We shot the film in about 45 days. The challenge lay in using puppetry as we had not done it before. The art director suggested Dadi Padamjee (for the puppetry bit) as he had studied under Dadi at National School of Drama. Dadi was brilliant and he used a variety of puppets -- string, glove, rod and life-size ones. Puppetry is indeed a beautiful art form and it is sad that it is dying out.

Does the film hold a ray of hope to ragpickers and children of ragpickers?

Just like Ramu, the protagonist in the film has a dream, there are many children in society who may have such dreams. We have started sponsoring the education of such children and hope to establish a Trust soon to look after the education bit.

This film has a message. Do you think that a message is necessary along with entertainment?

There are different genres of cinema. Bommalata... is one such genre. More films like this will have impact. There are certain commercial films like Indian and Anniyan with underlying messages.

Any future projects?

My next film will be on a theme which interests me and may perhaps involve an art form with a message. Also read: Milana will please Puneet fans

Back

|

More