Ribhu Dasgupta's directorial debut Michael will have its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival 2011. Produced by Anurag Kashyap and starring Naseeruddin Shah, Michael is a psychological thriller set in Kolkata. Dasgupta tell us more about the film in an interview.
What is Michael about?
Michael is a character driven psychological thriller set in the rainy and noisy backdrop of Kolkata. It is a father-son story. An ex- cop who got wrongly dispelled from his duty caught in a complex web of impending insecurities.
How long was the film in making?
I had written the story about 3 years back. But in fact last year things fell into place and we started preparing for the shoot. I wanted rains, so we planned a schedule during the monsoons in Kolkata. The last shooting day was in end April this year.
Why did you set the story in Kolkata?
The city of Kolkata has a very distinct character to it. You can either love it or hate it. It's noisy and grungy but it attracts you. To be more precise, I shot the entire film in North-Kolkata where you will still find British architecture, tramways, bookstores and to add to it a feeling of decadence. I wanted to capture all that as my protagonist 'Michael' is also decaying everyday. His insecurities gnaw away at his peace of mind and blur his head like a cob web etching out fine threads of illusions.
Why did you zero in on Naseeruddin Shah for the role of Michael? How was the experience working with him?
Naseer sir was always in our head when we were writing the script. It's is a character driven performance oriented film. And you cannot ask for anything more when an iconic actor like him agrees to do your film. No one could or would ever have played Michael better than him. I think it was destined.
It was a great honour working with him. At the same time it is also a big challenge when you are working with an actor of his caliber in your first film. You have to be more prepared. All I can say is that the whole experience was wonderful.
Is the film completely in Hindi?
Yes, it is a hindi feature film.
Tell us about your background. Which projects did you assist Anurag Kashyap on?
I come from Kolkata. As a youngster I regularly visited my grandfather's sets who was a documentary film maker. And later I assisted my father who is also a filmmaker in Kolkata. I shifted to Bombay in 2004/2005. I have worked with Anurag in Gulaal. Then I started doing independent work as a director in television and commercials. Michael is my directorial debut film.
What is the contribution of Anurag Kashyap in the film?
To answer your question in simple words, I can only say that this film would not have happened without AK.
How would you sum up the experience of making your debut film? What were the challenges you faced?
Making any film is a challenge. But I think when it is your first film you have to bend your back a bit more. The whole journey is extremely tiring, emotionally and physically. But at the end it brings a sense of joy and pride somewhere deep down within you.
As reported in the media, is Anurag Kashyap doing a cameo in Michael?
Anurag's not doing any cameo in the film.
Any idea about when the film may release theatrically?
No idea of the release yet. We are going to Toronto now and working day night to finish the film.
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