1. This is your first try at being a screenplay writer. Did the idea of adapting your book for the screen appeal?
It was very different. Everything depicted has to be spoken. In a screenplay, dialogues have a much larger role to play but briefer as much more can be shown through elements such as music, cinematography and so on. Looking back at the filming process, it wasn’t a completely energising experience. A lot needs to be thought about what is permissible and what isn’t. Regarding the adaptation, I was a little unsure since I’ve never done this. Also, while adapting a novel into a film, you lose textual value — precisely the reason why I insisted that I would be the right person to salvage it rather than someone else who does not know the words or the feel that is there in the novel. But being new I decided to give it a shot. Plus, I am a great movie buff. So perhaps after watching so many films you get an idea of what works and what doesn’t.

Anita Nair Author, Screenplay writer