I get scared all the time: Ram Gopal Varma

Even as the Rann controversy keeps him busy, Ram Gopal Varma has found time to wrap up a quickie horror flick called Agyaat.

Buzz 18: We always thought it's Rann and Rakta Charitra that's keeping you occupied. How did Agyaat crop up?

Ram Gopal Varma: Agyaat started much before Rann. It's just that I didn't publicise it enough. It's not technically a horror film because you can't see what is causing the fear. That's why it's called Agyaat which means unknown. The fact that you don't see what is killing the characters was very challenging for me technically. So I am only using sound and camera movements to create an atmosphere that teases the audience's imagination.

Buzz 18: Right from Raat to Agyaat has your perception and treatment of horror films changed?

Ram Gopal Varma: Change comes from the concept. Depending on the novelty of the concept and uniqueness of the idea every film would demand a certain technical aspect. In Agyaat I have shown a film unit getting trapped. I chose this set up because a film crew is like a walking office where there is a hierarchy from the star to the spot boy. But when confronted with death they are all faced with the same fear. There the status disappears and each one reacts in the same way. In terms of using the camera as a narrative, I haven't done anything like Agyaat before.

Buzz 18: But one would say there are only these many ways you can scare people at the movies. So what is it that draws you towards this genre all the time?

Ram Gopal Varma: Fear I think is a constant. No matter how many times you hear a sound when home alone it will scare you. The walk to the other room is always scary and anxious. Once the door opens it is not fear, you either attack or defend. So whenever you face something unknown the thumping in the heart will always be there... because the imagination takes over.

Buzz 18: So you do get scared...

Ram Gopal Varma: Oh yes I get scared all the time. That's where I get all my ideas from.

Buzz 18: Which is the definitive horror film according to you?

Ram Gopal Varma: In my growing years I was most affected by The Exorcist and Ramsay brothers' Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche.

Buzz 18: But as an audience what kind of horror do you feel is more impactful? An visually grotesque Evil Dead or something like a Bhoot?

Ram Gopal Varma: I think Bhoot is scarier because the premise is relatable. The house you see could be your own. And because nothing in the surroundings suggest the presence of a supernatural element, it makes the fear very real.

Buzz 18: Critics, box office, investors or ghosts... who is scarier?

Ram Gopal Varma: I think ghosts because it's an unknown element. Others I pretty much know how to deal with.

Buzz 18: Agyaat has Nisha Kothari who is now Priyanka Kothari. You'll have done lots of films together. Is this her last with you?

Ram Gopal Varma: There is nothing like a first or last film. Whoever suits the role will come back into my films.

Buzz 18: You have worked with a number of producers. And despite all your failures you tend to find a new set of financers every time. What's the secret?

Ram Gopal Varma: See, the fall-out stories are all speculation. Eventually when somebody backs a director it's because the idea is interesting. So if you ask me who finances me, I will say it's my ideas.

Buzz 18: Finally why should RGV fans watch Agyaat?

Ram Gopal Varma: They should watch it only if they want to.