Rahasya not based on Aarushi Talwar's murder case, says director Manish Gupta

Rahasya, billed as a murder mystery starring Kay Kay Menon, Tisca Chopra and Ashish Vidyarthi has been facing some tough times these days in view of the opposition mounted by jailed doctor couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar. The Talwars allege that Rahasya is based on their slain daughter Aarushi Talwar’s murder case. The Bombay High Court too, recently stalled the release of the movie till June 13 based on Talwars’ petition but did allow the producers to run the promos of the movie with a disclaimer affixed to it. Manish Gupta, the director of Rahasya, although disappointed remains strong and hopeful that matters will get sorted out soon. The director spoke to us over the phone to set the record straight on Rahasya. Vandana Talwar who attended the screening of Rahasya has said that her family won’t let your film see the light of the day. What do you have to say? I have not spoken to Vandana nor has she spoken to me. I was not present at the screening that was organized. I think their entire stand is a bit absurd and they won’t benefit anything by doing this. To be honest, there was no order or judgment from the court which made it obligatory to show our movie to them. When we appeared in court, we justified to the judge that we haven’t made this film based on someone’s story or with the intention of maligning anyone or passing a judgment or for giving a true portrayal of events. The judge said ‘Fine. I suggest you show it to the family and see what they say and then you can settle all this amicably.’ So we all in good faith decided to show the film to them. But instead of going in for an amicable settlement they kept on insisting that they are similarities. Why would you say there are no similarities? I haven’t used any real names or any similar incidents from their family tragedy. In my movie, a murder happens which throws up about five or six suspects. A detective comes in and scrutinizes all the suspects and then finally it’s all about finding out who the real killer is. So how can one call it similar to Aarushi Talwar’s story? My film is a fictitious murder mystery. It has no connection at all with Aarushi’s case in any manner whatsoever. And when the film releases they will realize that because neither will my film affect the public viewpoint or judiciary’s decision in any manner. But in your movie too, a girl is killed and her father is the prime suspect… Let me make it clear. My movie is about a 19- year old girl being murdered and the father is the prime suspect. A CBI officer played by Kay Kay Menon comes in and then he picks up one suspect after another. Finally, it’s all about finding out who the real killer is. There is no connection to any real life murder case nor is it loosely based on any Aarushi’s case. My movie is a fictitious murder mystery. However, in your previous interviews you have stated that certain characters of your movie are based on Rajesh and Nupur Talwar… (Cuts in) I have never ever said that and I am sure my comments were modified either by the journalist or his editor. All I have been saying is that my film is based on a girl who was murdered and the prime suspect is her father played by Ashish Vidyarthi and the mother of the girl is essayed by Tisca Chopra. See, my sympathies are with the family who faced a big tragedy in their personal life. Why would I want to trivialise such a big tragedy through my films? I would certainly not want to malign or influence public opinion by making a film based on their family tragedy. That is not my intention. My intention is to make films to entertain people. I am not a social activist. Are you open to amicably settling this issue with the Talwars? Yes, I am open to having a dialogue with them. But if things don’t happen amicably, we are will sort it out in the court of law.