Kushal Srivastava | Air Force officer-turned-bollywood filmmaker, KUSHAL SRIVASTAVA best known for his debut directorial film Vodka Diaries talks to Shalini Saksena about his directorial short film Speed Dial and upcoming feature film Golden Arrows, a biopic on Wing Commander Birender Singh Dhanoa

What is Speed Dial about?

It is a comedy short film featuring Shreyas Talpade and Aksha Pardasany. It is a 20-minute-long film released and presented by 8 PM Premium Black Music CDs’ official youtube channel. During these tough times, especially since COVID hit us, one can only hope to look around and find that glimmer of magic. That is how I came up with this concept of a magical mobile phone and each call made from this phone would be an answer to all your prayers. The story revolves around Kabir (Shreyas) who chanced upon one such magical phone.

What made you do this film?

I was approached by 8 PM Premium Black to make a series of short films. I was excited about it as it will give me opportunities to try different genres too. My two previous short films were nominated for Filmfare Short Films, which encouraged  me to do this one and I am looking forward to more in future.

What inspired you to direct a film on the life of Wing Commander Dhanoa?

I am an Ex-AirForce myself. I joined right after the Kargil War in 1999 and served there for seven years. The Kargil War had affected me very deeply and I was following it through Doordarshan back then. Dhanoa sir flew at such a high mountainous terrain, where no air force in the world had ever flown at that time. He initiated so many things in that war, portrayed strong brotherhood with his squadron members like Ajay Ahuja, his right hand. To me, Dhanoa sir is a true hero whose journey inspired me to choose this subject.

How tough is it to direct a war film?

One thing I learnt from the Indian Air Force is that nothing is difficult if you are well prepared. I have learnt the craft of filmmaking from Jyoti Prakash Dutta, he is my guru. He is considered as a master of war films in India. So, I have done my homework and am well prepared for it.

Is there a message for the audience here?

I want to tell the audience that nothing is unachievable. One of my dialogues in the film is ‘There is nothing you cannot do in life.’ So, I think this film will motivate them and will give them goosebumps when they see those machines on the big screen.

You will direct a war film for the first time. What challenges do you foresee?

You do everything for the first time in life. The Air Force has been a small part of war films, fighter jets were just merely used as showpieces or in a very small role, I don't like that. We don't have any video or sound library for this, it's a challenge. You cannot use anything from the library. We have to set a benchmark so that in future,  people can follow that benchmark. nDo you think there would be a difference in the work environment?

Everyone on my set is focused on their work and they know what they are doing. The only difference this time would be that we cannot afford even a slight error because you can't ask for a retake when six fighter jets are flying for you in a single shot. What you can do is that you can put more cameras, maybe use four or five cameras to make sure that you get the best and get what you want. In other films, we don't need to worry about retakes. 

Having served in the Air Force, how did producing happen?

I was always interested and a part of cultural activities. I used to direct plays in my squadron in the air force and wanted to create my own stories. While I was posted in Hyderabad, my uncle, comedian Raju Srivastav used to shoot his films there and I got very attracted. I got inspired by the medium of filmmaking post which I left the Indian Air Force and came to Mumbai and joined Dutta.

Advice for budding directors?

I will just say that be honest to your job. Follow your instinct and don't listen to anyone, don't get influenced by others. Write stories about what you want to say and  whatever appeals to you. Be genuine and honest to your craft and you will excel one day for sure.