Editing 'Talvar' was a challenge: Prasad

Chennai: Eight-time National award-winning editor Sreekar Prasad says it was a challenge for him editing the 2015 film "Talvar" based on the Noida double murder case.

"I should feel excited about doing a movie and am very particular about getting to read the script before agreeing to do it," Prasad, who won the Filmfare award for best editing in "Talvar", told PTI.

This is the third Filmfare award for Prasad, that was announced earlier this month, the earlier ones being for "Dil Chahata Hai" (2001) and "Firaaq" (2008).

Barring a couple of duds, which he did for "obligatory purposes", Prasad said he has been following this practise for the last over three decades in his editing career.

Meghna Gulzar, director of "Talvar", feels, "It is a very professional thing to do. If actors can demand the script before agreeing to do a movie, why should the technicians be denied the privilege or that opportunity...I was privileged Sreekar sir agreed to edit the movie.."

"Talvar", written by Vishal Bhardwaj, is based on the 2008 Noida double murder case. Explaining the challenges on editing the film, Prasad said, "The script was in a narrative style, very exciting. The point of view of three investigating authorities as brought forth in the film had to be highlighted and the challenge was to see that the viewer does not feel bored when the points get repeated.

"To have three narratives in the same story is always a challenge. The screenplay was pretty well done and as the process of editing went on there used to be suggestions from both sides, editor and director, so the final edit was a fruitful collaborative effort," he said. 

Last year was quite a hectic one for Prasad who edited some nine films including master director Maniratnam's blockbuster 'OK Kanmani' and popular actor Vijay's
fantasy movie 'Puli'. 

The list included a Bodo language film "Dau Huduni Methai". This film, he said, "is more of an art house film going through the festive circuit and planned for theatre release
later.."

Prasad's upcoming projects slated for release this year include "Sethupathi", A R Murugadoss's heroine oriented Hindi movie "Akira", Hindi-Telugu bilingual "Ghazi" and a Telugu film directed by Prakash Raj.