Piyush Jha's novel 'Mumbaistan' to be made into film

New Delhi: 'Sikandar' director Piyush Jha's debut novel 'Mumbaistan', which has received a heartening response from the readers, is in the process of getting a big screen treatment. The book consists of three fast-paced crime thrillers set in the streets of Mumbai. It is a gritty, compelling take on the megalopolis that lives on the edge.

"I am a filmmaker after all and I am definitely going to adapt the book for a film. In fact I am already in talks to adapt it for the big screen. Me and my team are looking into the possibilities. A lot of people who have shown interest in it, including Ekta Kapoor," Piyush told PTI.

"I also have offers to adapt it for a Tamil film. The book consists of three novellas. So, we have to see whether it will be made into three different films or one film. We also have to figure out who will direct the films," he added.

Although the cast of the film is yet to be finalised, the director, who has previously worked with debutantes Aashish Chaudhary in 'Chalo America' and Arunoday Singh in 'Sikandar', said that he may cast a star in this film.

"I may have a big actor in my film because I cannot deny the fact that stars have the kind of reach which helps a film. To get a little bit of lynchpin, you need a star. But on the other hand, I am also open to working with newcomers. I have introduced Aashish Chaudhary and Arunoday Singh in Bollywood and now they are known names," Piyush said.

The director has been absent from Bollywood since making 'Sikandar'. When asked why he took a hiatus, he said, "I got married. I was happily enjoying my married life. In the mean time I was also writing."

"Besides 'Mumbaistan', I will release two more novels, both crime fictions. The second one will come out in April next year and the third in October," he added.

Piyush has so far stayed away from making mainstream Bollywood films. His first film 'Chalo America' was a hilarious yet touching story of a group of three Indian college boys obsessed with the American dream.

His second, 'King of Bollywood', was the first Indian film in the 'Mockumentary' genre.

For 'Sikandar', Piyush decided to pick up another serious issue; terrorism in Kashmir.

"I have always made film on popular culture and events. I have made films on issue that affect our lives. I am not a masala filmmaker. I cannot do it. I want to be make cinema with a difference. That was the whole idea why I decided to

make films," he said.

Asked if he sees any difference in the film industry now since many issue-based movies are being made, Piyush said, "There is no change in the industry. It is just that nowadays more attention is being given to such films. But then for every 'Vicky Donor' there is also a 'Housefull 2'. I am glad that films like 'Vicky Donor' and others are being made and not just that, it is also becoming successful. This is an exciting phase," he added.

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