(Not sure how Ghosh will do this one but if done the right way it could be a very big one at the box office)

“Agar situation ke liye chahiye to badiya hai warna aise hi daal doonga. Par songs rakhoonga zaroor” – Sujoy Ghosh
By Joginder Tuteja, February 16, 2007 - 11:07 IST

Sujoy Ghosh is sounding quite composed. After his status elevated to heights with his debut effort Jhankaar Beats, he was pushed down with Home Delivery. But after more than a year, he is cool as a cucumber as he busies himself with the pre production of his dream project Aladin and the Mystery of the Lamp.

Taking time out of his hectic schedule before he gets heads on into the shoot of the film, he chats up with Joginder Tuteja to talk about his ‘most complicated’ subject till date!

At the onset it sounded simple to me also but when you start dividing the film into modules, then break each of them into scenes and try arriving at various shots, it become complicated.
Most complicated subject did you say? And one thought it was a simple children’s film!
[Laughs] Far from that! At the onset it sounded simple to me also but when you start dividing the film into modules, then break each of them into scenes and try arriving at various shots, it became complicated. Now why is it so hard here? Because there are all the elements of special effects involved that makes it one tough exercise. Also, with the film’s shoot required to be done in indoors, outdoors, inside Mumbai, outside Mumbai and even abroad, it leads to detailed planning.

But where is the film set? Is it a fantasy world or 2007?
It is 2007 only but in a land which is a bit different from where we live. There is this certain fantasy background and accordingly we require colors, costumes, sets etc. that suit the subject.

If someone gives a suggestion and it helps in the betterment of my film, why would I shy away from accepting them?
In such a scenario with Rohan Sippy as producer who has also directed films, does it become easier or difficult?
It is definitely easier because the best part is that he doesn’t interfere. He gives suggestions and why just him, all the people in the crew give suggestions. Now if someone gives a suggestion and it helps in the betterment of my film, why would I shy away from accepting them? We brainstorm and arrive at a decision which is best for the film. I don’t remember a single instance where I have suggested something and Rohan has refused to listen to me or vice versa! We all meet, talk and give the film best inputs.

How about Mr. Bachchan himself? Is he as involved?
Oh, yes, so very much. Actually he has been a major influence to this film. When I presented him the first draft of my script, he had some suggestions and asked me to consider them. Now when I look at my current version of the script, I see it as much improved with Big B contributing to the way it is today.

How about the looks department? Is it finalized, especially for Big B who plays a genie in the film?
Not yet. It is an ongoing process and we are still working on the entire setup. See, that’s the reason I said it’s a complex film. Reason? So many things are derivative of one another with the looks of the characters being one of them.

How about the music itself? One expects a lot since you pair up with Vishal Shekhar yet again after Jhankaar Beats and Home Delivery.
Work on music is happening. Ek gaana to ho gaya, two more to go!

And which is this song?
It’s a fun song where everyone is teasing Ritiesh about something. Is it a situational song? I don’t know. I am just trying to move away from the entire taking-the-story-forward song situations in Aladin!

And what does that mean?
I mean if you look at my first two films, they were all made of situational songs. Now here I am still trying to ascertain if my four songs in Aladin would be taking the story forward or they would be just there for entertainment value. I don’t know actually. The thing is, I just need an excuse to have songs in my films since it is practically impossible for me not to have them. Agar situation ke liye chahiye to badiya hai warna aise hi daal doonga. Par songs rakhoonga zaroor [laughs].

All in all, it seems you are all charged up about Aladin.
Yes, I am! Big B, Sanjay Dutt, Ritiesh – it has been a good combination and age group of actors to have in a film. The search is still on for a leading lady. Meanwhile I am also approaching Juhi (Chawla) to play an important role in the film.

Talking about your last project Home Delivery, are you finally out of its failure?
Ha ha, yes I am. Actually it didn’t take me much time to get me out of its box office performance.

Jab logon ne picture hi nahi dekhi toh reactions kya denge!
But do you still get any reactions, positive or negative, about how the film was?
[Thinks a little] Hmm, well I would say on and off. Jab logon ne picture hi nahi dekhi toh reactions kya denge! (laughs) But yes, there is someone or other who comes and tells me a little about it in one or say two weeks.

I feel that there are much bigger things to worry about in life than to ponder over something that is over and done with.
Is there still some kind of disappointment with the way film was perceived?
[Laughs] Arrey kahan! Ye sab choti baatein hai in the bigger scheme of things. When I look at my kids, I feel that there are much bigger things to worry about in life than to ponder over something that is over and done with. After all it was a film but the world has not come to an end. I have moved on to my next film and this is what should keep me occupied now.

So when do we get to watch Aladin?
I plan to shoot the film in May for around 1-2 months post which there would be enormous effort going in the film’s post production. Somewhere in the beginning of 2008 we should have Aladin ready to be screened