Director SUJOY GHOSH speaks to Sangeeta Yadav about his next project, Kahaani 2 & why it is not a sequel of the original
How are you taking Kahaani 2 forwardIJ
We are taking it forward as a genre. The story is different from the previous one. Something you will be entertained to see. If people come out of the cinema halls entertained and happy, it will make me happy.
Why did it take more than two yearsIJ
The thought for this story was there with me for the longest time. I had the story for a while but I didn’t know how to make it into a film. Once you crack that, it turn into a movie. Film demands a lot — it demands nine months of your time and it’s almost like giving birth. You have to be absolutely clear about the subject in order to make it into a film. You need a push that come what may, we are going to make this film.
What message does this film hasIJ
I can’t say what message it has. If a message has to be told, then it is not worth it. It should come out naturally. Only then you truly succeed as a filmmaker. With any piece of art, what matters is how the audience perceives it. As long as there is something positive for the audience, I think maybe I have done something worthwhile as a filmmaker.
Which is your favourite scene from the movieIJ
Every single frame is my child. I love every bit of it. There is nothing I don’t like about Kahaani 2. The process of filmmaking is an exhilarating experience. It was great fun. I can't single out a particular scene from it but everything has been a satisfying experience.
The style of storytelling looks different...
The film needed a lot more finesses. It had required a lot of life experiences. I don’t think I could make Kahaani 2 at the starting of my career. The film demanded a lot of new things from me as a maker and from Vidya as an actor. Which probably a film like Jhankar Beats didn’t. It forced us to think, talk and capture the scenes in a certain way. All this was new.
What was the biggest challengeIJ
To jump from one scene to another is a challenge because this film is mentally demanding. When you are writing the script, you can take your time. It took us over two years to write this. Only in shooting, it doesn't allow you those breaks.
How was your experience working with Vidya BalanIJ
She is a far better human being than an actress. She is someone who shares responsibility and whenever I make a film with her, I almost give all my responsibility of filmmaking to her. She is promoting the film 24 X7. Her sense of responsibility and loyalty towards the film is unprecedented.
Are thrillers close to your heartIJ
Thriller is a misogamy according to me. I don’t think thrillers have to have a murder, riddle, clues. There is a certain definition we give to the thriller. For me any movie which keeps me engaged is a thriller. Any film, even if you are watching Rishikesh Mukherjee’s film Golmaal or Qayamat Se Qawamat Tak, I think it is a thriller because every scene is making me want to see the more of that film. Every scene is asking me what will happen next. It engages me as an audience. I have to treat every movie like a thriller to keep my audience engaged.
Did you consider making a sequel of KahaaniIJ
No, I never thought to make a sequel or make Kahaani 2 to better the previous one. The first part was for the audience to cherish and I didn’t want to mess up with it otherwise people would have never forgiven me. Jootey padte mujhe uske liye. When we released the trailer, there was a thought whether this trailer will be good and the audience treat it as a separate individual movie or not. That gives me a lot of confidence. People will see it as an independent film and not a comparison to the first one.
Do we get to see another kahaaniIJ
Honestly, it’s too early to say. It all depends on the script. If we get a script which we thing. Can be made into Kahaani 3, then we will leave everything to make it happen. But till then, it’s very hard to commit to anything.
How much demonetisation has affected the industryIJ
I am sure it has affected but life goes on. I can’t sit and worry about it. Worrying doesn’t pay my bills. That’s my basic funda of life. I am at a point in life where I have to pay bills. Right now, I am an individual who is responsible for other lives also. Jo hota hai hone do. Hum manage ker lenge. The change comes with little problems. Only time shall tell if the change is good or bad. We have to allow sometime.