After working on television and assisting filmmakers like Ashutosh Gowariker ('Pehla Nasha', 'Baazi') and Dharmesh Darshan ('Raja Hindustani', 'Mela', 'Bewafaa'),
Hadi Ali Abrar
made his directorial debut with 'Rama The Saviour' (2010). He has also produced Marathi ventures in the past. In an interview with BT, Hadi talks about his upcoming directorial venture, '
Dongri Ka Raja
':
What is 'Dongri Ka Raja' all about?It's a love story set against the backdrop of the underworld. I was totally bowled over by the concept. What worked for me as a director was that the entire team was cooperative. The producer, Mr. Chhatwal, did not interfere in the creative aspect even once, though this is his first film. He gave me complete liberty.
The location is an integral part of the film, isn't it?Yes, Dongri is important to the story. I have been visiting that place since childhood, so I am familiar with all its lanes and bylanes.
Your cast looks promising too...Newcomers Gashmeer Mahajani and Reecha Sharma were like students ' they were open to learning. But the two actors who took me by surprise were
Ronit Roy and
Ashmit Patel. Ronit plays an underworld don, Mansoor Ali, and does complete justice to his character. Ashmit also exceeded my expectations. Sacheen Suvarna, known for his work in South films, is fabulous as Daya. I am happy to introduce new talent to our industry.
'Dongri Ka Raja', produced by PS Chhatwal and Filmy Keeda Productions, releases on November 11.