'Highway' is Imtiaz Ali's attempt to have more elbow room

New Delhi: Imtiaz Ali says he braced himself for a free fall while working on his experimental road drama ‘Highway' but the director is happy that the risk has paid off. The director, who turned producer for ‘Highway' with his Window Seat Films, says the project was his attempt to have more creative freedom.“With ‘Highway' I was trying to plant a seed. It was a huge risk as I was into completely uncharted territory but luckily it paid off,” Ali told PTI in an interview.Things started falling into place when Sajid Nadiadwala pitched in by turning a presenter while A R Rahman came on board for music again after collaborating with Ali on ‘Rockstar'.Still assailed by doubts, Ali says he promised himself that he will abandon the project midway if the story did not come together as it was an open script.“I took money from Sajid bhai hoping that I will manage to return it and if I don't I will pay him by working. This is why I wanted ‘Highway' to be my risk alone,” says Imtiaz.The journey has not ended for Ali with the release of the film as he has been touring cities and gouging audience response by visiting cinema halls.“The audience has responded and connected with the story on an emotional level with both Alia and Randeep's characters.It is very important to have honest feedback and that comes directly from those who have just watched your film.