In conversation with director Venkat Prabhu

Venkat Prabhu who made a debut into films with 'Chennai 600028,' is back with his second film, 'Saroja.' His maiden film , an ode to gully cricket was a box office hit. 'Saroja,' is scheduled for a release on Sept. 5. Venkat Prabhu talks to Mythily Ramachandran on the making of the film.

What is 'Saroja,' about?

It is a story happening on an ordinary day, revolving around four ordinary men and an extraordinary situation. It is a thriller with moments of comedy and fun told in a straight and simple manner.

Tell us about the cast.

There is no hero or heroine in this film. SPB Charan, my brother, Premji Amaran, Radio Mirchi Siva and Vaibhav, Telegu actor Kothandarami Reddy's son, play the four men. Others are Jayaram, Prakash Raj and Sampath. The title role, 'Saroja,' is played by a new comer, Vega, who grew up in Australia.

How did you find Vega?

I had offered her role to Shruti Hasan and Varalakshmi, Sharath Kumar's daughter, but they declined it. At the auditions in Mumbai, I was impressed with Vega, who looked like a south Indian and has dabbled in theatre.

Is there anything new that you have tried in the film?

This film is technically very sound, unlike my maiden film, 'Chennai 600028.' Inspired by the English film, 'Babel,' there are two plots in the film, one happening at Chennai and the second at Hyderabad running parallel. At some point the two plots merge. Otherwise it is a simple film, one that people from Salem, Madurai and Thirunelveli can enjoy.

Where was the film shot?

It was shot in Hyderabad, Nellore, Chennai and on its outskirts. We completed the film in 75 days with around 55 shots in the night. A song sequence was shot at 'St. James Power Station,' Singapore's largest night-life destination.

How was it working with veterans like Jayaram and Prakash Raj?

It was an awesome experience. Jayaram is easy and fun to work with, devoid of any starry airs. In the film, he plays a serious cop, although I am aware of his skill for comedy. Prakash Raj was working on a couple of films simultaneously and would be with us for the night shoots. Once he arrived on the sets, he got into the zone and has pulled it off very well.

Did you choose SPB Charan, being a close buddy?

While writing the script itself, I had Charan in mind. He is the only married guy among the group of four in the film. And in real life, too among our gang, he was the first to get married. I felt he could relate easily with the character.

Any difficult scenes while making the film?

It was a tough affair shooting the traffic jam scene on a highway on Poonamalee Road. The entire crew was there to assist me. We got our own cars and buses. Looking at the scene now, set to Yuvan's background score, it reminds one of the film, 'Die Hard.'

Another scene was shot with a camera placed near the tyres of a jeep. It was an old jeep and when the stunt master started it at first gear, it went reverse and over the camera. That was quite scary, because the camera man was lying under the jeep.

What's next?

I have teamed up with Sondarya Rajinikant's Ocher Studios and Warner Brothers for my next film, 'Goa,' a light-hearted Hollywood-type comedy.

Will we see you acting in your films?

I haven't really thought about that. I prefer being behind the camera. I can make an actor out of a new comer.

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Saroja