5 QUESTIONS
BILLBOARD
BOX OFFICE
MAKING WAVES
MEMORIES
MOVIES CHAT
QUOTE MARTIAL
REVIEWS
ROUGH CUTS
SHORT TAKES
SOUTHERN SPICE
THE LIST
WISH THE STARS
ARCHIVES

'Sanjay is one of the more admirable faces on screen'

Nimbus, a well-known television production house, is now aiming to strike it rich on the big screen. For its first feature film, which is slated to go on the floors soon, Nimbus has signed up Sanjay Dutt.

Akash Khurana, creative director and head of motion picture development, Nimbus, elaborates on the forthcoming project.

Other television companies which branched out into film production, such as UTV and Plus Channel, did not meet with any great success. What makes you feel that Nimbus will succeed where others failed?

We believe that the films produced by other television houses did not have the stature -- in terms of canvas and production values -- required for average, entertaining mainstream cinema. Hence the films did not make a mark.

We, as TV producers, have created products that have redefined entertainment standards on television. We firmly believe that we'll be able to do the same in mainstream Indian cinema.

Why did you select Sanjay Dutt in the lead for your first ever film as producer?

For the last 15 years, Sanjay is one of those few actors to have enjoyed box office success. He is one of the more saleable, popular and admirable faces on Indian screen. Besides, he, as a personality, is a rare blend of vulnerability and vigour. He is a director’s delight and is currently on a high with three hits, Vaastav, Haseena Maan Jaayegi and Daag - The Fire in 1999.

Who are the others associated with the film?

Currently, Sanjay Dutt has been finalised as the main lead. Robin Bhatt and I will be writing the film. As for the rest of the cast and crew, the finalisation process is going on.

When does the film go on the floors?

In the first part of this year.

Could you tell us something about the film's storyline?

Actually, two stories have been shortlisted so far. Both are contemporary in nature, keeping in mind the tastes of the aware, conscious and 'ready to lap up engaging sensible entertainment' viewer in mind. One story is an intimate romantic tale and the other, an edge-of-the-seat adventurous thriller. The choice of the subject will depend on the logistical variables.

Akash Khurana spoke to Sukanya Verma