The filming of Rakht began in October 2003 and is expected to wrap up by February 2004. "I have completed 65 per cent of the film and everything is going on schedule. So far we have shot the film in Mumbai and Ooty," says Manjrekar.

Co-produced by actor Suniel Shetty and industrialist Vijay Mallya, Rakht is being made at an estimated cost of Rs 8 crore (Rs 80 million). Shetty is playing it safe after his disastrous debut as producer in Khel. "After Khel failed at the box-office, I have learned a lesson: April is the best time to release a film in India."

"Khel was a good film, but it failed because it was released during Diwali. The audience didn't turn up because it was a festive time and people were busy meeting their relatives. I burnt my fingers once. I don't want to repeat it," he adds.

Speaking of Shetty's role who he had earlier directed in Ehsaas, Manjrekar says, "Initially, Suniel [Shetty] didn't want to be in the film because he was producing it. But I requested him to play a role as the script needed him."

More Slide Shows | Tell us what you think of this slide show

Also see: It's Revolution time!

Email this page to a friend