I want to make a bright young film, says Ghosh

Bengali director Rituparno Ghosh is tired of making dark films and wants to make happy films. He is teaming up with young artiste Akash Neel for his next project titled 'Khela'.

'Enough dark brooding chamber pieces. My 'Raincoat' and 'Antarmahal' went into a dark territory. Even my Bengali film 'Dosar' was a black-and-white brooding drama. Now I want to loosen up, be happy, make a bright young film,' Gosh told IANS.

Ritu was slated to start a marital drama with Bipasha Basu and his favourite leading man Prosenjit. 'But I've abandoned that idea. I've made a film about a child, to be played by Akash Neel, called 'Khela'.'

Manisha Koirala and Prosenjit play the child's parents.

'It's just a seven-day role for Manisha. I enjoyed working with her. She was supposed to be part of 'Antarmahal' in the role played by Roopa Ganguly. But that didn't work out. Manisha is an extremely talented and beautiful actress. It's a pity she doesn't take herself more seriously.'

His old favourites Roopa and Raima Sen also star in 'Khela'.

'Raima plays a costume designer. Yes, the film is partially set in the film industry. Prosenjit plays a filmmaker. I haven't really worked with a child in a central role.'

Did he have problems directing the boy?

'Not at all. I told him if he kicks me, I'll kick him back. If Akash was a brat I'm a bigger brat. It's frothy fun get-happy film. After a long time I feel I did a film that I can call a party.'