Sham Kaushal is the action director of films like Lakshya and Raavan. Here he talks of three films that influenced his craft
Deewaar (1975)
The action scene in the godown in Deewaar is one of the best I have seen. It’s a great example of what goes into a good action scene — not just technique, but help from the script. The local gundas are searching for Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan), who is waiting for them in the godown. Vijay locks the godown from the inside and throws the keys to one of the gundas, and says, “Isse apni jeb mein rakhle Peter. Ab mein yeh taala teri jeb se chaabi nikal karke hi kholoonga.” This dialogue sets up the fight. Without it, the action wouldn’t have stood out. When, eventually, Amitji opens the door and walks out, there’s a huge crowd waiting for him and he calmly washes his face from a tap nearby. These are things that get the audience whistling, clapping or crying. That’s why it’s very important that action be backed by great content.
Gladiator (2000)
There are many action sequences in this film. But it is the character buildup of Russell Crowe throughout the film that lends the action so much depth. The emotional depth brought in by Crowe made the action convincing. I especially love the sequence where there is a tiger in the arena. The tiger complicates Crowe’s strategy. Even as he fights other men, he has to keep an eye on the tiger. One misstep and the tiger would pounce on him. Shots of the tiger induce tension in the scene. Of course, Crowe is like a tiger himself. You are attached to his character and are egging him on to win.
Hero (2002)
Hero, a period film, is one of my favourites because action is reinterpreted so drastically, that it looks poetic. There is one scene where two people are fighting over a lake with swords. It looks like a ballad. Minute attention to detail, like the sword touching the water in the lake, and droplets of water flying around, builds up the action. Little things like the sound of the wind, the dust in the air, are used to create a surreal experience. Jet Li especially deserves a lot of praise. Though Jackie Chan has carved a niche for himself as an action-comedy star, Li shows just how well he can carry stunts off. If you love action, you certainly shouldn’t miss this movie.
(Kaushal spoke to R Krishna)
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