Exclusive! Brinda: I was lucky to get Dulquer, Kajal and Aditi to play lead roles in Hey Sinamika

Movie buffs were quite excited when leading dance choreographer Brinda announced her directorial debut, Hey Sinamika, starring Dulquer Salmaan, Kajal Aggarwal and Aditi Rao Hydari. The love story, which went on floors a couple of years ago, hit the screens on March 3 in Tamil and Telugu.

In a free-wheeling chat with OTTplay, Brinda talks about her plans to foray into film direction, OTT plans, casting actors who are popular across south film industries, choosing a romantic drama for her debut, working on the much-awaited magnum opus, Ponniyin Selvan, and more... 

From the time of announcement, Hey Sinamika, your directorial debut, has been billed as a romantic drama. How did you plan to conceive the movie?

I wanted this to be a slice of life film, which explores various facets of a relationship. I believe that it takes some time to cement a romantic relationship. You should be patient enough to handle ups and downs, and various complex situations. I want the audience to relate to the emotions in it. It will be a fun-filled roller-coaster ride.

Since when did you plan to foray into film direction? How did the project happen?

It was two-and-a-half years ago that Madhan Karky came up with a story which impressed me. I reached out to Dulquer, and he immediately agreed to come on board. Aditi, too, was excited as I told her about the project. I had a few other actors in mind for Kajal's role, but finally felt she was apt for the character. I think I was too lucky to get all these actors to play lead roles in my debut directorial project. 

Is there any particular reason why you chose these three actors to play pivotal roles?

For some reason, it was Dulquer who came to my mind when I first heard the story. I'm a big fan of his - he is a real actor - I wanted to cast him for the role of Yaazhan in the movie. Aditi has proved her mettle in many projects and the reason to choose her was obvious. I wanted a bubbly actress who also looks appealing as a matured person, and hence, decided to cast Kajal. Her role is something different from what she has essayed till date.  

What made you choose a romantic film for your debut? Did you plan this as a Tamil-Telugu bilingual from the beginning?

I didn't have any specific genre in mind for my directorial debut. This script came my way and I was impressed with it. Moreover, I think it's always safe to start off with a breezy entertainer. Initially, we had planned to make this film only in Tamil. But Jio Studios, which is bankrolling the project, were keen on a Telugu release, too. Luckily, all our three actors enjoy god following in both the languages.

When someone like you is at the helm of a movie, it is natural that people expect amazing dance sequences in it. Your comment...

Since this is not a dance-based movie, we didn't want to incorporate dance sequences for the sake of it. But there is a song which has a dance sequence; it has been placed in the film in an organic manner. The story demands that sequence.  

Do you have plans to make a film with any form of dance as its backdrop?

As of now, I don't have any such plans. But if such a story comes my way, I will definitely do it. I will continue to direct movies. At the same time, I will keep myself busy with my choreography assignments as well.

Did you ever think of going the OTT way when the situation remained uncertain for a while?

No, never. We were quite particular about the movie's theatrical release. I was busy with a few other projects for which I composed dance moves and those movies kept me busy while we were waiting for movie halls to open.

Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan is one of your upcoming films. What kinds of research went into choreographing dance scenes for the magnum opus that has a story which is set in the ninth century?

I consider myself really lucky to have worked in such a prestigious project like Ponniyin Selvan. Mani sir always comes up with some ideas pertaining to dance movements. Since this is a period flick, the excitement was palpable while working on set. I can't reveal much about the film now. All I can say is that I had a whale of a time choreographing some amazing moves which the film's story demanded.