Abhishek Bachchan starrer Drona is just a few days away from release, and writer-director Goldie Behl is willing to let on just a little bit about the making, without taking away from the mystery he claims his film holds.
You have said Drona belongs to the Harry Potter/Indiana Jones category. What is it about those films that you find in yours?
The hyper-real environment in these films is what you would find similar in my film. The locations in my film are real, though the events are fictional. Compared to superhero films like Spiderman and Superman, Drona is much more intense and serious. I guess it’s like drama versus candyfloss. There is a strong sense of family legacy and bloodlines, which Indians take very seriously.
You have shot down comparisons with Krrish and Love Story 2050. What is “different” about Drona?
My film is not set in the past or future, so in that sense it is different. Drona is completely rooted in Indian myths and legends. It’s a fictional take on it. It’s in a hyper-real world. So it’s exciting, kind of like a graphic novel.
Drona has been troubled by many controversies, including with the Animal Welfare Board and, recently, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. Do you think these issues are over-hyped?
It has been really a journey in that sense with such challenges put in front of us. Incidents like these show you how strong-willed you are. I really can’t comment on whether the media over-hyped it, because I am not part of any welfare board or political party. That said, my team and I have apologised for any unfortunate events or feelings hurt.
You have said you want to work with Abhishek in all your projects. Do other actors not interest you?
No, of course they do. I would like to work with everyone. My proximity to Abhishek and relationship with him allow me to discuss ideas with him more easily. Also, I like his style of acting.
You have planned a sequel to Drona. What will you apply to that project that you have learnt from this one?
With the scale of films going up drastically, I have learnt that no matter how much pre-production you put in, it’s never enough. One must prepare as much as one can before starting shooting.
Which is your favourite scene in Drona?
It’s the one in which Jaya aunty [Bachchan] and Abhishek meet. For about two minutes they don’t speak at all, but there is so much said in the unsaid.
What is it about the film that you haven’t had a chance to say yet?
There are so many things, but there is a lot of mystery to the film which you should watch for yourself. One of the unique things about Drona is that it’s a highly emotional movie despite being shot on such a large scale. I have maintained an innocence, and it has a soul.
