'Albela is how a musical should be made'

Nagesh Kukunoor might have just two films to his credit, but he is considered in the reckoning already.

His directorial debut Hyderabad Blues sent the box office collections soaring.

His next release Bollywood Calling is loosely about his experience in the Indian film industry.

"Being in the filmi circle, one way or the other, you get to interact with a lot of people who have just the most amazing stories to tell. So Bollywood Calling still has a fair percentage of my experiences in the industry. But as a director, not as an actor," the director smiles.

He picks his favourite Hollywood and Indian films:

Raiders Of The Lost Ark: It's an adventure! And that's what film making is all about -- the exuberance, the 'getting lost' and taking a fantasy trip, being someone else for the two hours you are closeted in an auditorium. I guess this really was the first film that stirred the filmmaker in me.

Terminator 2: Action! The movie has cutting edge technology, flawless script, mind-boggling action and, above all, the ability to make the sequel better than the original. Each frame is constructed so magnificently.
I have seen this film the most number of times.

Raising Arizona: It's the best comedy. Again each frame is thought out so carefully. Each line of dialogue is so unique. As a screenplay writer, I can only gape. The editing is also so incredible.
I’ve seen so often, but I still laugh just as hard each time.

The Shawshank Redemption: What drama! What characters! Talk about hooking the audience in the first few frames of the film. And the script is flawless. The scene where Andy plays the opera on the public address system chokes me up every time.

The Matrix: Over the past couple of years, this is one of the films that has blown me away. Great concept and stupendous execution. It’s a visually startling film.

Sagara Sangamam (Telugu): Directed by K Vishwanath and starring Jaya Prada and Kamal Haasan, this is one Indian film that I have seen the maximum number of times. The film makes me bawl every time.

Nayagan (Tamil): Even though the scenes are copied straight from the Godfather, this is best mix of art and commerce.

Bawarchi: Only Hrishikesh Mukherjee knew how to make these unbelievable fun family fare type films.

Maya Bazaar (Telugu): Made in the 1950s, Maya Bazaar still stands the test of time effortlessly. The film is what a true classic is all about.

Albela: This Bhagwan classic is just how a musical should be made.

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