After films like I Am Kalam and Jalpari-The Desert Mermaid, the director's next is a romance that explores modern relationships
love Is Not Mathematics will be an “unpredictable love story that questions today’s youth,” remarked Nila Madhab Panda, describing his third movie.
The film stars names like Sahil Anand, who appeared in Student Of The Year, and the Bengali actress Erica Fernandez.
Panda got the idea in 2007, after a survey conducted on Delhi University students. It related to love and sex. “Around 95 per cent agreed they were okay with pre-marital sex, which did or did not involve love. I wondered does love actually exist for young peopleIJ Is having a girlfriend of boyfriend simply a businessIJ Earlier, people got married to near strangers, and divorces were less frequent. Today however, there is more liberty to choose one’s partner. People stick together for a few months, as if taking a pilot test for love, then move on easily. I wanted to find out what love means to the young. Is it about being with a person, making compromises with her/his weaknesses and growing in a relationship or just having funIJ”
He emphasised, “It is not a preachy story, but a romantic film with drama and good songs.” The film begins with the story of a boy and girl, who have a one-night stand, then lead different lives.
“It’s a simple tale, made in a way that might remind you of your love story. It mirrors society. I follow my own perception and though I don’t write, I made a draft in my mind. This one was in my head from 2005. It was influenced by my reading and things I observed. I do not accept a script from any writer because I want to make a film my own way. I waited to make this story, because I felt it needed maturity to make a coming-of-age love tale. I have grown with each film. They all contain references to my life,” he added.
The director is packed with projects till 2015, making several “big budget films with all kind of stars.” But he said he’ll always have a certain style. “I am satisfied doing my own work. I operate from Delhi and never felt the need to move to Mumbai. I do not socialise. Nor do I want to join a certain league. I am self-inspired and believed in my own thoughts.”
Panda sold his house and gold jewellery to make I Am Kalam. The film created branding for him and now sourcing funds is not a problem. “I am not in any 100 crore business club. I am glad that once branding is established, sponsors themselves come over and now there is no dearth of support.”