Filmmaker Rajendra Talak shares his views on his views and the thought processes involved in the making of his on-screen creations, and how he believes that the Semana Cultura Indo Portuguesa has been the first step through the door of things to come
The Goan: What is the basic thought process involved in thedevelopment of your screen play? Does it vary, or is there a constant themethat is re-invented with every film?
Rajendra Talak: It is fair to say that the theme I try tostick to is the constant prevalent issue in the state at the time. At times, itis even divination of what may be yet to come. I did that specifically with Aleesha.The focus on mining has arisen in certain times, but I had raised the questionof how to deal with it appropriately ages ago. There can be no life withoutharmony. The need is to always find that perfect balance between ecology andeconomy without neglecting either one. In doing so, lies the future. That isthe key message that I attempt to spread.
TG: Would you therefore consider it fair to say that yoursole muse is just the existence of the problems of the state in the presentday?
RT: For the most part, yes. O Maria touches on the crisisthat is being faced by over-development of land, and all as a form ofsuccumbing to financial temptation in a way. However, I do try and focus onother things too. Some of it can be seen in O Maria. I attempt to highlight howa functional family should work ideally. This is purely because I believe thata family that works well as a unit is something that brings lasting happiness.Dictatorial parenting is a thing of the past. Through a greater understanding,we can build for a better future. There can be no greater joy than that.
TG: What do you think that the overseas audience has gleanedfrom your movie, considering that, even with subtitles sometimes the languagebarrier means that you may miss out on certain focal points of the film?
RT: To be honest, the reaction I received was quiteremarkable, and I had a healthy level of interaction with a lot of people afterthe film was screened. This was excellent, as a lot of interest has also beenshown in working on future productions. If that doesn’t signify that the aimhas been achieved from a cinematographic point of view, then I don’t know whatdoes. I am really overwhelmed by the overall response.
