Vikram Bhatt speaks about his upcoming period film 1920, on why he prefers working with lesser known actors, and his passion for work and life after his much talked about split with Ameesha Patel

What is the subject of your new film 1920?
1920 is a period film set in the times of the British Raj. It’s the love story of a Indian man and a Indian woman. But, it has its twist, the film also has a supernatural element and is worth its weight in terms of the number of thrills.

So the ongoing period film trend made its way to your think tank as well?
If I were following a trend you would probably be asking me questions about a comedy film with an ensemble cast. 1920 is not a part of a trend, it’s a unique but great story. The film gave me the freedom for a certain degree of creative expression that I wanted to undertake. This film has a great script, story and a big budget - these were incentives enough to make it.

What out of the three elements that you just mentioned got you most interested?
It has to be the story. There are some stories that are embedded in reality and when they’re told, they leave you in awe. 1920 is one such content-driven film that is high on its ambience and fantasy values.

How did you recreate the look of colonial India?
Prajat Poddar, the film’s production designer, has a big hand in recreating the British look in the film. We did a lot of research for the film before we constructed our sets or started shooting at locations. Most of our outdoor schedule was shot in the UK in Yorkshire county, which still has the old imperial look with a plethora of castles and old architecture.
The film has so many recognisable elements from that era. The sights and sounds of horse carriages, no electricity, lamps and lanterns and the misty weather will all add to the film’s ambience.

Does the mist contribute in creating a murky ambience for the supernatural element?
In a way it does. When you couple a ghost story with an innocent love drama you get a combination that works. Owing to its surprise elements 1920 is bound to be a thoroughly gripping film that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The mist, will have the audience encapsulated in an atmosphere of doubt and suspense.

What’s cast of 1920 like?
It’s got a lot of new comers. The lead pair, Rajnish Duggal and Adah, are making their debuts and Anjorie Alagh is also a part of the film.
You seem to prefer working with youngsters these days.
It’s not that I am looking to work with youngsters only. Being a commercial filmmaker I would love to work with contemporary superstars. But the fact is they are just too busy. At any given point of time, anyone in the industry has a lot of work on hand. Big stars will ask me to wait for three to four years and that is something I am averse to. I am a workaholic; I need to be in touch with my work at all times. Young actors are enthusiastic, easily available and very receptive to a filmmaker’s vision.

Do you ever feel frustrated about stars playing hard to get?
I don’t. I understand, a lot of the stars today have their own production houses and are busy planning for films for themselves or their peers. They are stars and I would love to make them be a part of my work but I can’t expect someone to shelve their work on hand for me.
But, what I do not like are those media-made stars. People who are nothing more than limelight hoggers taken to stardom thanks to some sleazy controversy or stupid gossip. I want to stay away from such people and be happy doing some quality work with those who do not come forth with exaggerated egos.

Is there anyone in particular whom you’re talking about?
Sorry, I can’t point fingers.

Has the split with Ameesha Patel been hard to handle?
It’s an unfortunate thing, but I see no point in ruing about it all the while. Sadder things happen in the lives of everyone and we all learn to move on. I feel sad that things did not last longer than they did but I can’t change anything now.

Would you be open to working with Ameesha in the future?
Why not? If there is a worthwhile project on offer it would be great to work with someone as talented as her.

What are upcoming films?
For now it’s only 1920.

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