Panaji:
Filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor is all set to enter into the digital space with a web series, starring actress Nimrat Kaur in the lead, which will go on floors in January next year.
The “Iqbal” helmer says he is looking forward to how the series shapes up, which is a fictional story in the backdrop of army.
“It’s a fictional piece set within the confines of Indian army. Right now things are being pieced together. It’s in pre-production stage. I hope to start shooting it in January,” Nagesh told PTI.
In the series, the “Airlift” actress will be seen playing an army officer. Nagesh is “super excited” to begin the show as he feels the digital medium is an untamed beast.
“The web series is a different beast altogether. It is something which I am super excited for. I always watched a lot of series, never thought I could find myself doing one because of all the restrictions the TV imposes.
“But not the digital platform. It’s still a virgin territory, evolving and open to a lot of suggestions.”
The 49-year-old director is part of the International jury at the ongoing 47th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
Nagesh, who has often been called the poster boy of india cinema, having helmed movies like “Hyderabad Blues”, “Dor”, and his latest “Dhanak”, feels the opening up of digital space is a big boon for filmmakers.
“I think we are finally on the right track with regards to India cinema. This is purely thanks to the digital medium where filmmaking has become so cheap, it has democraticed the process in such a way that you don’t need the standard ways to showcase your films.
“People are opening up to the fact that you can get as much popularity, have your investment returned without ever touching a theatre. No one wants to invest Rs 3-4 crore for a movie to reach theatre and then have it bombed.”
When asked if turning to the digital medium is because of lack of returns on off-beat movies, Nagesh says it is all about the “mathematics.”
“Lucky for me, I’ve still managed to get my films released but people are finding it difficult because a Rs 3 crore film today requires Rs 3 crore of publicity. It makes no sense, it is driven by mathematics.
“There are so many films which are made but not many reach the theatre. As it stands today, it is not expensive to get your movies on the digital platform. May be tomorrow that will change, but for now it’s a good time.”
