Ananth Mahadevan confirms sequel to Paresh Rawal's 'The Storyteller'
What's the story
Ananth Mahadevan, the director of The Storyteller, has confirmed plans for a second installment of the acclaimed film.
The news comes after the successful premiere of The Storyteller on Disney+ Hotstar on January 29.
In this sequel, veteran actor Paresh Rawal will return as Tarini Khuro, a character originally created by legendary filmmaker-writer Satyajit Ray.
Sequel discussion
Mahadevan's conversation with Sandeep Ray about sequel
Reportedly, Mahadevan has reached out to Satyajit Ray's son, Sandeep Ray, to discuss his plans for the sequel.
He told Mid-Day, "A few days ago, I wrote to Sandeep Ray, saying that he must have heard about the acclaim that the film is getting."
"I told him I'd like to make another movie on Tarini Khuro. Satyajit Ray had written lots of stories."
Director's insight
'A relief from the edgy, violent cinema'
Mahadevan was thrilled with the positive response to The Storyteller.
He said, "People have found The Storyteller a relief from the edgy, violent cinema of today."
"That positive response made Paresh and me think of extending it. I've ordered the last available [book] of Tarini Khuro's stories," added Mahadevan.
Pace defense
Mahadevan on film's slow pace
Mahadevan also responded to criticisms regarding the speed of his films. He claimed, "This is the awakening of the audience and recognizing what cinema is."
"I was found guilty by many of making slow-paced movies. But with the audience waking up to [the power of] storytelling, they have interpreted it differently."
"I cannot [adopt] a James Bond pace in The Storyteller. The script dictates the pace," he concluded.
Read our review of the film here.