New Delhi: For director Aanand L. Rai, filmmaking was a clear 'choice' as he realized that a 9-to-5 job would not be his cup of tea. Though he was pursuing an engineering degree, his love for storytelling constantly pulled him towards films. He says, "I felt this is where I belong".
The film 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' is a sequel to its earlier avatar 'Tanu Weds Manu', which was released in 2011. Ask him, what prompted the sequel of the story and he says, "I wanted a man to relive his love story again with the same woman. I am trying a different perspective this time to this so-called what looks like a love triangle but it's not a triangle."
According to the director, the previous film was complete in itself. However, lead characters Tanu and Manu had drawn such cult status, that they demanded an extension of the previous blockbuster. However, he is eagerly waiting how his audience will react to this love story between husband and wife.
It is interesting to note that the director chose to work with the same star cast in the sequel, which is usually not the case with most of the sequels churned out in Bollywood these days. "Our intention was to make an honest love story that is true to our hearts. A lot of Bollywood sequels are made with the intention to encash on the brand name," elaborates Rai.
He further adds, "Honest approach of the cast towards their work made him go ahead with them. "I don't choose actors. My stories choose them. I will always remain loyal to my stories," he adds. That's what inspired him to cast Dhanush for the first time in a Bollywood film.
"The film required a certain kind of honesty and to understand the ordinariness of the character. Dhanush was an apt choice," says the director
So, what's the USP of 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns'? Why should audience watch the film? In the directors' words, "What I am trying to do is stay real and at the same time be an entertainer. This film will give the audience a fresh perspective to certain things. We have worked extensively on the characterization and look of the film. The audience will have an interesting take away from the film."
Other than being a big movie buff, the director is also a foodie at heart and enjoys exploring new food joints wherever he goes.
