'I am very passionate about my films'

Elred Kumar, the successful producer of Gautham Vasudev Menon's Vinnaithandi Varuvaya and K V Anand's Ko, turns director with Tamil film Muppozhuthum Un Karpanaigal (Always dreaming of you). The buzz about the film starring Atharva and Amala Paul is very high. The film will release on February 17.

On the same day, his first Hindi film production Ekk Deewana Tha -- starring Prateik and Amy Jackson -- will also hit theatres.

Elred talks to Shobha Warrier about his upcoming films.

Why did you, a successful producer, decide to be a director?

I have been passionate about films since I was young. I used to write stories then. When I was producing films, I wrote a script and as I was busy with my production work, I gave it to a newcomer to direct.

What is the inspiration behind the story?

It is based on my and my friend's life; it has no bearing on any Indian or Hollywood film. It's a very original story and script.

It is the story of a young software guy called Ram and his journey in life. I am also a software guy and so is my friend. 

The dominant feeling in the film is love.

How did you, a software engineer, get into films?

I am a software guy but was involved in the construction business and then film production. Film production is like doing business. Like all businesses, film production also is about man and finance management.

Are films a passion for you or a hobby?

I am very passionate about films from my childhood. It was the only entertainment I had. I used to watch a lot of films.

Today, when I directed my first film, the idea came by not assisting anyone but from watching films. Of course, I watched my friends, Gautham Menon and K V Anand make films and they were there always to give me advice.

Did you show the script to Gautham Menon or K V Anand?

I told them the story and they said the story, the characters and the treatment in the script are all very new.

Is it a love story?

It is an intense love story but very positive in its approach. Ram has extreme emotions whether it is love, anger or anything else, but these emotions end up as positive energy.

There is no negativity in his emotions. All his emotions are extreme and intense but positive.

Emotions are very high voltage! Like all the youngsters of today, Ram is sometimes angry, sometimes adventurous, sometimes in love, and sometimes sad.

Both your productions were extremely successful. As a director, why did you choose an actor who has acted only in one film?

The story requires the actor to dedicate at least one year to the film. I can't ask any hero who is busy to do that.

I wanted my hero to go for some training in action as there is a lot of high voltage action in the film. I have tried many new things in action and it will be a treat to all action lovers.

Some fights in the film will be quite new to Tamil film-goers-- they have not been done in Tamil movies before.

When you started the film, Amala Paul had only Mynaa to her credit. Now, she is hot property in Tamil...

When I saw Mynaa, I felt she was a very gifted artiste and she proved me right. She has acted very well.

Why did you choose a title like Muppozhuthum Un Karpanaigal?

It is the most apt title, I felt. It is not only about the hero and heroi#8800 when you see the film, you will find that it suits other characters too.

There are many meanings to the title which I do not want to reveal now. I want to surprise the audience with it.

It was reported that the film was shot mainly in the US. Does that mean it is the journey of Ram from India to the US?

Not exactly. He goes to many places from his village in Thanjavur-- to Chennai to Bangalore to Kerala to Europe to the US. So, we shot the film in all these places.

What was in your mind when you first started shooting the film?

I was thankful as there were many young directors more talented than I and who had been in this industry for more than 10-15 years. I was grateful that I got the chance to direct a film so early.

I really worked hard, and I was very conscious of my role. Everything I have tried in the film is new and trendsetting including the song sequences.

Are you satisfied with the film?

I am hundred per cent satisfied. I feel very happy to see my characters on screen. I have carried them with me for a long time.

I want to say again, it is a new film in all senses. I am very confident about the film.

Do you plan to remake it?

I will remake it in Hindi and also as a Hollywood film as the story is universal. Talks are on with Fox, etc. But I can't divulge more right now.

Two of your films (Ek Deewana Tha and Muppozhuthum Un Karpanaigal)  are releasing on the same date

Yes, it's a big day for me. I am one of the producers of Ek Deewana Tha, the Hindi remake of Vinnaithandi Varuvaya. Then, of course, my first directorial venture!

Above all, my Tamil film is releasing in more than 250 theatres, which is unprecedented.