Sarkar and Guru together again

A 64-year-old man falls for a 34-year-old woman. Will it be a tale of love, infatuation or pure obsession?

"If you're looking for controversy, you'll be thoroughly disappointed," begins adman-turned-filmmaker R Balakrishnan, as we discuss his autumn-meets-summer venture, Cheeni Kum.

With an exceptional repertoire in the advertising world, Balki (as he is referred as in the creative circles) is now awaiting the release of his maiden film project.

Read on as the director talks about Cheeni Kum, his association with Big B and his next project with... whom else, but the Bachchans!

R Balakrishnan

Did Abhishek come as a package deal?
Never. He was there on my mind all through the scripting.

Is there any scope for a heroine in this film?
There is, but I haven't thought of anyone strictly.

Could it be the Bachchan bahu — Aishwarya Rai?
(Laughs) I am not following the flavour of the season. I will follow the script and decide accordingly. It could be anyone.

Coming to Cheeni Kum, was it difficult to convince Mr Bachchan for this role?
No. He is someone who has tremendous experience and is always ready to experiment.

How did the rest of the cast get onboard?
I had decided the project with Mr Bachchan and Tabu in mind. And the same holds true for Zohra Sehgal, Paresh Rawal and members of
the cast. I would say I was lucky to have the cast of my choice.

Apparently, you had problems with Mr Bachchan during the film.
I wish that was true. I am a first-time filmmaker. I am no one to disagree with Mr Bachchan. Moreover, he is a thorough gentleman.

So there were no tensions during the making?
Look, the incident was that of some painting that wasn't put in a proper way, and I was shouting to have it kept in the correct manner. Look what it turned out to be in print!

Apart from an exciting star

cast, there is nothing exciting about the making. It was a normal, robotic exercise (laughs). In fact, I was waiting for some excitement but nothing of that sort happened!

Nishabd also dealt with a similar subject and drew stark reactions. Are you apprehensive?
(Laughs) My film is in no way similar to Nishabd. It is an out and out comedy. There is nothing dark or controversial about it. It's a light and breezy movie.