It has been six years since the release of Ramaleela directed by Arun Gopi starring Dileep. Yes, at that time Dileep’s film Ramaleela was also a five year long dream of Arun Gopi. When he directed his maiden film with a star who has satellite value and popularity like Dileep, Arun had no expectations. With the production under the banner of Mulakupadam Films, the director had the same expectations of success. But Dileep’s arrest and the subsequent events took place like a thunderbolt against all expectations. Ram Leela was a success that silenced the critics and those who chanted that Dileep is no more. Any actor can make a film that is a turning point in his career. But it is rare for a film to give an actor a second birth. That is what happened through Ramalila.
Arun Gopi has shared in an interview given to Cannes Channel Media. ‘We set ourselves up to face it at the most essential points in life.’ ‘Even when there were so many problems, I had faith in my project. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if all these events had happened after the release of the movie. It didn’t happen that way.” The situation and nature were all paving the way for its release on a most beautiful day. Tomichetan called me and asked me for a headline to put in the newspaper on the first day of release. It was a very difficult question. Because it’s a time when all channels are being torn apart.’ ‘Even in the end discussions of the channels, the topic was whether Ram Leela would be seen. A leading channel anchor has called not to watch Ram Leela. So at one point Tomichetan asked for a headline to give in the newspaper about the movie. I said to give Ramaleela from tomorrow in the country that loves cinema. It was that belief that saved the Ramaleela movie.’
“If it’s a good film, it will be successful at any stage. I didn’t feel like leaving the movie. How much it hurts us if someone says a bad word about us… When he thinks to himself, the man who has been blamed by many people and is in a crisis, his pain will be immense.’ “The day before the film’s release, I went to jail to meet Dileepetan. He only said one thing that day. I haven’t done anything wrong… so our film will be a success. You boldly said to take it down. If he wants to say that, he must have a face. I believe it must have been said by him at that time. I am on that side. It is also said that there is no change in my position.
