“Zeher has one of the most intelligent crime plots you have ever seen!” - Mohit Suri 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, March 23, 2005 - 01:25 IST
Meet Mohit Suri…Who you ask. Well, he is Emran Hashmi's cousin, has been assistant director in Raaz & Kasoor. The latest Bhatt boy…But you'll remember none of these when Zeher releases, the lad promises us.
Banking on a surefire plot, edgy performances and some catchy beats, Mohit is a confident man. In an interview with IndiaFM, the 24 year old chats about Zeher as a speedboat of thrills, chills, crime, chase and yes that sting of sensuality!
Tune in, it's a sure director speak.
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“Show me one person who has a sweet, simple relation. We live in complex times”
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The obvious question, how did Zeher happen?
Well, I have been assisting films from the age of 17. Then came a point when I told myself that I can't grow anymore as an AD, I now wanted to make my own film. So I took sometime off and came up with the draft of Zeher. That's how Zeher came about.
Since you tell me that you have been assisting the Bhatts. Would you say that Zeher will carry shadows of their influence?
When I set out to make a film, I promised myself that I would not do any of the things I was taught. I had to unlearn every technique that I was taught. So that Zeher comes out as a Mohit Suri film and not a film of a director who once assisted the Bhatts.
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“There is no formula for a hit film”
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So what is Zeher about?
Zeher deals with a man-woman relation in today's times. It has 2 married couples at the heart of the story whose marriages are falling apart due to various reasons. Interwoven is one of the most intelligent crime plots that you are to witness on Indian screen!
Do you think people have the temperament to absorb the complexities of your characters?
Absolutely! Show me one person who has a sweet, simple relation. We live in complex times where things are not always black or white. There is a lot of grey and my film is only being honest to today's society & people.
How approving were the Bhatt's of your idea?
I couldn't have asked for better. Mahesh Bhatt was always been the voice of change in Bollywood. They were extremely forthcoming of my effort. I echo Bhaatsaab's philosophy that the moment you follow a formula, you are a deadman.
That I agree, formula is fossil
Exactly! You should make films that you believe in. Sometimes they work, at times they fail. But if you are honest to your work, people never loose faith in you. I have done just that.
Let's talk about your hero. Which is the Emran that you are giving us?
Let me let out a little news, Emran is my cousin.
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“I would give Emran 9/10 as an actor”
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Your cousin?
Yes. He has been very encouraging of me. He did everything that I asked of him. Even though he is elder to me, there was never that 'Big brother' bullying on the sets. It's been knocked very clearly into our heads that when it comes to work, you can't bullshit around!
As for his role, I am giving you a never-before-seen Emran. It's an interesting role where he plays the new age guy who is chauvinist somewhere down. For all the modern man he thinks he is, he still believes that kitchen is where the woman belongs. Emran is daringly different in Zeher. And watch out for his performance, the guy is going to knock out off.
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"Udita dares to be different"
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How would you rate him as an actor?
(Smiles) 9 out of 10!
Tell us about Udita. How did you think of her for the role?
See, I think of Udita as a very sensible woman. She knows she is different & likes to wait for the one role that will tap her premium best. Udita is supremely confident about her skills as a performer and is fabulous in the role.
Bhatt music is popular yet not populist. What can we look forward in Zeher?
I would like to believe Zeher is a complete album. We have two soulful tracks by Roopkumar Rathod. Anu has added a new flavor to 'Agar tum'. My personal pick is 'Woh lamhe…', originally a Pakistani rock number. I heard a scratch piece on the net. And told myself, 'Boss, I want this for my film'. We got the artists flown down and re recorded the track. And trust me, this one's BIG! We also have a remix version of 'Lamhe' by DJ Suketu to suit the club culture.
Your film has an air of unapologetic sexuality to it. Comment.
Let me tell you something, others create titillation and weave a story around it. Whereas we have a definite plot and then comes in the sprinkle of sensuality. My film has a lot more to offer that skin on cheap sale.
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“I am here to put closet secrets on the 70 mm”
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Do aesthetics always justify skin show?
Not essentially. But I can assure you that whatever exposure you see in Zeher is not in bad taste. It has been crafted extremely well and isn't offending in the least bit.
What's your take on the new crop of filmmakers?
I did rather talk about the new wave cinema that is honest, real and like you said, unapologetic. I think it's bye-bye time for 'good-two-shoes' characters. There are new ideas being explored. I think Indian cinema is experiencing a great time. And it's certainly good time for directors like me who want to break the rut.
When it comes to the Bhatt's, 'grey is here to stay'. What would you say is your brand of filmmaking?
I want to hit and jolt the audiences. I am here to wake them from the candy floss slumber. I want to put closet secrets on the 70 mm. My brand of cinema will speak the unsaid, the unspoken.
Since 'Zeher' it is this Friday, what is your 'poison'?
(Smiles) My poison…Films!
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