The film is a simple story told beautifully, and it's a rare instance when the author seems completely happy with the cinematic embellishments made to his original story.

"I saw it for the first time right now," said Bond at the International Film Festival of India in Goa. "It was such a moving experience. I wrote a very simple story, and Vishal made it into such a wonderful film.

"The story was a very small, very simple one; but this is a film, and things have to be filled-out for the screen. Vishal and his writers have done that beautifully."

Bond was understandably reeling after watching the film's leading man, Pankaj Kapur. "He is such a brilliant actor. In the film, the character has a lot more importance than in my story, but it all seems justified. He's brilliant."

Bond evaded questions, saying, "A writer should be read, and neither seen nor heard. I'm just glad Vishal discovered my little story. It's a very high-quality product, and I wish Vishal every success with it."

Don't Miss: IFFI 2005

Text: Raja Sen | Design: Uday Kuckian