One Not Five Minuttess, the upcoming psychological thriller starring actor Hansika Motwani, is an experimental film, says debutant filmmaker Raju Dussa in conversation with Silverscreen India.
Raju, who has handled the film’s story, screenplay, and direction, reveals that it is a one-shot film which features only one character, played by Motwani. “It is a screenplay-based subject and a psychological thriller that happens at night. I wanted to take an artist like Hansika, who has done glamourous roles, and present her differently. She also has an innocent face that will work in favour of the film,” he adds.
The first look poster of film was released by filmmaker Bobby on the occasion of the actor’s birthday on Monday.
One Not Five Minuttess is set in a villa where a girl gets locked in and is about how she gets out, the filmmaker says. “There are a lot of questions in the storyline. How did she get locked inside? Does she only think she’s locked in? Is it happening for real or not?”
“The title refers to both the real and reel time. The story takes place in 105 minutes, which is also the film’s runtime as it is a one-shot film,” he adds. Raju also notes that One Not Five Minuttess has no intermission.
The director says the film does not have extensive dialogues. “There are some dialogues in Hindi and English, but they only span 15-20 minutes altogether and take a backseat compared to the other elements. The film will appeal to all audiences beyond language.”
The film is backed by first-time producer Bommak Shiva under Rudransh Celluloid banner.
“I had written the script in 2011, but not many came forward to be part of the project. I wanted to engage the audience with just one character, amid films that boast multiple characters. Being a debut producer, Bommak Shiva gave me the freedom I needed to make this film,” says Raju.
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The film was shot over five days in July by cinematographer Kishore Boyidapu. In order to shoot the film in a single take, the team had to put in a lot of work. “We practiced for three months at the location with the cameras. After that, Hansika practiced for 15 days before we went for the shoot,” Raju reveals.
The film is currently in the post-production stage which, according to Raju, will take about two months since there is significant VFX and sound effect work involved.
As for the release, the filmmaker says, “We are planning to release in October or November, in theatres across India first and later, on OTT.”