Underworld calling: Ram Gopal Varma

Ram Gopal Varma may have breathed a temporary sigh of relief when Sarkar Raj received relatively good reviews. The director had been subjected to so much flak for a spate of films based on twisted scripts and genres. Even masterpieces like Rangeela, Satya and Company were conveniently forgotten. But now, he’s back to doing what he does best. Ramu will soon complete his underworld trilogy with the film Contract.
Unlike Satya and Company, Contract has no big names to bank on. What does Ramu have to say about his ‘thing’ for newcomers? “The film is supposed to have this raw, rustic look. The characters are required to bring a sense of realism. Big stars have a set image with audiences, so they may not fit in too well. Besides, new actors don’t carry starry baggage,” he says, trying to sound as diplomatic as he can.
Does he agree with the notion that he’s obsessed with the genre of underworld films? “I’m obsessed with the genre because the audience is obsessed with it,” he says. “Due to the hard-hitting nature of my films, it gives a psychological impression that I only make underworld films.” His inclination towards dark, scary films is well known too, Phoonk being his latest. Does he think it will match up to Raat or Bhoot? “I might have done a relatively better job with Bhoot, but Phoonk is what I’m really looking forward to. The film has gone far beyond just a scary movie”, he says.