History of Backwater Entertainment.
Backwater has been started with a goal to make the best films that we can, with new and established talent. We bring our corporate expertise to movie making. The idea is to produce films and entertainment content with the best talent in a transparent and professional environment.
Your role in shaping Backwater?
My experience in the corporate world for the last 18 years has been extensive. I love movies and it is this love that fuels my work each day. This passion and experience come together for Backwater. We are committed to telling great stories, Imagination and creative ideas will be our life blood that will come together in a professionally run, corporate movie studio.
What made you go ahead with Kerala Cafe?
There is a place at Backwater for all kinds of stories and we are committed to making great films. So when we heard the idea for Kerala Café as a possible project for our maiden venture we were excited. The ensemble cast of some of the best talent in the industry working with the best directors is a unique and creative project. Each director has a story to tell in a short time. When a director has a unique take, a unique vision that’s what makes a memorable film. Here we had a chance to combine 10 directors in a single film.
From a viewers perspective what do you expect of Kerala Cafe?
The film combines scenes from each of the 10 directors to make a story that is compelling. It has something for everyone and is effortlessly accessible to all viewers.
Your experience with the team?
It was just great. They are such a talented team and it was a wonderful working experience. It was also a valuable learning experience and I personally had a lot of fun working with them. Its been an amzing collaboration.
What do you think of the future of the Malayalam film industry?
The industry plays a major role in the Indian film industry by making thougtful films. Although Malayalam films’ output per year is lesser when compared to other regional films such as Telugu and Tamil, it has more content and realism in the scripts. Unlike the Hindi film industry, which creates superstars, Malayalam cinema is based on creative scripts being executed by extremely talented people. We need to build on the strengths of the industry, by bringing about a professional and open environment. We should encourage new talent in a focused manner. People want good and smart entertainment and the industry can be sustained only if we are able to provide this on an ongoing basis.
What role do productions houses have in shaping up the future of film industry?
Though India’s overall entertainment industry is taking on professional colours (with the rise of TV production companies), India’s movie industry per se remains highly informal, personality-oriented and family-dominated. Until the late 1990s, it was not even recognised as an industry.
The field of opportunity is limitless for production houses in India today. When these companies are professionally managed the products reflect it and this will change the culture of the industry as well. This provides opportunities for partnerships with overseas entertainment firms with steady revenue streams. Film financing will become a viable option for banks in India, it will also be likely to encourage insurance to offset possible losses for banks.
Your upcoming projects?
We have heard more than 100 stories and paid advances to more than 10 directors and an equal number of top technical talent in Malayalam cinema. Our endeavour will be to ensure that our next project also measures upto the values and ideals with which we have started Backwater.
