Once a Hyderabadi, always a Hyderabadi

HYDERABAD: After making a host of unconventional films, film-maker Nagesh Kukunoor, who had once claimed never to make a love story,  is back with his film Mod, which is incidentally a love story. “Never say never in this field,” exclaims Kukunoor, elaborating, “I had always thought that I will not be able to add anything new to the concept of a love story. But, when I watched this Taiwanese film, I thought it would make a great love story reset in India. This is when I decided to make this film.” Starring Ayesha Takia and Ranvijay Singh, Mod is the story of how two simple people fall in love, carrying an old-school charm with it throughout their journey of love. Ask him about the choice of actors and Kukunoor was all praises for the two, “Ayesha is a great actress. So, when I got to know that she is coming back to films, I told her that I had a great role waiting for her. And, with respect to the male protagonist, I wanted a fresh face, who could not only act, but also match Ayesha. When Ranvijay gave the auditions, he was good! I was sure about him soon after I saw his acting.” Kukunoor further adds, “Ranvijay is going to be the surprise package of the film.” Having been an actor himself, Kukunoor believes that studying acting makes one a better director. Ask him if he prefers acting or directing and pat comes his reply, “For me, it is all about the movie I make. So, I am always a director first. But, yes, studying acting helps one become a better director. I studied acting for three years and I think that helped me become a better director.” Having spent his formative years in the city, ask this Hyderabadi film-maker about his attachment towards this place and he begins to quote from his debut film ‘Hyderabad Blues’, “Once a Hyderabadi, always a Hyderabadi.” He further elaborates, “Even though Hyderabad has change a lot, I still love this place. I believe that when one has spent his’her formative years in a city, it becomes a part of them, unless their formative years have been miserable. Mine have been very happy”On a concluding note, talking about his film, Kukunoor adds, “The biggest difference between Mod and any other love story will be the construction of it — Mod is an old-fashioned love story, which is simple-boy-meets-girl and falls in love, with an old-school charm and set in a small town.” The film is set to hit the screens in October.