TV show director Ravi Rai ventures into films

Television director Ravi Rai, known for popular TV shows like "Sailaab" and "Thoda Hai Bas Thode Ki Zaroorat Hai", now takes a big leap - he is making his big screen debut with interestingly titled "Maaya,Vanilla and Strawberries".

"It is a story about five friends, who come to Mumbai to become actors. Though they are not successful, their journey teaches them a lot about life," Rai told IANS by phone from Mumbai.

"It is a very 'Chashme Buddoor-ish' kind of a film. Everybody has a 'Chashme Buddoor' or a 'Chalti Ka Naam Gadi' moment... moments about growing up with friends and sharing life with friends," he added.

While actor Ali Fazal, known for playing Joy Lobo in "3 Idiots", has been finalised to play one of the protagonists, the rest of the cast is yet to be decided.

"I am also in talks with a well-known character actor, who will play six different roles in the film. But until the paper work is complete, I cannot really discuss about him. I have already shot certain portions of the film," said Rai.

What took you so long to wield the megaphone for a movie?

"I really don't know what took it so long but I believe everything has to happen on designated time. If everything goes well, I intend to finish my film by November this year and release it early 2013."