Lootcase director, Rajesh Krishnan, who was eagerly waiting for his film to the hit the theatres, is now all set for an OTT release due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starring Kunal Kemmu, Gajraj Rao, Rasika Duggal, Ranvir Shorey and Vijay Raaz, Lootcase is a comedy-drama based on a common man's dilemma when he comes across a bag full of money. Terming comedy as a genre he knows to do 'pretty well', Rajesh is looking forward to making the audience laugh with his directorial debut. The ad maker, known for TVF Tipling, will have his first film release on Disney+Hotstar on July 31. 

In an exclusive chat with PeepingMoon, the director tell us about working with a stellar cast, missing a theatrical release, his comfort zone and much more. A little 'sad' about his film's cast not being invited for the announcement press conference, Rajesh also talks about 'respecting the web platform's decision'. 

Excerpts from the interview: 

After a long wait, Lootcase is finally releasing on Disney+Hotstar!

Actually, a lot of big-budgeted films were going to overshadow our film last year. I had full faith that our film could release in a cinema hall last year and do well, I still feel the same. But I am the director, not the producer. 

Why do you think the OTT platform missed inviting the caste of Lootcase for the announcement press conference? 

I have no way of knowing why it happened but we did feel a little sad. As a debutante filmmaker, I wanted all the promotion and marketing strategies. I would have loved to see Kunal Kemmu being a part of it. He is no less than Shah Rukh Khan. Considering the fact, he is a National Award winner. I did feel like the father of a child who is a National Award winner but wasn't included in the school play. But at the same time, I do believe that as people who know how to market these films, they will do the right thing. It seems to be going in the right direction. We need to cut some slack and let them market the film, they know what to get out of it. While I might not like what happened, I will respect it.

Do you see any difference between a web and a theatrical release? 

There is a lot of difference. People are so used to going to the theatres and it is a different thing to see the audience's reaction. I am a movie buff so I know. From my point of view, there is so much learning. The closest you can come to is watching your play being performed in a theatre. You get to see the live reaction of the audience. For the little time, we did previews of our film for the cast and the crew, that itself was a huge revelation. I cannot begin to tell you the feeling that you get when you see that the emotion you wanted to evoke in a certain line or scene, it is being passed on. It feels so righteous. The thought that 'am I doing the right thing' finally comes true when you see the exact reaction of the audience that you imagined in your mind. You also learn a lot of things. But you have to find some positive things.

Is it true that comedy is the most difficult to make?

I don't know that because all my life I have done comedy. That's a genre I have done since the beginning. Most of the projects I have got have been a comedy. But of course, it has challenges. You can pretend to be very serious but you cannot pretend to be funny. People only laugh if what you do is actually funny or the way you do is funny. Like every other craft, even this you have to practice. I don't think Sachin Tendulkar went on to become a great batsman because he didn't like it, he became the best batsman because he loved batting to bits. So, I love comedy as a subject. For me, the only genre that I know to do pretty well is comedy. I have been told that comedy is difficult but I will come to know once the audience watches it and if they enjoy the film as much as we enjoyed making it. 

How was your time making the film with a cast full of acclaimed actors?

These people are the perfect choice of people that I wanted to work with. I also feel that a film finds its own cast. It always attracts its cast. We were very clear that we wanted to work with good actors. Even if it took 3 years, I would have waited for that long. Imagine my nervousness when I am shooting with such brilliant actors having in mind that 'they are judging me'. I have known Gajraj Rao for long. I have shot for an ad with Vijay Raaz and known Ranvir Shorey for a while. All these people are like clay, you can mold them the way you want to.