By Rajesh V. Gaur & Suneel V. Gaur
Director Tigmanshu Dhulia believes in only one mantra: make films that are simple to understand. In 2003 he made his first feature film, the critically acclaimed 'Haasil'. He’s come a long way and recently released the exciting 'Revolver Rani'. We interviewed this much-talked-about director. Here are come excerpts from our conversation:
What matters to you more – critical acclaim or commercial success?
Film making is a combination of both. I have never made films that go over your head. I have made films that you may not like, but you will understand them. I make simple films. 'Haasil' was a love story – it was packaged with what ever is essential to make a commercial film. Even if I try my hand at making larger than life films, I will fail miserably. Similarly, I believe the commercial film makers can’t make a 'Paan Singh Tomar'.Are you disappointed with any aspect of film making ,today?.
Being a dialogue writer myself, I am not happy with the way dialogues are used in films today. It seems that many of the dialogue writers today don't know the craft nor the language. Therefore the emotions that the filmmaker is trying to express through the film suffers. Dialogue writing should enhance a situation, a character and the overall film.
Why have most of your films featured gangsters of some kind ?
I like characters who challenge authority. I like to make them liberated, if not in physicality then in spirit. Also, morality is one element I always like to explore. My main character always goes through a moral conflict.
Being a writer yourself,would you consider directing something you haven’t written?
I am open to working on stories conceived by someone else, but my collaboration will be required for writing the screenplay and dialogues. When I write, I make my film on paper – it becomes my vision. Executing someone else's vision will indeed be very difficult but not impossible.
After the response to your performance in 'Gangs of Wasseypur', will we see you act in more films?
Yes, I may act again. The audience reaction to my performance his given me confidence. I am a trained actor from the National School of Drama. Acting is a nice break—you get pampered and you are only needed on the sets for a few days (smiles).