Directors raise a toast to Johnny Gaddaar... Contd.

Moreover, when Rohan started, there was no end. "We need film makers like Sriram Raghavan. There are few as talented, innovative and out of the box thinkers like him. Are you aware that he was carrying this idea with him for last 3-4 years? It is so heartening to see someone's strong conviction and belief in a plot finally resulting in a path breaking film like this. It was his relentless drive to get the project going in spite of all the hardships in his way which has made Johnny Gaddaar the movie it is today", informed Rohan.

"The film makes for a case study of how style meets substance! In addition, if you notice carefully, Sriram has such an economical style of shot taking. In most of the shots, you would see so much happening in a single frame, consciously or subconsciously," stated Rohan about the finer art of filmmaking.

Well, I had to agree here as well, especially after watching the film second time on 4 days. Truly, there are many layers and sub layers to the frames, which deserve a closer view of the film. By the way, did you notice that how in a remote corner of one of the frames; a club employee opens and silently closes the door when realizing that the scuffle happening behind in the confines of the office was only between partners, Zakir Hussain and Vinay Pathak with Neil Mukesh busy attempting a truce?

Rohan continued to talk passionately about the film, "It is good to see audience unanimous about the film and especially Neil. He has done quite well for himself in his first film and there are two things, which have worked positively for him. a) He didn't have to shoulder responsibility since there were so many other important characters in the film. b) This very factor made him work doubly hard since he had to give his best shot with so many fantastic actors around!"

Next stopover was filmmaker Onir who is always a pleasure to talk to when it comes to discussing a point or two about any and every film. What did he think about Johnny Gaddaar? "I am sad," he commented. Shocked with the response, I asked him why? "So many appalling films get a 100% opening these days and when a genuinely terrific film like Johnny Gaddaar comes, all its hopes of survival depend upon word of mouth," he explained his point of view.

"Thank goodness that no one has anything bad to say about the film. Moreover, no one actually cares for a review or two gone being not too positive. I am happy to see word of mouth being so positive for the film that it gives a good breather for Johhny Gaddaar to aim for a healthy innings ahead", said Onir about the film's box office prospects. How about the film, in general?

"Oh, I have been a fan of Sriram's work ever since I know him before he made his debut with Ek Haseena Thi," he commented. "The guy understands cinema so well and is a true student of whatever good is made, whether 'desi' or 'videsi'. All this while we have been craving to see something different and genuinely 'hatke', now Johnny Gaddaar is what I call truly 'hatke'. The film would certainly be talked about years down the line."

When Onir gets sentimental, he 'does' get sentimental. He was particularly offended by some stray reviews calling Johnny Gaddaar a little slow in portions. "Sorry, I do not agree," he revolted, "You don't expect a zing-bang-bring-on-the-cameraman kind of cinema in every frame being shot in a thriller. There needs to be just the right pacing for a plot to take shape and that could happen at any point in the film, whether in the beginning, middle or the end. I see Johnny Gaddaaras a flawless piece of work with just the right pace and duration."

Yes, I do agree. Moreover, I am sure most of the viewers and readers too!