Critically acclaimed actor Kay Kay Menon, known for his roles in films like “Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi” and “Gulaal”, was in the Capital recently to promote his medical thriller “Ankur Arora Murder Case”, directed by Suhail Tatari, and written and produced by Vikram Bhatt. Excerpts from an interview:
How do you view your role in “Ankur Arora Murder Case”?
In the film I play the role of a surgeon, someone supposed to be the top surgeon of this country. He is very good at his job and has saved thousands of lives. Such a person commits a mistake that leads to the death of a patient. There could be several interpretations of his mistake. The movie delved into these interpretations. The issue on which the movie was made is relevant and important. We put in a lot of effort to bring the movie closer to reality.
Do you think films with a Do you think making movies, which have a greater social message are orientation, is commercially viable in Bollywood?
The commercial viability of a film depends on what the audiences go for and not go for. How the movie gets put out to the public is also critical in determining its commercial viability. But, definitely, the appetite for movies that are closer to reality is growing. Last year has proved that, as we had five or six very good films bereft of masala content that have done pretty well.
In your earlier interviews you were quoted as saying that have said 90 per cent % of Hindi cinema is non-cinema. Why What makes you think so?
Cinema is all about storytelling. Unfortunately, these days there is a trend of adulterating it by allowing marketing considerations to dictate the way a movie is to be made. I am not against marketing as long as it doesn’t intrude into storytelling. I am also not against an item number if it has something to do with the film. The point is, nothing should be forced into a film on the pretext of marketing. The director should be allowed to make the movie the way he wants to make it. Marketing should come in only once the film gets completed and it should be based on its merits.
You don’t have an email ID id, neither are you are on social networking sites. Don’t you think in this age of social media, it is the best way for an actor like you to stay connected to his with your fans?
I am happy with my social presence because I feel people who have greater off-screen presence end up acting more off-screen than onscreen. The focus shifts from acting to presenting oneself socially. For me, my movies act as a medium through which I reach out to my audience.
What can we expect from you in the coming months?
I have completed “Enemy”, a movie in which I am working with Mithun da . The storyline of the film revolves around revenge. I am also doing a film called “Saat Ucchake”, with Manoj Bajpai as my co-star. This movie is about life in old Delhi.
