Filmmaking is not a business: Abhinay Deo

Delhi Belly director Abhinay Deo rejects film offers from three leading production houses to concentrate on the Indian version of American TV series 24

Filmmaker Abhinay Deo, after a successful 2011 with Aamir Khan Productions' Delhi Belly has decided to concentrate on one thing at a time. Mumbai Mirror has learnt that Abhinay, despite being offered a lot of film deals by leading production houses, has decided to concentrate on Anil Kapoor's television series 24. In fact, the filmmaker has turned down offers from at least three leading producers in the Hindi cinema industry.

Confirming that a lot of films have indeed come his way after the successful Delhi Belly, Abhinay said, "Big offers are not something that you want to say 'no' to. However, the script is also important. If a film doesn't work, people will blame the director for taking up the project."

Also, Abhinay revealed that he isn't one to work on numbers. "I believe in what Aamir had once told me: Filmmaking is not a business. A good script is very important," added the director.

Talking about his Best debutant award victory at Filmfare on January 29, Abhinay added, "30th of January is my father's birthday. In my family, we make it a point of calling the birthday boy or girl at 12 o' clock sharp. And believe it or not, my award was announced at 12 o'clock sharp. At the time, I was talking to my father over the phone. It was the best moment of my life."

Needless to say, the filmmaker after winning the award is looking forward to keep up with his last success. And thus, Abhinay is leaving no stone unturned to make Anil Kapoor's Indian 24 a success.

"The venture is still at a nascent stage. Anilji has just acquired the rights. Work on it is still going on," revealed the filmmaker.

Though the project is yet to take off, Abhinay is ready to take on the challenge to recreate the popular American TV series for the Indian audience. "As a filmmaker, making 24 for India is a challenge. But then again, there nothing that Hollywood can and we can't. The way 24 was accepted in the country reaffirms the fact that the series can indeed be recreated for the Indian audience."

"The television industry has still not entered the zone where the audience would accept Hollywood storylines as is. It has to be Indianised. The tastes and sentiments of the Indian audience have to be kept mind while recreating 24," added the filmmaker.