MUMBAI: Television producer Asit Modi of Neela Telefilms is planning to make a feature film. However, he insists that TV serials and shows will be the primary area of focus for his production house.

While speaking to indiantelevision.com, Modi says that the feature film is in the conceptualisation stage. Modi, however, confirms that he is in talks with his close friend - writer Prakash Ranjit Kapadia. Kapadia made his Bollywood debut in 2002 by writing the screenplay and dialogues for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas. Kapadia has been attached to the much watched Gujarati theatre as a writer since 1984 and has also written television serials and telefilms.
Modi claims that he is contemplating whether he should make a comedy film or try out other subjects. "I have done different subjects but the majority of Neela Telefilms' programmes have been comedy shows. But, I believe that a producer, who has successfully made comedy shows can handle other subjects with equal ease because comedy is a very difficult subject," he adds.
In 1995, Modi co-produced Kabhi Yeh Kabhi Woh for DD Metro; went on to make Miyaa Phuski for DD Ahmedabad. Sony show Hum Sab Ek Hain was his first independent work as producer and it came on air in 1998. He has also produced Yeh Duniya Hai Rangeen and Meri Biwi Wonderful for the same channel.
Literally starting from a scratch, Modi has earned a reputation for being a specialist comedy-show producer who has delivered a string of consistent successes. However, he modestly claims: "Making comedy shows is a God's gift. No one can claim to have a successful formula for making successful comedy shows. Making viewers laugh is very difficult task and one has to be highly committed. The producer cannot take anything for granted and has to constantly innovate. A successful comedy show is a team effort and everyone from the producer to the actors to the spot boys has to have belief and commitment in the project."
Talking about his show Meri Biwi Wonderful, that is currently airing on Sony Entertainment Television (SET), Modi says: "The success of the comedy show can be attributed to the novelty factor in it. For the first time on Indian TV, a sitcom is laced with magic and the supernatural. However, the one year contract will expire in September 2003," Modi adds.
When asked about his future comedy shows, Modi is tight-lipped and says that everything is in the planning stage. "Finding the right subject that has a universal appeal is a difficult and time consuming task. After all, the show has to appeal to people in different socio-economic classes; metro audiences as well as those who live in the interiors," he says while promising to share the details as soon as plans are firmed up.