After providing a bone-chilling experience to the viewers with Shaitan , director Bejoy Nambiar is entering the world of small screen with Rush . Produced by model Milind Soman, it is a series of 13 episodes to be telecast on MTV channel. The series will see cameo appearances by Prateik Babbar, Shruti Hassan, Javed Jaffrey, Isha Sharvani and Monica Dogra among others. Having earned a chance of directing a Hollywood movie as a prize for winning the reality show Gateway in 2008, Bejoy has yet another milestone in his career. Thirty three-year-old Bejoy has also assisted Mani Ratnam on films like Guru and Raavan . Vodafone MTV Rush , his new venture, premiered on the 15th of July at 7 p.m. Excerpts from the interview.
What is Vodafone MTV Rush all about?
It’s a special series being directed like a film. It will talk about the lives of 12 people with a common string — a college festival. Rush has characters like you have never seen before. It is the rush of life-changing incidents, harsh realities and crazy moments. It’s not just a show; it’s going to be the trip of your life!
So, which has been the rush moment of your life?
There have been many. But, I can’t name any particular one. I won’t like to share that rush moment of my life.
Tell us about your journey?
Before venturing into direction, I was doing a lot of theatre. I worked backstage with the theatre club of Bangalore. After that I thought of directing a play. Getaway was the first play I directed. Subsequently, I started directing short films.
Why did you choose television?
I didn’t choose television, rather television chose me. When I heard about the concept of Rush , I was delighted. This was a new experience for me. I suggested a few changes and directed the series. Every episode has been shot like a short film.
Do you think that our audience have started accepting dark and grim stories?
It’s not about dark stories. Audiences are accepting good content. It’s not about films being dark or not, it’s about how well it holds the attention of the audience. They love films having good stories.
Aren’t you attempting the same genre and targeting the same audience as you did in Shaitan ?
My film was about youth, but I love to experiment. I’m not being repetitive. This show was a new experience for me since I’m working for the tube for the first time.
Where does its USP lie?
I think the main attraction would be its treatment. The episode would seem like a film running in front of audience. Also, the stories are somewhat similar to the incidents that we face in our lives.
What is in the offing?
I am working for my next flick David . I hope that it strikes a chord with the audience.
