Director, producer and writer Sarovar Banka describes his maiden feature film, A Decent Arrangement
Vidya Prabhu (MID-DAY; November 6, 2014)

How did this film come about?
I wrote this film script back in 2007 but I had no idea about how to take it forward. I had no contact whatsoever in the Indian film industry, so there was no way I could get started on the project right away. Besides, putting together a team also takes time. So yes, this film was a work in progress for quite a few years and here we are, awaiting its release.

Tell us about the film - what does it entail?
It basically revolves around the life of an Indian American by the name of Ashok Khosla, who comes down to India seeking an arranged marriage. Unlike other films featuring Indian American central characters, here Ashok has made the choice to go for an arranged marriage. In the process, you see how he relates to his family and India.

How tricky was it to get Shabana Azmi to say yes to your film? What is her role in the film?
I think it was the script that did the job for me; I had sent her a copy from New York and to be honest, I didn’t expect a response from her. But as it happened, she loved the story and gave me her nod within three days of receiving the script. That was a big validation of my work. She plays Preeti Mehta, one of Ashok Khosla’s older cousins. Preeti is the one who is guiding him through the rigmarole that is an arranged marriage. In a way, she makes the film happen. Shabana’s character could be described as overbearing but loving — she is, at the end of the day, looking out for him. It is a funny film and everyone can relate to it.

Do you feel the film’s good reception at the festival circuit will boost its chances in India?
I surely think so. There is a lot of opportunity in India now. While the market for independent films in the US is constricting, here it is expanding. Audiences are more mature and open to experimenting and that’s good news for all filmmakers.