Was it a slow transition from advertising to feature films, or, was advertising a stepping stone to films?
We started out with advertising but somewhere down the line we realised that we didn't want to be in the field. We wanted to make feature films. So, we went to the US in 2001 to do a Masters in filmmaking (University of New Orleans and North Western University in Chicago). We were 3000 kms apart. We came back in 2004 with a story.
So, how much did the three year course enrich you as a filmmaker?
The courses over there want you to do everything, right from the concept to the finishing. We wrote, shot, edited and even did the sound design. We also did the set work like painting the sets to costumes. From start to finish, we did everything. So, when we made our film, we could talk technicalities with the technicians. When you work as an assistant director too, you go through the same process but we chose studying in a university.
Did your idea of a film and making a film change after studying in the US for three years?
Oh yes. Before going there, we wanted to make the so called cross over films but after the course, we understood that such films do not have the local flavour; not even the flavour of the country. It is necessary to create a story that represents the people around you.
Also read: A 'Master' director at age nine!
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