Dolcy D’Cruz
dolcy@herald-goa.com
Whats not to love about 'Better Man', the opening film of IFFI in Goa? Based on the life of popular hitmaker Robbie Williams, the film is co-written, co-produced and directed by Michael Gracey, the man who gave great hits like 'The Greatest Showman' and 'Rocketman'. Another big twist in the film is that the role of Robbie is portrayed as a chimpanzee, performed by Jonno Davies using motion capture.
In Goa for the screening, the lead actress, Raechelle Banno, witnessed the true reaction of film lovers for the first time at the screening. "I was a little bit nervous, but it was really energetic to sit with people. After we had 'Rock DJ' playing, everyone clapped. It was so exciting to share that with people. The audience here in Goa was really receptive to our film and had some lovely chats with us. We've been able to speak to lots of people," says Raechelle.
playing the role of a real person, Nicole Appleton, a noted singer from the British all girls' band, All Saints, Raechelle is due to meet her in a couple of days. "I was suppose to meet her this coming Monday but I had a little trip to india that came up last minute so I had to reschedule. She was kind to reschedule so that I could come and promote the film in India. We connected chatting via messaging just a month ago. Over the last three years, I was hoping to express to her how much I respect and appreciation I have for her. It’s an interesting thing playing a real person and I have never done that before. It was very important to me to try to convey to her that I was coming at this from a place of respect and not trying to exploit her in anyway. She already knew that as she has been in touch with the production but I wanted to say it to her. She will be coming to our London premiere and will be nice to have a one-on-one. I hope she is happy and comfortable with the portrayal."
Raechelle didn't have a chance to actually work with Robbie Williams as in the film the role is played by an AI chimpanzee with Jono Davis, working on the motion capture. "I actually haven't met Robbie yet. The days that he was on set, I was rehearsing for my dance sequence, but maybe next week, I'll meet him at the premiere. But I worked very closely with Jono Davis, who does all the motion capture, and I just couldn't have more respect if I tried for that man. He is an incredibly hard-working actor. He's an incredible leader, but he's also just a really good guy. And I can't wait to see what he does. It just made my job so easy. Nicole was supposed to be swept off her feet, literally, in the film, and Jono really is capable of doing that," she shares her experience working on the film.
Speaking about Bollywood and the Indian film industry, she said, 'I'm definitely aware of Bollywood. I haven't seen as many as I would like. I know of a few films from over here. A good friend of mine is named Banita Sandhu, and she's worked over here. I'm aware of her film 'October', and she had a film come out last year, 'Sardar Udham'. They're all on my list, because if anyone like Banita is in them, I am interested, because they are good people and good stories."
On a very short trip to Goa, just for the screening of the film and the opening ceremony, Raechelle is hoping to come back as soon as possible. "I'm not here very long. I'm very sad about that, but I have to go back to London to prep for the London premiere. And I want to come back as soon as possible. I want to get out and go for hikes and go and see this beautiful country and enjoy more of what it has to offer," concludes Raechelle.