Sriram Raghavan

I do not think that when I write a female character, I intend to reflect my thoughts on gender equality, but I always make sure that my female character is not decorative, they are human, they are good, bad, complex and close to reality.

Hollywood thrillers give away almost 70 percent of the story in promos but still the film remains interesting. In India we do a lot of cuts and put in songs in promos to create an impact.

People often get caught in situations or do something that they regret for the rest of their lives. What happens and how you try to cover up is the story. These are not career criminals.

Only three or four thrillers are made in Hindi cinema in a year. There is a fascination for crime genre but producers think thrillers don’t have that much of a market or will not get picked up for satellite rights.

Unless the movie is about to release, I don't like to be in the limelight. Then I have no choice, but after that you have to get back.

Often I would get offers to remake films and that didn’t interest me. I have no interest in remaking a film in Hindi which has been made in the south already. I prefer adapting from a book than a movie.

I’ve met Shah Rukh a couple of times. He had even dropped by on the sets of 'Agent Vinod'.

Like you don't watch 'Octopussy' or any Bond film for the story. You see it for the smart lines, the glamour, the overall package.

Some of our best writers are self taught. Screenwriting is a combo of craft and art. The craft part can be taught, about how to be visual and economical with scenes. However, finally it’s the individuality of the writer that will come into play."

My working style is democratic and I want people to be honest with me. Reputation makes everyone agree with your point, which is dangerous for any filmmaker.

I wanted to make films, but the films being made in the 1990s were not my kind. I couldn’t break in, and even if I did manage to get a foothold, I didn’t know what I would make."

As a filmmaker, I want to bring some value, some thought in the mind of my audience. When I embark on the journey of storytelling, I am an explorer.