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Film director Rumi Jafry says his films are steeped in realism

Film director Rumi Jafry (right) with actor Akshaye Khanna. Photo: Special Arrangement

It's difficult for a creative mind to not react to the realities around. So, writer-director Rumy Jafry, who has penned movies like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi , Chalte Chalte , Golmaal Returns , Yamla Pagla Deewana and others in the past, tries to nail the issue of corruption in his latest project Gali Gali Chor Hai . The film released last week and features Akshaye Khanna, Shriya Saran and Mugdha Godse.

The director held a special screening of the film for Anna Hazare at his native place Ralegan Siddhi. Jafry, who had also come to Delhi to promote the film, took some questions on it. Excerpts from the interview:

On handling such a serious topic in a fun way

The film is based on a journey of a common man. We have shown when a common man gets trapped in the system how difficult it gets for him to come out of it. You can actually connect yourself with the idea portrayed here. When you watch it, you might recall any such incident that you, your friends, neighbours must have witnessed. This is every man's story. The serious topic of corruption is dealt in a humorous way but one also receives a provoking message.

On what triggered the idea

Writers are often inspired by what happens around them. All my movies are inspired by some real-life incidents and happenings. The story of my first directorial venture

God Tussi Great Ho came from a few people in my life. They were not happy with what they had in their life and they wanted more of good luck. My second movie

Life Partner which was based on relationships was rooted in what's happening in our society now. Similarly, the issue of corruption has been bothering me from quite some time.

Why do you think Anna Hazare stood against corruption and millions of people joined him, because everybody is disturbed and frustrated by red tapism. I knew I had to make a film on the subject.

On the treatment given to the subject

We show how an innocent person becomes the culprit. You will laugh throughout this movie but you also will sense the person's pain.

On his style of filmmaking

I am a director and would love to make a different type of movies. I like making movies that come from my heart. It was a wonderful experience directing this movie. I have put my heart and soul into this movie. The shooting was done in my city Bhopal, where I grew up. I had a lot of my theatre friends in Bhopal and my friends from Mumbai, who have acted in this movie. I have also done theatre with Satish Kaushik and Annu Kapoor.