In the span of a week, two big casting directors have been made as directors by the industry. Mukesh Chhabra gave ‘Dil Bechara’ last week. Honey Trehan has brought ‘Raat Akali Hai’ on 31st. Honey shared talks related to the making and casting of the film during a conversation with Dainik Bhaskar.
-How did this idea come about?
I did not know its idea. It was written by Smita Singh. His script was good. The culture is set in the story, I grew up there. I know these characters and the background well. Then he decided to direct it.
– What was the reason behind keeping the title ‘Raat Akali Hai’?
Its title was decided by Smita. Night is playing a very important character in my film. Most of the incidents are happening at night. Night has its own expression. Gives everyone freedom how to interrupt at night. There is a mood in it when we speak it.
– Who is your grooming as a director?
In practice, Vishal Bhardwaj is my mentor and teacher. Barry John had put its first seed in me. Then I met Vishal sir. He guides me. Always helped not only to be a good director, but also a better person.
When was the preparation for the film Directash?
My preparation was to become a director. During the theater days of Delhi, I used to direct play with Vishal sir. I was his assistant. He only told me that I should also cast his films. He also started giving me credit as a casting director. It was only those days when I took Mukesh Chhabra as an assistant. He had assisted me on ‘Blue Umbrella’ and ‘Kaminey’ etc. I knew from that time that Mukesh also wanted to come in the direction. Mukesh also had a job in NSD in those days. He used to direct theater and play with children. He has also been able to bring his inner director very beautifully.
– When did you decide to move the film to the digital platform?
We wanted to come to the theater itself, but Pandemic arrived. Chances of opening of cinema hall were slim. At the same time Netflix people also saw it. He liked it and said that it is a world premiere. What is better than this, when your film can be seen in 190 countries on a click of a computer or mobile.
If seen as a star cast and debut director, it is a short film. Whether its future is secure or not was a big question. There was definitely an unwanted competition on that front. So there has been an advantage with the arrival of OTT. That is, star films are also coming here. But here films play their name on their merit and content. Movies will not play here just because of the star. Any type of content will get their due credit OTT platform.
-Doesn’t Nawaz- Radhika have an audition?
Never taken for this film. I did not audition Nawaz for any other films either. Of course Radhika I have auditioned for any other films.
-What cruelty is shown to Netflix people?
Cruelty is a part of our society. I will not hesitate to show him. I think that is the truth of the life of that henchman. You see Henchman twice in the film. Once at the start and the second at the interval point. Heichman remembers being brutal when he looked again after a quarter of an hour.
