I never give anyone a break, says Ram Gopal Varma

Q: Having  already explored the underworld sucessfully in your past films, what new aspect are you showing in Department?
A: I don’t think this is a underworld film to start with. Department, the very name suggests that it has something to do with police. A very uniquely specialised unit created within the police department. But fair enough,  when you are dealing with the police, the underworld will feature. However, unlike my earlier films, this doesn’t have the monotone of a dark,  grimy subject. This is a more commercial formatted telling of a story. Also, every film depends on the characters it creates; it is not so much about the backdrop.

Q: There were reports of film’s heroines being miffed because prominence was given to Nathalia Kaur’s item number in the promos...
A: That’s all hogwash. The point is, an item song becomes the face of mainstream cinema. Since the music of the fim was released, the entire publicity was targetted around Nathalia’s song. The film’s campaign started later.  Having said that, let me clarify that a fim’s purpose is not to promote a certain actor, it is all about what is right for the film.

Q: Critics and naysayers have been saying that after your last few failed outings as a director, much is now riding on Department...    
A: Look, my job as a filmmaker is to make a film to the best of my ability.  Now, whether it is liked by somebody or not, is not for me to say.  But my passion, intensity and workmanship remains the same, irrespective of the film I make. Yes, some of them work and some of them don’t.

Q: You have given breaks to many people on screen and off-screen. How do you look back on them?
A: I have always maintained that I never give anyone a break. I use them for my purpose and then they move on when they find their own way, which is the right thing to do.

Q: Which film will you start working on after this one?
A: The 3D horror film in which Manisha Koirala has an important role. But the main story is about a six-year old girl Elena. There’s Sarkar 3 with Amitji and Abhishek, the script of which is being finalised.

Q: And the film based on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack?
A: I don’t want to talk about it now.

Q: You tweet regularly and your comments on films and people  get you into problems. What is your take on that?  
A: Tweeting is a way of expression.  It is only for those people who follow me, if they don’t like it, they can unfollow me.  It is not meant for public consumption as people like to believe.