This story is from January 14, 2012

Each film is like my first movie: Ravi Kinagi

As his ���������100% Love��������� gears up for release on January 20, director Ravi Kinagi talks about his lead pair, Jeet-Koel, his working equation with his team and why he no longer gives a piece of his mind on the sets
Each film is like my first movie: Ravi Kinagi
As his ���������100% Love��������� gears up for release on January 20, director Ravi Kinagi talks about his lead pair, Jeet-Koel, his working equation with his team and why he no longer gives a piece of his mind on the sets
Ten films with Shree Venkatesh Films. How has the journey been so far?
Fabulous. There is 100 per cent love between us. It is an enriching experience to work with Shrikant (Mohta) and Moni (Mahendra Soni).
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I am the only director to have had such a long run with them with ���������Champion���������, ���������Premi���������, ���������Bandhan���������, ���������Yudha���������, ���������I Love You���������, ���������Premer Kahini���������, ���������Poran Jaye Joliya Re���������, ���������Josh���������, ���������100 % Love��������� and an untitled film starring Jeet and Sayantika. There is a comfort zone between us. They are passionate filmmakers and I am a sincere technician. That helps.
Buzz is that Ravi Kinagi films are big grossers.
(Laughs) Is it? God has been more than kind to me. I can���������t say that I make hit films but yes, I have a hardworking team that helps me direct hit films.
What is your expectation from ���������100 % Love���������?
The expectation is very high. The film���������s storyline is its strength. It���������s about a useless guy who falls haplessly in love and changes for the better. The songs by Jeet Gannguli and Samidh are already a craze. The icing on the cake comes with the foreign locales, not to mention the rocking chemistry between Jeet and Koel. Above all, there���������s 100 per cent love from our side for the audience. In today���������s world of adulation where nothing is 100 per cent, we promise that we will give our audience 100 per cent love through this film.

Do you believe in 100 per cent love?
Of course. Love can���������t be defined. It���������s a feeling. Love isn���������t always between opposite sexes. There are different kinds of love, between a father and a son, families, lovers. Bottomline ��������� any kind of love has to be 100 per cent.
And your 100 per cent love is���������.
My 100 per cent love is my dedication to filmmaking.
Coming to films then, you had cast Jeet-Koel in ���������Bandhan��������� and now in this. How has the jodi evolved?
They have both matured as actors. I have worked with them when both were one or two films old and now I see the maturity in them. The body language, looks, acting, dialogue delivery, screen presence ��������� everything has evolved and matured with time. They are like wine that matures with age.
And how have you evolved as a director?
I am still learning. To me, each film is my first film, where I try hard to prove myself. It���������s like a ���������do or die��������� situation with each film I direct.
Your last five-six films have Jeet playing the lead. Why do you keep repeating him?
I really don���������t know why. I think both of us understand each other well and that translates on screen. Jeet is more of a younger brother to me than an actor. It���������s a pleasure to see him grow with each passing day. We have a common trait ��������� we are hungry for more and have the passion to excel. I like hardworking, sincere actors. Jeet fits the bill.
But there must be something you don���������t like about him?
He tortures his body. For days on end he survives on boiled food without salt.
One thing about Koel you would want to change?
She is extra sweet! Diabetes hoye jabe.
One thing you like about her?
Koel���������s sincerity and her behaviour.
Your maximum films are either with Jeet-Srabanti or with Jeet-Koel. Your fave among the two pairs?
(Laughs) They are both sides of the same coin!
As a director, do you prefer a director���������s actor or an actor who improvizes?
I prefer a director���������s actor. I���������m not an intelligent or an intellectual director to make sense of an actor���������s improvization. Suggestions are welcome as long as they are coordinated with me before I go for the final take.
Are Jeet and Koel are director���������s actor?
Full on.
Moving to your next, why did Sayantika replace Kamalinee opposite Jeet in your next?
Ask Kamalinee. She is the right person to answer this. But I am very happy to work with Sayantika as she is extremely hardworking and sincere. Most importantly, she gels well with my team.
And Kamalinee didn���������t ���������gel well��������� with the team?
When did I say that? Whatever you have to know about Kamalinee, please direct the questions at her.
You are known to give a piece of your mind on the sets just to get that perfect shot���������
(Laughs) The day I started directing this film, I stopped scolding anyone on the sets. There���������s only love in the air.
���������Aparajita Tumi��������� is releasing on the same day. Any jitters?
Not at all. Both the films are of different genres and I am sure that both will rock the BO.
Finally, ���������100 % Love��������� is a south remake. Don���������t you wish to make a film which is 100 per cent original?
Yes, I do, sincerely. But sadly, till date, I haven���������t come across a meaty script that will let me direct an original film.
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