Sanjay Suri | The actor who left a mark in movies like Jhankaar Beats, I Am and My Brother... Nikhil is back with Season 2 of Dev DD. Shalini Saksena chats him up about what this season is about, how OTT platforms have changed the dynamics for actors and upcoming projects
What made you do Season 2 of Dev DD?
The place where Season 1 left, it had scope for more and it organically led to Season 2. The conflict of characters just about begins. For me, it was a natural progression from one to two. In the prequel my character, Anurag, is in love with his daughter’s best friend, in Season 2, it takes off from where things were left.
What is the story here?
Certain stories, the central ones, Season 2 builds on them. But now, more characters have been introduced here — thriller elements have been added — Paritosh and Aditi. Anurag and Devika’s story is conflicted, she tries to resolve it, one will have to see whether it happens or not. Then there is his daughter’s love story that moves ahead.
How tough was it to shoot for this season?
Definitely not terms of the craft. But in terms of logistics. Initially, when we started shooting for this season, it was sometime in October, things were just opening up and one had to take a lot of precautions. This slowed down the pace of the shoot. Also, one has to get tested regularly since all the actors in front of the camera are without a mask. There were other issues as well. Take an example — costumes. The stories didn’t allow trials due to the COVID-19. This was a challenge for the stylist. So, the whole functioning changed. First two-three days, there were over a hundred people on the set. It was a bit daunting and then it became normal with the precautions of course.
Two new characters have been introduced in Season 2. Did it affect the bonding that you had with your co-stars?
Not at all. It was exciting to have two new characters; they are both wonderful people. While it is true that one develops a bond and camaraderie, Nauheed Cyrusi and Aman Uppal blended so beautifully into the team and actually took it ahead especially Aman who would greet and wish everybody after coming to the sets. We had that kind of courtesy. It was gracious of him to do so. Season 2 was shot pre-lockdown and post-lockdown in terms of time one was part of a larger journey. Time spent together virtually or otherwise was longer and we were able to bond well.
Has OTT changed the dynamics for actors?
It has definitely, sort of, democratised the whole star system. The web series is a much longer format. The story and the character graph have more time than what you get in films. The writers too it gives them a definite arc to develop the character so one remains in that role for a much longer time and explore more. This is a big boost for new actors who don’t need a big launch or have the burden of a 100-crore film. There is a good amount of work for actors and even technicians. Once the lockdown opened there was a sudden rush to fill the gap of six-seven months. Unfinished projects had to be completed. New projects took off to fill the lack of entertainment. When I got calls, before talking about the role, they asked if I had dates. The OTT has been good for actors, directors, producers and the crew.
Do you think that OTT has better options for actors?
I wouldn’t say it is better or worse since I don’t want to weigh it in this manner. Both can co-exist. Web series in some way are structured in a format. You end every episode with a hook. A film can be open-ended. It doesn’t have to have it. Like there is a difference between a full-length film and a short film. A film is far more organic and not data driven. In an OTT, the pacing is structured since one is dealing with a diverse audience which will slip very quickly. It is not like a date with cinema.
Does it bother that people still talk about My Brother… Nikhil?
It doesn’t bother me at all that despite it not being a 100-crore, people still remember me. It is wonderful. It is great that somewhere when 100-crore became the benchmark, I had movies that people remember like Chauranga, My Brother… Nikhil, Jhankaar Beats and I Am, that I can take them to my grave. Each film has a long shelf life. I am fortunate and grateful that I have done these projects.
What next?
I am shooting for a series and a film. There is another series and the shoot has to start. I also produce films and have a few feature film scripts. Time and opportunity permitting, I will take them up as well.