Debutant film-maker Bejoy Nambiar is confident about 'Shaitan'

The look is sleek and dark, the music foot-tapping — that’s debutant director Bejoy Nambiar’s Shaitan for you.

“It was a conscious attempt to project the film in a one-of-its-kind way. I have been working on this film for the last two and a half years and it’s been quite a ride. What started off with an English script titled Spiral, which has now become Shaitan,” confesses Bejoy, adding, “I can confidently say that the butterflies in my stomach are missing. I’m actually waiting for Shaitan to be watched and loved.”

The film is a topical thriller based on a true incident and has six protagonists, including Rajeev Khandelwal and Kalki Koechlin.

“The story is about how each one tries to control their inner demon,” Bejoy informs.

Of course, having Anurag Kashyap on board as producer was an added advantage, insists Bejoy. “I couldn’t have asked for a better platform and undoubtedly brand Anurag Kashyap has made quite a name for itself. But I must add that he is one of the most non-interfering producers in the industry and Shaitan hardly has any traces of his style of film-making,” he says.

With Anurag as producer, was Kalki an obvious choice? “No,” says the director, explaining, “Kalki’s name was suggested to me by a friend. Her character is that of an American and we all thought she’d fit the part, what with her looks and personality.”

The dark look and music of his film is being spoken about quite a bit. “If anything that’s not candy floss is dark, then I’m happy with that shade. From the beginning we were clear about how the sound should be as music takes the story forward,” Bejoy adds.

With no formal training in film-making, assisting Mani Ratnam has been Bejoy’s greatest asset. “I’ve always been an avid film buff and assisting Mani sir on Guru and Raavan was more than any school could have taught me,” he says.