our times. And it will be a trendsetter too.
What about the supporting characters? Are they equally important?
Yes, each and every one of them. As you know the story is about how Dr. Balagopal, played by Lal sir, saves a hospital and the people there from terrorists who plan to take over the hospital. The story and the screenplay are conceived in such a manner that even a nurse has enough importance.
What are your expectations about the film's box office outcome?
As I said earlier, the producer is safe on all counts, simply because the film was shot in so short a period of time. The viewers will be satisfied. As for die-hard fans of Mohanlal, the film has everything that they look for, and hence there's no reason why it shouldn't fare well at the box office. The novelty of the subject and the fact that it's the result of a one-day shoot will attract people too. The real-time experience too will be an added attraction. We are optimistic.
What are your future plans?
I am planning another film with a major star. Details are being worked out.
Would that also be a one-day movie?
I can't yet say whether it will be a one-day affair or not. But I can say that it will also be made in as short a time as possible. I believe in wrapping up production in the shortest time possible. I can't think in any other manner. I think that even in my future projects I will follow this method and won't go for more than five or six days at the most. Click the Movie button below for more info:
Bhagavan
Mohanlal Pictures
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