404 now in Cantonese?

- Not many may have watched Prawaal Raman's psychological thriller 404, but a whole new audience will soon get two tailor-made versions to feast their eyes on.

The rights for the Cantonese and English remakes of 404 are currently being negotiated in Singapore with Tantra Films International. Prawaal will direct both the versions.

"I've just finished making the film so I can't say I'm very excited to make it in another language," jokes Prawaal, before adding, "On a serious note, I would love to reach out to a new audience and explore their sensibilities. East Asia has a great market for suspense and horror films. It'll be nice to get into the core and make something." T

he marketing head of 404 is currently in Singapore, discussing the formal business processes. Though it will take a week for the final decision to be taken, the director has already begun receiving mails for casting from the company.

Prawaal is convinced that he won't need to change or alter the script to adapt it for a global audience. "The fact that Tantra became interested in the film when they saw it must mean that they liked what they saw. There is no question of making any changes. If any are needed, I won't direct the films," he says. Work on the remakes is expected to begin within two to three months of the deal being finalised.

The film that released on May 20 apparently did not get adequate exposure and good slots in theatres due to lacklustre promotions. However, Prawaal insists, "The producers did the best they could."