New Delhi, Mar. 27 (ANI): Filmmaker Shonali Bose is all set for the release of her upcoming film 'Margarita With A Straw' starring Kalki Koechlin.
The film, which would be released on April 17, is inspired from the filmmaker's younger cousin Malini, who has cerebral palsy.
Talking about the idea behind the film, Shonali says, "On Malini's 40th birthday, I asked her what she wanted. Her response was simple. She said she wanted to have 'sex'."
Shonali elaborates that before this conversation she never thought about such needs of her cousin.
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"When I chose to make the film, I decided to not look at them as someone on the wheelchair, but as a teenager who shares similar emotions and feelings as we do," she says.
Kalki, who plays the lead in this movie, spent three months prior to the shoot preparing for her role.
The filmmaker while sharing her personal experience of working with Kalki says that the actress is thorough professional.
"She is committed to her work. It is very important for a director to have a trustworthy relationship with her actors and Kalki did her best," she adds.
The film also stars Revathy, Hollywood actor William Moseley and new face Sayani Gupta in important roles.
Regarding her passion for films, Shonali says, "I never miss Aamir, Shah Rukh or Ranbir's films. Films like Sholay, Kuch Kuch Hota hai, Dil to Pagal Hai, Khosla Ka Ghosla and Bunty Aur Babli are my all time favourites."
For the filmmaker, there is no distinction between art-house and mainstream films. She feels that distinction is between good and bad films and not about mainstream and art films.
"Today's audience is smart. They will immediately reject anything that is dumb. A good star cast may call for a grand opening, but the film will eventually fail," she adds.
Shonali also clarifies that the people are looking for intelligent films these days, even if that comes or doesn't come with commercial actors.
The filmmaker's mantra to the aspiring filmmakers is to believe in oneself.
"Whether it is Hollywood or Bollywood, film studios will try to 'dumb you down'. But you must stick to your own style that is intelligent and entertaining. One must never compromise on their standards," she adds.
When the filmmaker is not busy in making films, she prefers to spend some time doing yoga and meditation.
"I am a yogi and love to meditate. I feel spending time with self is also important," she says.
It is interesting to note that 'Margarita With A Straw' is the only Indian film that has won the Asian Film Award till date.
The film has also been showcased at the 19th Busan International Film Festival, the 39th Toronto International Film Festival, 2014, Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (TBNFF) in Estonia and the Cannes Film Festival amongst others.
