For years, I have been planning to make a film in India: Beyond The Clouds helmer Majid Majidi

To a cinema-loving audience, Majid Majidi doesn’t need an introduction. His cinema, both Iranian and indi, transcends all barriers. His Iranian film Children of Heaven (1992) got him an Oscar nomination.

And, though Children Of Heaven lost the trophy to Roberto Benigni’s Life Is Beautiful, Majidi’s was the first Iranian film to make it to the prestigious Academy Awards.

The Iranian filmmaker, who has been wooed by Indian studios to make a film here, finally makes his India debut with Beyond The Clouds, starring Ishaan Khatter (Shahid Kapoor’s brother) and Malayalam actress Malavika Mohanan, who is also daughter of cinematographer KU Mohanan (Jab Harry Met Sejal, Raees and Talaash).

We chatted with the celebrated director about his beautiful offering. Excerpts from the conversation...

Beyond The Clouds really touched our hearts. How do you manage to get people moist-eyed especially when you make a film in a language (Hindi) you don’t speak at all.

For years, I have been planning to make a film here in India. I was interested in the ambience, culture and atmosphere here. Do you know that culturally, India and Iran are close? Iran is a very dramatic country as is India. I spent time in Mumbai to get a deep understanding of the vocations here. And what I learnt, inspired me to make a film here. One of the companies here has been following up with me for some years.

So, during my trips to India, I got an idea, which I developed into a script. I did my research in Mumbai, and set it here.

Then came the most challenging part. I decided to make the film in Indian language and not in English. Especially, because of the characters and the cultural aspect, the film had to be a local movie. Language is not a barrier. When you mention emotion, it is very important in the film; you should transport that emotion to the audience.

That’s what your film does..

I believe emotion is the first thing that can touch the audience. That is the most important thing you should do in a film, take the audience with you. I had this concern; that the language of the film should be Hindi, because it is close to this culture. That’s also why I selected my crew from India and not from Iran. They could help translate that cultural and emotional aspects on the screen. This was a big challenge, making the movie in real ambience, real locations and not inside studios. Fortunately, we could make it happen. The other aspect was casting, with the team here I could get the right actors for the characters. I believe a big part of acting is when you select good and proper actors.

Yes, of course. The right actors make that difference.

So, after extensive research and casting correct actors, we mounted the film with Ishaan. As for the other characters, like Jhumpa and the kids; do you know that other little girl? I found her while walking on the streets. She is a common kid.

Even the other boy, in the jail sequences; he is also a fabulous actor.

He was a big challenge as well. He was barely a few years old; and to make him act was very difficult.

While there is no comparison between Beyond The Clouds and Slumdog Millionaire, coincidentally both are based in Mumbai slums. Have you seen Slumdog Millionaire?

Yes, and unfortunately in my opinion, that had a very touristy look.

What has been your approach for the movie?

I’ve tried to take a really realistic and correct look into the city. All the characters are real. In this film, we can see the real Mumbai.

One can feel that besides the actors, the place also is a character and has a soul.

Yes, that was very important for me. I wanted you to see Mumbai through my film.

Is there anything else you consider as a reward or award, having won many awards internationally, like in Montreal, Cannes among others?

Usually, when I make film, I try to reach the common audience and the specific audience. In this case, I’ve tried to keep a balance between both sides. And then, winning or not winning is another aspect.

Considering that you don’t speak the language, how much of Indian cinema have you seen?

I’ve mentioned it before, I knew Indian cinema for long time. I’m a big fan of Satyajit Ray’s cinema. When you watch Pather Panchali, you get such a strong feeling, it’s like magic. After watching the film, you can visualise local Kolkata culture from wherever you are. Mostly, I know the art cinema of India. And Shyam Benegal makes beautiful films.