The challenge is not to repeat myself: Sudhir Mishra

February 05, 2011

by Noyon Jyoti Parasara

Three-time National Award winner Sudhir Mishra is easily one of the most discussed names when it comes to modern Hindi cinema. His chequered career includes films like Chameli, Iss Raat Ki Subah Nahi, Khamosh and Dharavi.  And his next film is Yeh Saali Zindagi, which he says is a black comedy. We talk to the director to know more about the way he works.

The place usually plays an important part in your stories. How important is it to get the right setting?
It is important. For this film (YSZ) I went and shot in Delhi because that’s what the characters demanded. I wanted to use a very tongue in cheek humor and that’s a part of Delhi. The sense of humor they speak was more appropriate for Delhi. There are a lot of colloquial words and slangs used to keep the feel.

Where do you get your story ideas?
All my films are inspired by my life and stories that have happened, what I have seen and observed. Like for Yeh Saali Zindagi I was inspired by a friend. He was going on and on about a woman who was just not reciprocating. I found it very interesting and thought of creating a plot around such an obsession. While thinking on it I thought it would be interesting to put the character in some real danger and see how he will react. The story immediately became a romantic thriller. 

What’s your obsession with portraying characters and emotions in a completely reverse way as most filmmakers do?
That’s the way I think. I don’t think there are any straight emotions! Everything has its two sides. A bullet could kill you as well as save your life. Love can kill you as well save your life. It’s an interesting side of life. Same goes with YSZ. Life takes you through a complicated route before leading into the happiness in life. 

How do you go about casting in your films, considering you have a tendency of repeating your actors?
Yes I do repeat actors. I have repeated actors like Soha, Kay Kay, Shiney Ahuja and now Chitrangda. That’s because some people understand you better. But that never means that I will cast someone who does not fit into the character. I cast Chitrangda in YSZ because she has the capability of adding grace to a character like the one in the film. It is a very strong and real character. 

And what is the challenge with every film you make?
Every film is different as every script is different. The challenges in each film are different I don’t try and repeat myself. It is good to pull out another challenge as you are not falling back on your reflexes. You have to play another shot. You have to improvise.

You shot YSZ in real locations of Delhi. And though you have been doing it for some time, shooting in real locations seems to be a trend catching up with many other directors. Your comment.
Technology has made it easier. Now with the newer kinds of cameras it is easier to go into the streets and shoot. The younger directors connect much better with the crowd. They go back to places where they come from. Also there is a breed of new actors who merge very well into a crowd. 

What are the difficulties that a filmmaker could face while shooting in real locations?
If you go there with warmth, realize that you are the intruder and not they (people), talk to them politely, understand their problem and adjust to it then it won’t be much of a problem. If you go there like a star, misbehave and think that life will come to a standstill as you are shooting, then you will be in trouble! To make things simple during my shoots I always had two units. Sometimes I used to pretend that I am shooting in one place while the actual shooting was happening somewhere else. We shot right in the middle of all the rush before they realize what was happening.

Talking about technology, what camera did you use?
I used a Red camera. It is more like film camera in terms of size and does not provide the flexibility of a digi-camera. It But it does give a lot of freedom in terms of stock etc. You save money on the film stock and hence you can also shoot longer and take chances. Also you don’t lose on quality while transferring from camera to machines for post production. 

Your last film Tera Kya Hoga Johnny is yet to release. Does YSZ’s release bring you relief?
Yes, there’s a relief. Finally a film is releasing. Finally it seems things are on track. But then my approach in life is that you have to take on the chin. You can’t help, if something has to happen it will happen. You cannot do anything more than your best. Beyond that, you have to leave it as you are not god. 

Lot of small films did good last year. Do you see that as a good sign?
It’s great and feels wonderful. And now I hope that small films get more space, slightly better budgets and wider releases. Now you will see all the films which were stuck over the last two years releasing one after the other.