Raaj Shaandilyaa is currently gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated film ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala‘ Video, starring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri.
In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Shaandilyaa discussed today’s cinema, his plans to make Dream Girl 3 and more.
With what kind of sensibilities did you write a 90s story for today’s audience?
The film is set in 1997, and when I found out a couple of assistants were born in 1998, I asked them, “How will you approach this film?” I had to explain the entire era to them, as it would be an unfamiliar world for those who haven’t experienced the 90s.For those who did live through that time, the film will bring back fond memories. It was a beautiful era. Nowadays, people seem to be forgetting Indian culture, as many are leaning towards being more Western.
What about cinema?
The same applies to cinema. If I’m making a comedy, how can I make it like a Hollywood comedy? Their people and sensibilities are different. For instance, they might celebrate getting divorced, but we don’t. I focus on telling stories from small towns because I’ve lived there and experienced life in those places. A lot of funny things happen in our everyday lives, and I draw inspiration from those real-life experiences.
What do you think of today’s cinema?
Romance is not working in movies because there’s no mystery left because of social media. The people know who is in a relationship with whom. So, what they see on screen looks fake.
And violence in cinema?
It’s the easiest way out, when you can’t communicate what you want to say, you resort to violence. Nowadays, films aren’t being written; people are relying heavily on remakes. That’s one reason we’re seeing fewer comedies. Comedy requires original writing and performance. You can’t use a body double for the funny scenes—you have to deliver the humor yourself. Writing a good comedy is definitely not an easy task.
Status of screenwriters – payment and respect.
You go to a film festival and buy the rights to a film for 2 Cr. Why don’t you pay those 2 crores to writers?
They will write 8-10 films for you, and later you can sell the rights to those films. But people are afraid of originality. The films that have become massive hits are the ones that are original. A film should have certain standards, and when people leave the theatre, they should walk away with something meaningful.
Doesn’t cinema reflect the society?
Rajkumar Hirani made Munnabhai MBBS, a film filled with positive messages, but did anyone apply those lessons in real life? No. Yet, when films show people fighting and spreading negativity, the audience eagerly embraces it. Everyone is in a rush to gain popularity. Family dramas are becoming rare because people have lost touch with family dynamics, they don’t even know the difference between a bhanja and a bhatija. There should be all kinds of films, but there also need to be audiences willing to watch them, right?
Any plans of making Dream Girl 3?
I am writing it. I will probably make it after a couple of other films.
Who is on your dream list of actors to direct?
Amitabh Bachchan. Unfortunately, Irrfan Khan passed away so that will not happen. I would like to work with his son Babil Khan. I am a big fan of Alia Bhatt. I want to work with Diljit Dosanjh.
Would you like to make a biopic?
I would like to make a biopic of Narendra Modi Ji.
