Ek Thi Daayan not similar to any Indian or Hollywood film – Kannan Iyer

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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USA: Free $30 Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…Ek Thi Daayan not similar to any Indian or Hollywood film - Kannan Iyer This one is indeed turning out to be different. Even as just hours remain for unveiling of suspense around who is the real 'daayan' in Ek Thi Daayan, the film is also special as it brings to fore the newest director on the block, Kannan Iyer. A protege of Vishal Bhardwaj who is making his foray into the world of films with the Emraan Hashmi-starrer, he is quick to point that the film is unlike any other quintessential horror film that has been made in the past or present:

While Ek Thi Daayan is being keenly awaited after making a good first impression, it seems you wanted to play the game very differently as far as pitching the film is concerned. By the look of things, this one appears to be a totally different affair when compared to many other horror films that have hit the screens, isn't it?
The reason behind an obvious difference that you see is courtesy of the script as well as the space in which it is set; something truly original. (Smiles) In fact my actors used to ask me if I could refer them to some other film which had a similar theme or pretext. However to tell you the truth, whether it is an Indian or a Hollywood film, it would be really very hard for me to put anything on the same platform as Ek Thi Daayan.

Still, what was it that made you feel that you wanted to kick-start your career as a director with a horror affair?
See, horror is the biggest kick that one can get as a filmmaker. Having said that, I also believe that a film set in this genre should also have a good amount of mystery and intrigue. That by the way is the basic bed of narration on which certain horror incidents happen as a part of the film. The film would have twists and turns that further aid in accentuating the horror and mystery elements.

It would be fair to assume that Emraan Hashmi's presence further accentuates a film belonging to this genre. Given his successful run in horror, most recently Raaz 3, was he a straight forward choice to play the part of an illusionist?
Yes, he was a straight forward choice. As an illusionist who is obsessed with the presence of supernatural in his life, he was mentally, psychologically and physically right for the part. Also, he is someone who comes with a good subdued energy. His strength lies in the kind of passive aggression that he carries. In the film, he had to hold psychological obsession right through the narrative. His underplayed energy is a very important trait of Ek Thi Daayan. That played a powerful factor for him to be roped in.

And how did you go about picking and choosing the three leading ladies – Konkona Sen Sharma, Kalki Koechelin and Huma Qureshi?
Clichéd as it may sound but that again was solely due to character requirement. As it is a mystery film, we wanted audience to be looking at a character and wondering if she could possibly be a 'daayan'. We wanted actresses who could nuance beautifully, hide things and have command over the craft. We needed three totally different types of actresses who belonged to their unique space. We were lucky to find Konkona, Kalki and Huma.

Well, Huma was not really a known name when she was signed for the film. However she has become a popular name today, courtesy of Gangs of Wasseypur and Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana. Did that ever make you feel like increasing her role?
No, something like that never played in my mind. A role has to be strictly in demand of the script. It is not fair to make wrong promises.

So what is the promise that you are making with Ek Thi Daayan?
That there are entire aspects of the film, which don't even figure in the trailer. You will be in for quite a few surprises which would be unveiled as the film plays on the big screen. Stay tuned!

Article written by staff at Bollywood Hungama. Read more

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