Nagesh Kukunoor is a relieved man.

After months of waiting, his third film Bollywood Calling, which was due for release early this year, hits the marquee this Friday.

The film takes a humorous look at the Hindi film industry. Although it lacks technical finesse, the film makes up with its simple story, that does not poke fun at Bollywood, but presents it in a light, satirical manner.

Kshama Rao spoke to an excited Kukunoor in the midst of a hectic schedule.

What is going through your mind right now? Are you relieved?

*Laughs* Yes, that is exactly how I feel.

The long wait is all part of the game. Some things you can control, some you cannot. It feels good to see a film you have slogged over, finally see the light of day.

What caused the delay? Were there unforeseen problems with the film's distribution?

The producers we had earlier, backed out and it was a while before Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC) stepped in.

Our previous producers were hoping for an international release, hence they wanted to wait for an appropriate time.

However, with PNC a release date had to be set.

We eventually decided to opt for a national release before we went global.

What did you do in the meantime?

I wrote six scripts.

I decided that I wouldn't sit by and wait for things to happen.

I made a conscious decision to write. Things are moving in such a way that even as Bollywood Calling releases, I have begun work on my next project.

What are your new projects about?

There is this film called Three Walls; it is a story about three prisoners set in an Indian prison.

A Shawshank Redemption meets Pulp Fiction kind of film.

I am also working on A Touch of Illogic, a comedy set in the US and another film titled Turn.

The last one will be an action thriller set against the backdrop of Rajasthan.

Why do you think that Rockford did not fare as well as Hyderabad Blues?

After Hyderabad Blues, I guess people were expecting Hyderabad Blues 2 which was not the case with Rockford.

It was meant to be a departure from Hyderabad Blues.

After my first film, I had written three scripts out of which one was Rockford and another was Bollywood Calling.

I was advised against making Rockford as some thought that the audience was expecting me to give one more wacky comedy.

The best part about filmmaking for me is the process of making it.

All the other aspects (production, distribution, promotion) are necessary evils. One has to accept them as they help you to make more films.

Films are such a medium, that you as a director do your best to put it out there.

Some work, some don't.

How have you evolved as a filmmaker from Hyderabad Blues to Bollywood Calling?

With my first film, every step I took, I learnt something new.

I was raw and everything I did added to my learning experience.

With Rockford, I guess I got a grip on some technical aspects, editing and ditto with Bollywood Calling.

I got to learn from seasoned actors like Om Puri, Navin Nischol and Pat Cusick.

You get to know the different ways a scene can be shot, as everybody is bringing in their experience.

So, when can we expect you to churn out the typical Bollywood potboiler?

*Laughs* As soon as people offer me more money to make it.

I think I am comfortable with making a typical commercial Hindi film.

I have grown up on Hindi films. It is not that I am clueless about them. In fact I am sure I can make one.

What are your expectations from Bollywood Calling?

I want it to work. I guess everybody knows enough of Bollywood to relate to it.