'I don't feel any pressure for Tanu Weds Manu Returns'

'Kangana has done a fabulous job and I am really impressed with the way she has evolved as an actress.'

Director Aanand L Rai talks about his much anticipated film Tanu Weds Manu Returns.

Director Aanand L Rai’s workplace in a western suburb of Mumbai bears testimony to his success.

Posters of his hit films Tanu Weds Manu and Raanjhanaa adorn the walls even as his flop debut film Strangers is missing.

Surprisingly, there’s a poster of Dhanush from Shamitabh.

"This is the first shot that Dhanush gave in Shamitabh. He sent me this photograph and told me to frame it and place it in my room," Rai explains.

Rai’s next film is the highly anticipated Tanu Weds Manu Returns, the sequel to his 2011 sleeper hit.

Rai talks to Sonil Dedhia/ Rediff.com about the latest film, and his desire to work with Shah Rukh Khan.

No one was ready to finance Tanu Weds Manu. On the other hand, Tanu Weds Manu Returns is a highly anticipated sequel. How would you describe your journey with this franchise?

This is how you experience life. It’s exciting to have such an interesting journey.

Tanu Weds Manu gave me success and a platform. All the producers who had said no to me started calling. 

At that point of time, I had a story for the sequel, but didn’t want to make it just so that I could capitalise on the success.

I was looking for personal and creative growth and that’s why I decided to direct Raanjhanaa.

Why not cash in on the success?

I look for achievement rather than for success.

Raanjhanaa was an achievement and it gave me the strength to make different kinds of films.

Nobody stopped me from making a sequel to Tanu Weds Manu. And nobody can ask me why I am making Raanjhanaa.

As a director, I wanted to challenge myself. I had an urge to tell a love story.

Are you feeling the pressure of delivering a big hit with Tanu Weds Manu Returns?

I don't feel any pressure but I am anxious and excited.

I approached this film as an extension of a story. I did not burden myself with the thought that the sequel had to be better than the first part.

I can assure you that it is a family entertainer, which will be loved by everyone.

It is quirky and unconventional but at the same time, it is an emotional story.

But the comparisons are already happening...

I can’t stop that. Comparisons are bound to happen.

I just want my share of love from my audience. I have been honest and loyal to them and I have found a relationship with them.

The 135th scene of Tanu Weds Manu is the first scene of Tanu Weds Manu Returns.

It’s a very organic sequel where everybody is true to their character from the original -- the same people living the same lives, except that it is five years since the wedding.

Whose decision was it to have Kangana Ranaut’s character in a double role?

It was the requirement of the story. When you see the film, you will realise that Kangana is not playing a double role; it’s more like she is playing two different and unique characters.

She has done a fabulous job and I am really impressed with the way she has evolved as an actress. Her dedication and her growth as an actress is spectacular. She is always quick. She is quick with her (costume) changes and make-up etc, and it helps others to work on time.

I had a great time working with the entire cast.

You have always been a risk-taker. In 2011 you cast Madhavan as the solo romantic hero along with Kangana Ranaut who wasn’t an established actor. In Raanjhanaa, Dhanush made his debut and Sonam Kapoor was cast in an unglamorous role.

That’s true but I realised that if I compromised on the cast, it wouldn't be fair to the script.

It’s purely honest casting and I don’t do it for the sake of taking a risk. If I see my character in someone, I will cast that person.

This industry never understood Dhanush, but my audience did and my loyalties are with them.

You show a fascination for small towns. Both Tanu Weds Manu and Raanjhanaa are based in small towns in north India. 

All my stories demand a certain innocence, which can be in Mumbai or Delhi, but somehow the flavour doesn’t gel.

All my stories have a nostalgic touch. I don’t go to Lucknow, Kanpur or Benaras for the walls and structure; I go there to tap its heartbeat.

There are reports that you are making a film with Shah Rukh Khan.

As of now, I am just concentrating on this film.

I deal with romance in my films so I do wish to make a romantic film with Shah Rukh Khan.

If I have anything exciting and feel he will like it, I will surely approach him