RADIO SARGAM INTERVIEW: SOHAM (KAAL)

*Kaal marks your debut as a director. Have you always wanted to work in the film industry?
Yes after graduating in commercial arts,i knew I wanted to do something in the creative side of the film industry,so I started of being a publicity designer for movies.

*What sort of films and filmmakers do you admire yourself?

I like all kinds of movies,but I do have film makers whom I respect,the 1st being Karan johar then ram gopal varma and then sanjay Leela Bhansali.I love their films

*What experience did you have prior to Kaal?

After I designed advertising campaigns for 15 films I was fortunate to work with karan Johar on Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham as an assistant director and then I worked with Ram Gopal Varma on Bhoot

*How did Kaal begin? How did you convince Karan Johar and Shah Rukh to produce it?

While I was an assistant on Bhoot,I was already writing the script of kaal.i was in touch with Karan after K3G,and it was very important for me to know what Karan felt about my script.So i gave him a copy to get a feed back knowing very well that he might not like it.He surprised me by telling me that he would produce it

*Were Karan and Shah Rukh good producers? Any interference on their part?

They are the best producers one can work for.I couldnt have asked for more than what they have given me in my first film and understand the importance of getting a break in such a production there was never any interfernce from their side and whatever inputs they have given me has only helped me and taught me to make a better film.I really thank them for their trust in me

*Neither of your producers - Karan Johar or Shah Rukh Khan - have been associated with thrillers. Do you think Kaal is a risk for them?

I think before the release every film is a risk.At the same time if Kaal would be a risk they wouldnt have produced it,but yes end of the day producers have to benefit and make money out of it,I am keeping my fingers crossed

*Tell us a little about the cast of the film. How did you choose the cast and were they all your first choices?

While writing the script and screenplay,the characters were very clear in my mind.All the artists were our first choice and they suit the characters perfectly.I am really fortunate to have a cast like Ajay ,Vivek ,John, lara and esha.Vivek and myself have been friends for a long time and we have always wanted to work together.Since its Dharma Productions I got this scale of a huge star cast thanks to Karan

*The film doesn't feature any songs, but you have filmed some music videos. Can you tell us a little about them?

There was no scope for any songs in the film as it would break the tempo and grip of the film,But having Shah Rukh and Malaika doing an item song for the titles was a great idea as it would help in the promotion and i thank SRK for being a part of my first film

*What types of films would you like to make in the future?

Well as of now I know my next film be a thriller again but something absolutely different then kaal

*What else are you planning in the near future? For example, will you help Karan with his next directorial film?

Once i am done with Kaal,I will be writing my next script and will surely help karan on his project if required

WRITTEN BY ROBEEL HAQ