Sanjay Gupta: Dark films don't excite me anymore

'Kaabil' director Sanjay Gupta, best known for gory, gritty films like 'Kaante' and the 'Shootout' series, says he has had it with the genre now 

Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam in a still from 'Kaabil'

A quick scan of his repertoire is enough to ascertain that Sanjay Gupta has been a proponent of dark cinema that's often devoid of the pizzazz his contemporaries advocate. "But, I am over that phase. Dark films don't excite me anymore," says the director, whose upcoming film, Kaabil, revolves around a visually impaired protagonist played by Hrithik Roshan.

While the undertone of this romance-thriller might make it seem like an extension of his previous work, the trailer appears colourful.

"My earlier projects have got either an 'A' or 'U/A' certificate, but now I want to reach a wider audience. Also, my children are growing up and watch my films closely. I want to be a responsible filmmaker who leaves a legacy. I will be selective with subjects I choose here on."

Sanjay Gupta

Sanjay has often been accused of making a career off Western or Korean remakes. His 2002 actioner, 'Kaante' was inspired by Quentin Tarantino's 'Reservoir Dogs' (1992), while his last release, the Aishwarya Rai Bachchan-starrer 'Jazbaa', was an official remake of Korean thriller, 'Seven Days'. "But at the time of the making them, I admitted to the inspiration. I ask all those who accuse me, where my other films, like 'Dus Kahaaniya', 'Humesha', 'Shootout At Wadala' and 'Shootout At Lokhandwala', are copied from," he retorts. He chides he will have to "make five more Kaabils to change the perception".

But he is far from perturbed. For now, Sanjay is enjoying the reception the film's trailer received. "[My kids] are really excited to watch the film. They love Hrithik. I am proud that I can show them my film without cringing."

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