'Chor Bazaar', which stars Puri Jagannadh's son Akash Puri as the hero, features Gehna Sippy as the heroine. The Jeevan Reddy directorial will hit the cinemas on June 24. UV Creations is releasing the movie in theatres.
In this interview, the director talks about the film, the attitude of people in Chor Bazaar (a locality in Hyderabad), working with Akash Puri and Gehna Sippy, and more.
My first two movies 'Dalam' and 'George Reddy' were not commercial in nature. 'Chor Bazaar' doesn't mind logic. It's a full-on commercial entertainer. This is also a colourful film, my first one such. I have avoided portraying bloodshed for the first time. I had written the story before 'George Reddy'.
Chor Bazaar exists for real in Hyderabad, as many of you know. I have visited the market often and interacted with shoplifters who sell stolen goods in the second market. Their mindset is that they are not grand scammers but humble people who do shoplifting to make ends meet. I have explored their lives and their lifestyles. They don't get government welfare benefits and have no voting rights. My film raises a voice for them. They lead two lives, one life by day and the other one by night. They have no support and are always on their own. They don't steal expensive items. No police record has ever shown that they go out of control. People in Chor Bazaar have a king-size attitude and see themselves as heroes.
Akash Puri calls himself Bachchan Saab in the film. He completely suits the body language, dialogue delivery and attitude I had in mind. That's why I chose him for the character. He is a dedicated actor who would arrive on set before the scheduled time and leaves 30 minutes after the pack-up. Puri Jagannadh sir has watched some portions, especially action scenes. He liked the treatment.
Gehna Sippy's character is inspired by a real life mute girl I saw. She communicates through recorded voice messages. My female lead deploys technology to communicate with others since she is mute.
Sampoornesh Babu and Sunil, among others, have played comedy roles. There is no serious character in the movie. A variety of characters have been drawn from my observations. There is also a monkey, which is a character by itself.
The story revolves around a missing diamond whose value the denizens of the Chor Bazaar don't realize. Its actual cost is Rs 100 Cr. This story has no villain as such. Everyone behaves like a villain only due to compulsions.
A lot of scenes have been shot on nights. The cinematographer has done a nice job with night scenes. The whole set would be lit with lights. Generators were put in place night after night.
I have a superb subject ready for my next. It will be announced after the theatrical release of 'Chor Bazaar'.
