Filmmaker Ruhul Amin interview

Recently Mithun Chakraborty's fans from all over the globe have formed a pandemonium over the latest news on the film Hason Raja. As Mithun very lovingly paid tribute to the poet Hason Raja and after reading the script he regarded highly of the project. He also envisaged as one of his best forth-coming film after Swami Vivekananda. Surly his passion for a film like this have generated a significant focal point on this project from all over. Recent stalemate of the film left his fanatic fans very impetuous. Recently I talked to the director Ruhul Amin to find out the latest state of the production of Hason Raja.

Romuz: You have just come back from India and Bangladesh. As far as we knew you were suppose to start shooting from last January. Many fans of Mithun Chakraborty from all over the globe are anxious to know the latest situation of the film Hason Raja. Why it is taking such a long time to get off the ground?

Ruhul: I surely can understand and sympathize entirely with the well-wishers of Mithunda. It is great to learn that so many people are waiting for a film like this. As you know one of the main reasons for delaying was the finance. About a year ago, we decided to start shooting with whatever fund we have gathered and worry about the post-production budget later. Last July 2007 I met dada in Mumbai and had meeting regarding the shooting date. He talked extensively about his complicated schedule situation and finally gave us the date to commence our shoot form middle of January 2008. I happily came back to London and organised many logistics. We need minimum of three months to organise pre-production. I left for India at the beginning of November 2007. I organised production team and offices In Kolkata and Dhaka. While all the arrangements were taking place dada's sectary Mr Vijay informed me to meet dada in Mumbai to talk about the dates. Dada asked me to postpone our shoot. He presented his hectic schedule and explained how difficult it is for him to allocate an extended shooting schedule for us. Normally he can afford 15 to 20 days for a film. Since our film is stylistically different and require longer time to create spectacular visuals, plus it will be short in two countries. Taking all that into consideration he has eventually given us the date to start from November 2008.

Romuz: In the past we heard many times of the shooting date. Can you tell us why you never been able to launch the shoot?

Ruhul: We were always hoping to start but lack of fund and false promises by some of the investors to pay, left us with no option but to halt. But we never asked dada for a date in the past. This is the first time we asked and he also was eager to start. But unfortunately this is one of the busiest time in his career after his come back to Bollywood. He had no options but to postpone our shoot.

Romuz: Are you sure this time the shooting is definitely going to take place?

Ruhul: I am very optimistic and exploring everything possibilities to be ready for the shoot. And I am sure dada will also make sure the filming takes place without any further delay.

Romuz: Many fans of Mithunda from all over the world have been waiting impatiently for Hason Raja and now they are losing hope. What do you have to say to them?

Ruhul: I do entirely understand their emotion. All I can say this project is very different in its conception. People are frightened to finance a big venture like this. For me it is a challenge and I am highly motivated and doing everything possible to make this magnificent film with Mithunda. I would say if they love dada, then surely they are aware of his early struggle. I am facing unimaginable hardship, but my strength is the principle philosophy of dada. To achieve anything in life you have to fight vigorously, nothing can be achieved without a fight. It is an uphill battle for me and I am fighting robustly, and I would say, be patient and be part of this revelation.

Romuz: Mithun da has expressed his enthusiasm on the project several times. Can you talk a bit about it?

Ruhul: Yes, dada often talks about the multi dimensional character of Hason Raja and the strength of the script. You will be happy to know Hason Raja has created a very spatial place in dada's heart. He has done lot of homework for this character and very much looking forward to reincarnate Hason Raja on the screen.

Romuz: Have you done entire casting and finalize all the locations?

Ruhul: Yes I have completed most of the major casting. Some of the minor casting would be carried out during the pre-production time. I also have finalized most of the location. One of the important elements of this film is to depict the stunning beauty of the rural Bengal which was the essential spirit of the poet behind writing those magnificent poems.

Romuz: When do we expect to see the film?

Ruhul: I have to be very cautious not to create any more confusion. As Mithunda has promised to give us time from November 2008 and if everything goes accordingly then you don't have to wait much longer to watch the film.