‘I have been a doubter, a sceptic’

Critically acclaimed director and screenwriter Sudhir Mishra doesn’t promise a rosy world; and his hard-hitting films have struck a chord with many. His films like Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Dharavi and Chameli have dealt  complexities with a simplicity that has won him many laurels. We take a peek into his mind to unravel what makes him tick...

How has your journey as a filmmaker been?
I have been lucky so far, as I have gotten the chance to tell the stories that I have wanted through my films. As a 23-year-old with dreams in my eyes I got an opportunity to write for Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. With Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi I got a overwhelming response and the best part was being able to connect with the youth. In a filmmakers’ life, these heartening moments provide the strength to go on even when your chips are down.

What do you think has worked for you and your films?
I don’t make it easy for the audience nor do I tell lies to paint a rosy picture of the reality around us. I have shown the brutal truth in all my films and yet managed to stay afloat in an industry that sells gloss. I have been a doubter, a sceptic and an unbeliever. I make movies that are a far cry from the escapist cinema that have been the lifeblood of Hindi cinema.

I treat every film as if it were my first. Every film is like a new adventure as I don’t rest on my past laurels. But I am living in exciting times now....

What excites you about contemporary Hindi cinema?
I think it is a wonderful time in Indian cinema as I find the audience more receptive to bolder themes. And the new crop of filmmakers are also not shy about experimenting and taking risks. More and more of them are standing up for what they believe in.

Why have you banked on actor Chitrangada Singh time and again?
I don’t know why such a big deal is made out of my working relationship with Chitrangada. My films portray the face of modern Indian women who are ambitious and go-getters with traces of vulnerability. Chitrangada is a talented actor and since we have worked together in the past, we can get the best out of each other.

What about your future projects?
Inkaar, a film on sexual harassment, explores the changing power equation at an urban workplace wherein women are challenging what was traditionally considered a male bastion. Mehrunissa is a story of a lady who is a catalyst in bringing together two friends not speaking to each other for 40 years. I am also working on a political drama where the protagonists are at loggerheads with each other.

And I am still grateful that I am alive and kicking and making my kind of movies.