Exclusive! Madhumita on Angamaly Diaries' Hindi adaptation starring Arjun Das: We can't wait to show you what we've made

The story of the untitled film which was wrapped up recently is set in Goa,

Madhumita with Arjun; a still from Angamaly Diaries

Kollywood movie buffs were elated when the news of Arjun Das making his Bollywood debut went viral on social media. The actor is playing the lead in the Hindi adaptation of Mollywood hit film Angamaly Diaries. Madhumita, who helmed KD and a segment of the anthology Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadha, is at the helm of the project. The untitled movie marks her Bollywood debut, too.

In an exclusive chat with OTTplay, the unassuming filmmaker opened up on how she became a part of the project, release plans, working in different genres, remaking her own movie and more. Excerpts...  

The news has come as a surprise for movie buffs from Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi film industries. What's the status of the project?

We wrapped up the shooting sometime ago. The producers wanted to make an official announcement, but the news got leaked. We shot the entire film in Goa and are excited about how the movie has shaped up. We can't wait to show the world what we have made. An announcement is likely to happen soon and the film is expected to release this year.  

What made you remake Angamaly Diaries?

I'm a huge fan of director Lijo and I'm aware of the fact that the movie is a classic. I was offered this by the producers. When we were in talks, the film's Telugu version had been released; it was a scene-by-scene remake. I wanted to do a different version in my style, and not a regular remake. I'm currently busy planning the remake of my Tamil movie KD in Hindi, in a different manner. So, when I'm remaking my own movie with a different approach, I felt I should give an interesting spin to Angamaly Diaries' Hindi version.  

Why did you choose Goa as the film's backdrop?

We felt the movie required an unexplored setting. Angamaly Diaries revolved around a small town; the people in it and their lifestyle were different. Similarly, we felt that rural Goa would be an ideal backdrop for the movie. The producers, too, were convinced with the idea of showcasing an unseen Goa. Unlike other films, the audience will get to see a completely contrasting landscape of Goa in this movie. Most of the films have portrayed Goa as a holiday destination and a party town. You can see a deglamorized Goa in the project.  

Your recent projects were the heartwarming drama KD, followed by a comedy reality series, LOL - Enga Siri Paappom and a feel-good anthology Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa. And now you have directed a rustic action film. Are you purposefully shifting genres?

I have always wanted to dabble with genres. When you are done with a film, it is likely that you will be approached for similar kinds of projects. I don't want to get stuck in one genre. I will next be doing a whodunit, that's again something I have never attempted before. I'm also in talks for an international project.  

Since you are planning a different version of KD in Hindi, can we expect a few established actors in the remake?

We haven't locked the project's cast. In fact, we are yet to approach actors. I have made some changes with regard to the nativity factor. Though the chemistry between the central characters will remain the same, the age of the protagonist will be different in the Hindi version.  

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