Bollywood has come calling for the popular producer Rockline Venkatesh, as the very first movie he was associated with has received a phenomenal response worldwide. This movie that he has co-produced, is none other than the Bollywood Blockbuster, Salman Khan-starrer Bhajrangi Bhaijaan!
In an exclusive interview with the Newskarnataka.com special correspondent Cindrella Daryani, Rockline Venkatesh shares his Bollywood experience and also thoughts on the snags of the Kannada industry.
Excerpts from the Interview:
How did you come across Bhajrangi Bhaijaan’s script?
Writer Vijendra Prasad approached me with this script. Bhajrangi Bhaijaan’s script was in hand for six years. Moreover, our team was sure that it is a typical Bollywood type of movie based on its requirements.
As a producer, what are the key points that you contemplate before undertaking any script?
The key points follow a certain order. First, one needs to look at the script, then the director and then come the actor/actress. Also, in this process, we discuss a lot of unusual points on the storyline.
I share the scripts with my close friends and relatives— get their feedback, work on those points etc. In order to be absolutely sure about the worthiness of the script, I call writers’ team where we debate and I ask the team to find mistakes in the script; after this session we take a final call, execute it and everything goes on record!
Blockbuster film Baahubali released just a week prior to Bhajrangi Bhaijaan. What was your state-of-mind at the time of the release?
Undoubtedly, Baahubali is really a good attempt by Rajamouli and he proved that in the Indian film industry, we can make quality movies with amazing special effects. This is one of those films which has risen above several barriers so far.
Even though Baahubali released only one week before Bhajrangi Bhaijaan, there isn’t a comparison that can be drawn between the two movies; both the movies are very different with their strong storyline and I can confidently say that people have loved the storyline and emotions/sentiments in Bhajrangi Bhaijaan.
What kind of differences do you see in work ethics of Bollywood and the South film industry?
Bollywood has adopted a corporate style and I loved working there. Every minute detail is planned and the results of the planning and efforts can be seen after the implementation. Secondly, Bollywood depends and believes in appropriate maintenance of accounts and transparency, which adds a golden feather to its success in all related fields such as marketing, promotion, etc.
In the South film industry, the chief element that we lack is business sense and the inadequate maintenance of accounts. Besides, film marketing depends on distributors where the release is connected to exhibitors, here in the South; we have to totally depend upon the distributors and exhibitors. Hence, we lose confidence as whatever the balance comes, profit or loss, we just have to face or bear it, without knowing where that money went.
If we look at producers, we are spoiled for choice in the Bollywood industry. How do you take such competition?
Having worked for many years in the South film industry, competition looks healthier in Bollywood because it is a big territory whereas in South, regional language is a limitation.
Moreover, our efforts are not lost here in Bollywood, so the risk is less. Further, for success, proper planning is very important. Film making is all about working with minute details; organized things make the process of film making easier.
When there is too much of choice available then the only thing that helps, is your inner confidence so this concern doesn’t worry me much!
Could you tell us a few important elements that are holding back the Kannada industry’s progress?
A lot of newcomers are coming into the Kannada industry, especially producers who are mostly from the real estate background.
More importantly, we do not have good writers. Apart from this, there are few very directors who are dedicated and focused. There is ample capital that is waiting to be poured into the industry. Producers are available, are capable of pumping cash into the Kannada industry— from half to three crores is nothing for them, but their backgrounds vary and hence their money isn’t of much support to the industry. There are real-estate producers who come up with the demand of giving an acting job to their relatives in a particular movie, which adds an extra factor of not reaching a level of perfection in the work we do.
How do you see the future of the Tulu industry?
In the Tulu industry, we see more of art related movies. Generally, Mangalureans make Tulu movies; hence its population and reach becomes regional to that particular area. However, in the future, I would say that the show will go on and reach a larger audience.
Can you describe in a phrase, your feelings about the film’s director Kabir Khan, actor Salman Khan and actress Kareena Kapoor Khan?
Kabir Khan is a maestro, Salman Khan is a real life Bhajrangi Bhaijaan and Kareena Kapoor Khan is a wonderful actress.
What are your future projects in Bollywood?
Currently, I am planning to work on two or three movies in Bollywood. There are some scripts in my hand. Moreover, it wouldn’t be convenient for me to share further details as nothing much is certain about these things. All I can say is that I am planning to work with both newcomers and experienced actors in Bollywood.
