Reality check on film

MANY KNOW her as the woman director who makes films on women's issues. What very few know is that she's one director every producer would dream to work with. Yes, she is that producer- savvy! She understands the business of film-making.

``I understand economics. The poor producer puts in money. Obviously, he would want to ensure he gets it back,'' says Tanuja Chandra, who rose from the ranks of being Mahesh Bhatt's associate to someone today who has her own identity and is known for a certain brand of films.

``All my films are low-budget. Obviously, because they deal with a niche audience. Some of them were women-based subjects and they appeal only to a limited audience. But since the money involved is only about three and a half crores, it becomes easier for the producer to get it back,'' she says.

``There's a global recession and it is ridiculous to spend 20-25 crores on one movie. Even movies like `Lagaan', `Gadar' and `Dil Chahta Hai' are still recovering costs, in spite of doing well. Today, an Ajay Devgan will not make another `Raju Chacha'. The market is such,'' says Tanuja.

``I only think from a story point of view. It just happens that they have dominant women characters,'' she reveals. `Tamanna', `Dushman' and `Sangharsh' all weren't huge hits. But they sure did make sure Tanuja was noticed.

Her next release, `Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar' hitting theatres from Diwali also has a woman protagonist. The film stars Amisha Patel and Jimmy Shergill. ``Amisha plays a pop-star on the threshold of stardom. Jimmy plays a journalist who writes a half- baked report on her parenthood based on loose facts. When Amisha's foster father slaps a five crore suit on him, he is forced to follow a shattered Amisha who goes in search of her real parents,'' she narrates.

However, the reason Tanuja was in town was her latest project, `Sur' starring Lucky Ali. ``This is my first film with a male protagonist. It explores a teacher-student relationship in a musical background,'' Tanuja reveals.

The music is by M.M. Kreem. ``I think he is the best music director in the country. Somehow, he has never got his due,'' she adds.

And Tanuja is happy working with fresh talent. ``Earlier Govinda was in the project. Then we had to change dates because he was doing a TV show. We couldn't wait for him that long, so I opted for Jimmy,'' explains Tanuja.

``When huge money comes in, it corrupts the project. As we shoot, it starts changing according to the market demands. If the producers say `Yeh Gaana Daalo', it is because our market is such. The bigger the market, the more the masala,'' reasons Tanuja.

Not that Tanuja would try digital film-making to cut costs. ``Today, even music videos have high production values. And in India unless we give them two and half hours or three hours with six songs, the audience does not consider the film belly- full. They feel cheated,'' she says.

``I am completely for the producer. He is the one who has employed me. I'm realistic. I know the situation,'' signs off Tanuja.

By Sudhish Kamath

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Section  : Southern States
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