The film has magical elements. It deals with money and the relationship between money and God -- and tries to do so in an entertaining manner. When we wrote the dialogues, we had to juxtapose the mythological dialogue (Sanskrit-ised, literary and flamboyant) with the colloquial, street-smart Telugu.

Are there any references to the cult classic Maya Bazaar?

There are certain references, which are tangential. There is no similarity. The title itself is a mixture of two languages, Sanskrit and Persian. The old Maya Bazaar was set in the mythological framework. The new one is set in the larger context of living in a globalised world and a market economy where certain values are getting eroded. Being selfish today is more real than being idealistic. And there is a layer of fantasy. We tried to juxtapose the abject reality of our lives with the dream-like.

Does Maya Bazaar have a message?

Some people will find something if they scratch the surface. No film will be without a message. It depends on how loudly the filmmaker wants to proclaim it. A film is an art form. Art forms reflect life and the filmmaker mirrors it -- how he sees reality varies.

How were Raja and Bhoomika chosen?

Bhoomika was chosen partly because of the rapport she shared with B Satyanarayana, as she had done Missamma. Also, the role demanded a mix of glamour and an independent woman, which she fitted into. Raja is an upcoming actor, and there are certain sections that like him. For him, it was something new.

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