Veteran filmmaker Govind Nihalani can't contain his excitement while talking about his new animation film. The Ardh Satya director is making a comeback to Bollywood with Kamlu Happy Happy after almost seven years and says that he had always wanted to make an animation film that would set benchmarks in the industry. We spoke to Nihalani on his observation of the changing times in the industry.
Question: What major changes have you noticed in the industry during this span?
Govind Nihalani: Cinema is a constantly evolving medium. The economics and technology of films change with the time. Now you see so many digital films, you don't see celluloid prints. Multiplexes have arrived. The films have become shorter in length. Every 10 years, a new generation of writers, directors and actors are coming. They are reflecting their times.
Question: Who are your favorite directors from the current crop of filmmakers?
Govind Nihalani: Vishal Bhardwaj, Dibakar Bannerjee and Anurag Kashyap.
Question: Do you think actors today have as much depth as actors from yesteryears?
Govind Nihalani: Today actors are very talented. Kareena Kapoor is one of the finest actresses we have. I am also very impressed with Vidya Balan. Among actors Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan are very good. I feel Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan are the most unique actors. Other actors remind you of Yusuf saab or Dev saab but these actors have their own unique style.
Question: When are you going to make your next feature film?
Govind Nihalani: I am working on two feature films. One of the scripts is based on a Vijay Tendulkar play.