Debutant director Dr K Srikanth Iyengar is getting ready with his first Telugu flick, 'April Fool', starring Jagapathi Babu, Bhumika Chawla and Gulshan Grover. A socio-fantasy film in absurd comedy, Iyengar says the film will not only keep audiences on the edge of their seats but also make them think.
"It was a conscious attempt to project the film in a one-of-its-kind way. We have been working on it since December 2011 and it's been quite a ride. As far as the script is concerned, my conviction is that it is all important. I was fortunate to have producers like Seema Azharuddin (Kartaal Productions) and GL Srinivas (Sudha Entertainments) because our work styles were in perfect synchrony," says Iyengar, better known as Dr KSI, who earlier directed few plays.
"I have greater conviction when I direct my own scripts. When I directed plays like 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf', this conviction grew into a greater vision, and I realized that I was also capable of directing others' scripts," says Iyengar.
",'April Fool' is an apt title, as it connects well to the story," says Seema. When asked how is the market for Telugu cinema being a producer, she says, "Market for making films in a regional industry can only be good, as this great medium caters to all in entertainment. As long as films are made with the mass in mind, be it a family theme, or a 'masala' venture or even art, it has to be made keeping in mind to entertain the audience".
The film, which started shooting in July, will be shot at a stretch for the next 45 days in Hyderabad. "I don't have expectations, just hopes. We have made a light-hearted film from our heart. I hope it touches viewers' hearts. But please don't watch the film from an intellectual perspective," she adds.
Having Seema and Srinivas on board was an added advantage, says Dr KSI. "I couldn't have asked for a better platform. Tigress that she is, Seema's homework before starting off any project is meticulous and aggressive. A tiger in Srinivas was the impetus. The three of us had decided to make 'April Fool' after great thought and exercise on various aspects."
Ask Seema about her expectations from the film, and she says, "I wish I had the perfect formula, but coming from a theatre background, I can only say that creativity is key to a successful box-office hit. Audiences all over the world, irrespective of seeing their favourite stars or genres, always appreciate the creative style the individual director will take on to showcase something new or the old very differently."
Was entering Telugu cinema always on Iyengar's to-do list? "I am a Telugu guy for more than one reason. I am a Tamilian by birth, but I have grown up with great affection here. Thus, I am in utter fascination of making films in Telugu. Language in cinema is but only a tool, so there are no limitations to explore broader opportunities," he says.
Any creative push or pull to ensure box-office success?
"Absolutely nothing as such," says Srinivas, adding, "No film is viable without clever casting and the invaluable hands of an experienced crew. Add to this a good script. The timing of events to grab the public eye and presenting ourselves in greater focus and charm is another area of work to achieve BO success. A good movie will find its audience anyway".
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