Audience wants to see something different: Amit Masurkar, Director of Sulemani Keeda

Amit Masurkar is one brave filmmaker. He has made a film with rank newcomers, without the backing of a Godfather or a big studio. Thankfully, after lots of trials and tribulations, Amit’s baby Sulemani Keeda will finally be releasing on 28 November. We spoke to the writer-director at length to know more about the movie and the struggle he went through to secure it a decent release.

Sulemani Keeda is quite a catchy name. What does it mean?

I have been hearing this word since childhood. Sulemani Keeda means a very big keeda. It’s like an epic keeda. It’s not a good thing to have because more often than not it means a dangerous keeda.

What is the movie all about?

It’s a slacker comedy about two friends who have come to Mumbai from Delhi to become writers like Salim – Javed. Here they try hard to find work and in the course start reevaluating their choices about what they want to do in life which is when their friendship starts developing cracks. One of them falls in love and then suddenly they start seeing differences in each other. The movie ultimately is all about young people in this city, their dreams and their aspirations.

How did the idea of Sulemani Keeda germinate?

I am from Mumbai, born and raised in Mahim. I moved to Andheri very recently and once here I realized every other person is a writer, actor or director. If you go to any coffee shop, you will see on every table there is a writer penning his own story. That fascinated me and I realized nobody has ever made a film on writers who are thinking about stories all time. It was interesting to turn the mirror on people like myself and my ilk. The movie is based on true characters and incidents that I and some of my friends have gone through. It’s neither entirely fiction nor entirely non-fiction.

Why did you cast two newcomers in the movie in lead roles?

While I was writing this film which is about writers, I realized that there was no point in casting a typical Lokhandwala boy for this role. Mayank Tewari and Naveen Kasturia are both writers and actors as well. Plus they looked very real and aptly suited my characters.

How difficult was it finding a producer for this movie?

It was very difficult. We did the rounds of many festivals. To get it a proper release has taken us more than two years. Things eased out when my friend Shailesh with whom I had worked on The Great Indian Comedy Show came onboard. He started pitching it around to get it released. I would say we are lucky that our movie is getting released now. So many good movies remain unreleased.

Didn’t you approach any studios?

I did. Infact, I had shown it to all big studios and they liked it too. Most of these big studio’s bosses liked it and so did their creative team. But it’s the marketing team who finally used to veto it. They used to tell me that without any stars in the film, it would be difficult for them to release it. They didn’t know how to justify the spend. Star system exists in our country and it tough to crack into it and make a film with talented but unknown actors. There is very little respect for good content.

Given the circumstances, did you at any point think of making this film with any known star?

I could have done that but then I had already written many scripts for people who are very famous but things were not happening due to some reason or another. Now Sulemani Keeda is a two-hero project. To get just one big hero is difficult. So finding two was absolutely out of question. The other option was to work lesser known people who are ready to produce and act. But they wouldn’t have been crowd pullers. So I thought it’s better to do the movie with fresh actors. And if this movie succeeds, a trend will be created. 

Why do stars shy away from working with new directors?

Stars prefer to work with people who are already famous or a director who has the backing of a big studio. Ultimately, everyone wants to do a successful film.

Mahesh Bhatt has a small cameo in the film. You have had a professional association with the Bhatts who are known to encourage new talent. Why didn’t you approach them to produce your movie?

To be honest, I don’t think Sulemani Keeda is their kind of film. They have a brand. I don’t think they have ever produced a comedy like this. They are more into thrillers, horrors and serious art films like CityLights. Bhatt saab helped us with contacts.

How has the response to Sulemani Keeda been till date?

The response has been extremely positive. We recently screened it at Ruia college where about 300 students watched it and their response was overwhelming to say the least. Post the screening, the Q& A session went on for close to an hour. Finally, even audience wants to see something different.