Silverscreen catches up with director RS Prasanna, who is all set to direct the Hindi remake of his debut film Kalyana Samayal Saadham. The remake will star the Dum Laga Ke Haisha duo of Ayushmann Khuranna and Bhumi Pednekar. Kalyana Samayal Saadham, which starred Prasanna and Lekha Washington, opened to positive reviews from critics and moviegoers in 2013. Now, four years later, Prasanna talks to us about how the remake happened, what he’s learned from producer Aanand L Rai, and much more.
How did Kalyana Samayal Saadham (KSS) happen?
Well, it has been close to four years since it happened. The movie dealt with perceived impotence and because I dealt with a plot line not many had tried to do, I wanted to do it my way. Plus, always had the idea of doing a wedding film about wedding. I managed to club both and hey, KSS happened.
How did you come across Aanand L Rai [the producer for the remake]?
In 2014, we conducted a screening in Mumbai with the help of lead actress Lekha Washington, who is based in Mumbai. Although we were sure of receiving a positive response from the filmmakers who were attending, at that time our team did not have any remake ideas. After the screening, I got talking to Aanand L Rai, who was basking at the glory of Tanu Weds Manu and Raanjhanaa at that time. He invited me to his office the very next day and the meeting ended on a positive note. He told me, “I am producing this concept and you should direct it for me.”
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How different is your experience of Bollywood compared to the Tamil industry?
It is as different as chalk and cheese. The fact that I waited for three years for a remake or a project for me to work on is because I wanted a global platform to showcase KSS.
Do you think Hindi remake of KSS will work as well as the original?
It is a universal topic and the premise changes as I move from Tamil Nadu to Bollywood. The plot remains but, it’s a fresh take on the subject. I would call it a reincarnation and not just a remake of the original movie.
You began shooting two days ago. What is it like working with Ayushmann Khuranna and Bhumi Padnekar?
They are fantastic actors and it is a privilege to work with them. They already have a blockbuster together (Dum Laga Ke Haisha). It will be a beautiful experience to see this hit pair in Shubh Mangal Saavdhan again.
Picture Courtesy: DNA India
Any Tamil projects lined up for the near future?
A director always has project ideas in the back of his head even while working on the current one. I have a story idea both in Tamil and one in Hindi which will again see me working with Aanand L Rai sir. Depends on which one happens first. For now, I am happy and extremely busy with the shoot of Shubh Mangal Saavdhan. One of the many things I have learnt from Aanand ji is, in his words, “One thing at a time.” I have gained that confidence from him and that will keep me going.
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