We kept our expectations low: Chaitanya Tamhane on Court

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Nikki

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Posted: 10 years ago

We kept our expectations low: Chaitanya Tamhane on Court

Dibyojyoti Baksi, Hindustan Times|
Updated: Sep 24, 2015 19:08 IST

Chaitanya Tamhane is currently in Fukuoka, Japan, attending a film festival. Back in India, the 28-year-old's directorial debut, Court, is making headlines. The Marathi film has been selected as India's official entry to the Oscars (2016) in the Best Foreign Language Film category. Chaitanya, no doubt, is overwhelmed. Speaking to us over the phone from Japan, the first-time director tells us more.

How hopeful were you about your film being selected?

We had kept our expectations low, because things (previous selections) have been very unpredictable in the past. Of course, we applied. I was definitely surprised. We are very happy about it.

The Oscars are a different ball game altogether. There's a lot of preparation and lobbying that goes into getting the jury to watch your film. How are you planning to get Court noticed there?

We have just got the news. We have to take some time to process it, and strategically make a plan. We have distributors in the US, who have had some of their films nominated in the final five, and some of them have even won the award. So, we will be relying a lot on their expertise. Of course, we will also take the help of other Indian producers, who have been through this journey.

Your film did not release in many parts of India. Do you plan to re-release it now?

Yes. If there is a demand from exhibitors from other parts of the country, I am sure Vivek Gomber, as a producer, will respond to it positively.

This selection will lead to a lot of pressure and expectations. Have you thought about that?

I tend not to take too much stress. Of course, I am very grateful for what has happened with Court, and I feel very privileged, but I will try my best to maintain a balance in my mind with the next one. I will work on it with the same energy and zeal as I had the first time.

Marketing the film internationally will be an expensive affair. How do you plan to go about that?

That's a question you should ask Vivek, because that would be his responsibility. But I am sure he will figure something out. It's a responsibility that the Film Federation Of India (FII) has given us, and we will make sure we do our best.

Your film has won a number of international awards, including a few at the Venice Film Festival. Do you think these honours made it an easy choice for the FII?

I don't know what the jury went by, or what their consideration or criterion for the selection was. That's something you need to ask them.

What are you working on next?

I have something, but it will take me another two months to even talk about it. Right now, it's just an idea that I am developing.

- See more at: http://m.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/we-kept-our-expectations-low-chaitanya-tamhane-on-court/story-7j437QChHpntZR7vpo3OUK.html#sthash.rAQeCfxK.dpuf

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Dhaa-Ki-Tiki

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Posted: 10 years ago

I don't get this...Film federation sending India's official entry to the Oscars...then why should the producer spend? Why not the Government?

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Nikki

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Posted: 10 years ago

Originally posted by: KochurShaakBata
I don't get this...Film federation sending India's official entry to the Oscars...then why should the producer spend? Why not the Government?

Article in Mumbai Mirror:

I CANNOT LET MY UNIT OF 100 DOWN'

By Sanyukta Iyer, Mumbai Mirror | Sep 24, 2015, 02.00 AM IST

A still from Court; (inset) Vivek Gomber

Says Vivek Gomber, the producer of Court, India's official entry to the Oscars.

Actor-producer Vivek Gomber and debutante director Chaitanya Tamhane decided to go sightseeing after their film, Court, screened at the Asia Fukuoka Film Festival, in Japan, on Wednesday, when their phone began to ring and congratulatory messages started pouring in. Their debut production was India's official selection to the 88th Academy Awards, 2016 in the Best Foreign Language Film Category.

Their Japanese translator, jumped in, borrowing chargers from a local restaurant, to help them answer all their calls. "This is as unexpected as our selection to the National Awards. I have no idea what kind of paperwork is required. It will now be two months of research, prep and planning. We've put our all into this film, monetarily, creatively, emotionally. It was this time last year, that the film had premiered at the Venice International Film Festival. The journey continues," Vivek told Mirror from Fukuoka.

Equally surprised by the news, Chaitanya added, "At every juncture of its journey, the film has given us more than we could ever imagine. Since, we started, we have kept our expectations low and we are truly thankful to the jury."

Court was adjudged Best Feature Film at the 62nd National Film Awards and went on to win 18 other awards at festivals in Mumbai, Vienna, Antalya, and Singapore.

Chaitanya met Vivek in 2011 with the script of the courtroom drama. The 36-year-old-actor decided to come on board as first-time producer-presenter, also playing Vinay Vora, a lawyer in the film.

The Marathi-Hindi drama follows the life of a radical poet who is accused of waging war against the state. Vivek whose English has a hint of an American accent owing to his schooling in Singapore and college in Boston where he studied acting, laughs, "Maybe now someone will give me an acting job. I put all my savings on the line for this one, but the true goal is to be an actor."

Recalling Aamir Khan's Lagaan nominated in the same category for the Academy Awards in 2002, he adds, "I may not have the same power and networking Mr Khan had, but I will raise the money for campaigning. I have a unit of over 100 talented people depending on me to make it happen. I cannot let them down."

Is he is aware that jury member of the committee, Rahul Rawail, resigned, alleging manipulations? "I haven't been able to get through to my mom, let alone anyone else. I'll back on October 5 and better equipped to comment," Vivek says.

Edited by touch_of_pink - 10 years ago