With the release of Ungli last Friday, writer and director Rensil D’Silva sets out to clear up a few misconceptions in this interview with Bollywood Hungama’s Soumya Anantharaman…
WHY the name Ungli? Ungli is about the tone of the film. It’s about fun and it’s a rebellious film. Until now, it was candle marches, protest and agitation. Now, I think Ungli is the new form of rebel where you turn the tables in the system.
How did the idea of the film originate?
Replying and finding a solution for corruption was always a subject that was close to me. I had earlier written Rang De Basanti and now, 10 years later, I felt the need to do another film because the role of the media has become more important. In this era of social networking with Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, the gang of friends (in Ungli) use media and the social network to get their ideas to the people so that they can become a part of the movement. So, I wanted to make a modern film about friends and their take on corruption.
I have always wanted to live in a time when the power goes back to people. Twenty years ago, the government ruled and had their power imposed even on radio stations and television. But now, with the social media platforms, they have to listen to people. I wanted to make a film on that, but at the same time I did not want make an angry film. Films on corruption are either angry or violent. There is no violence or anger in Ungli; in fact it is humorous. The system is so ridiculously corrupt that you can only ridicule it.
Did you always have a star cast (Emraan, Kangna, Randeep, Neil, Angad, Sanjay) in mind?
I had a few of them in mind; like Emraan (Hashmi), Kangna (Ranaut), Randeep (Hooda), Sanju (Sanjay Dutt) and also Angad (Bedi) because I had met Angad at a party during casting. In the case of Neil (Bhooplam), I had to go through auditions where he was selected to complete the gang. But this is my wish list.
Kangna and Emraan are paired opposite each other after Gangster and Raaz 2, but this is a completely different story. Was it your idea to choose them?
I didn’t think about Gangster since I haven’t seen it, or Raaz 2. I saw Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, in which they were not paired together, but I liked their performances in that film. And I have seen Kangna in films like Life In A Metro and Emraan in films like Murder 2. I always thought of them as individual performers and that’s why got them in the film.
Where was the film shot?
It has been shot in Mumbai. But it has been a difficult task to get permissions in the city. I have shot only in real locations without using a set and that is very tough. Mumbai is very crowded and at times very dirty too, hence it becomes very hard to find a nice, clean frame, but I am happy with the way the film turned out.
Mumbai is a really tough place to shoot and it should become easier with time. Every day was difficult, as I was shooting action sequences, there were crowds of people gathering everywhere. Once, I was shooting on Carter Road (in Bandra, suburban Mumbai) with Emraan and Sanjay and it was nothing short of a nightmare.
As I looked down to shoot and later, looked up to check again, there were two more people in the frame shouting “Baba, baba”. I had no idea where they came from, because, 10 seconds before, they were not there. It’s just bad for the director to encounter such situations. However, there are lots of happy memories with the cast and crew. I think we became a tight bunch and bonded really well. Despite being through such excruciating situations together, we always made fun of it and none of them really lost their cool. There was no shouting or screaming on set, no matter how hard the condition was.
How important is the music in this film?
Very important! The title song Adarniya Ungli is also the background music of the film. And it is the song which is most in touch with the theme of the film. Music has played a big part and I don’t think any film without music has a chance in marketing.
Your favourite song?
I love Pakeezah. It is the love track between Kangna and Emraan and also shows the bonding of the group.
Do you think social message films are more impactful?
What one must pay attention to is the crafting. It should have elements of entertainment, so as not bore people, and subtly slip in the message because Indians don’t want to hear too many messages. They go to the theatre to have a blast! Like you are taking a bitter pill, you must have a sweet coating. – bollywoodhungama.com