Saurabh Shukla

What are the basic criteria of directing a movie?

A basic criterion of any art is he or she should like what they are doing. For an artiste, it's essential that you like your craft. Second, script is also very essential as that's what you see on screen. Moreover, director is also a writer. That's because what a writer writes on a paper, the director has to re-interpret the same thing in front of the camera. So these are the basic things one should keep in mind.

Is formal training required for making a film?

I won't say required. But yea, if you have a formal training it definitely helps. It makes things easier for you as you understand what direction is all about. It has a certain amount of technicalities. It's also a creative process. Now if you have a formal training its great since it gives you a platform to understand the goings-on really fast.

How important is casting the right people in the right roles? Do you think casting glitches can hamper a film?

It is very important. As they say, casting rightly done is half the battle won. So its essential that you cast the right person for the right role. So if your cast is wrong, it won't have the desirable effect on the film. Consequently, it will hamper the film.

How do you work towards extracting best performances from your actors?

I do that by sharing. I share my own experience with the members of my films and also learn about their experiences. My process of direction is quite fluent. Actors are most welcome to take part in the process of filmmaking. I do not bind them.

You have also written scripts for other directors like Ram Gopal Varma. Do you think your story was translated on the screen the way you wrote it?

When you write for other directors, they know what they want to achieve. I am just extending my talent as a writer to fulfill their vision. But yes, most of the time if the director is well versed they translate it accurately. But if the director is not talented enough, they make certain errors.

You have been the director of your own scripts. How comfortable or difficult it is when you direct your own script than let others direct yours?

Whenever I have written for others, I have written their vision. So from the word go, it is not my script. Now coming to the difficulty part of it. When I direct my own script, I am responsible for it. When you are switching your role from a writer to a director there is a shift in nature. But I won't say it is difficult. However, I feel there is a danger. You have to be aware of it and only then, you can do your job convincingly.

You are an actor too. So does it becomes easy to direct a film since you have a hands on experience in front of the camera?

Yea it is immensely helpful. Being an actor myself, I understand their psyche, their difficulties and likings. So instead of being an alien who keeps passing orders, I become a part of them. That makes the whole journey very easy.

Do you incorporate the inputs of your star cast while directing?

I let people participate because I like improvisation. Moreover, when an actor improvises, the director listens to him. If found feasible, they even incorporate it in the story structure. This way it becomes more layered yet the focus is still maintained.

Do you think the director should mould his script in such a way that the film becomes saleable?

Its quite a difficult task to figure out how to maneuver a script. Nobody knows what sells. So I think everyone should make a film with guts and very freely. If you are convinced about your craft, it will definitely sell.

How much groundwork is required before you actually start calling the first shot?

There are two parts of it. One part is the project part. It includes how you put your project through. That requires a different kind groundwork. You meet the producers. You make the project interesting and viable for marketing. But on the more creative level, it is the script that needs attention more than anything else. You should be absolutely sure what you want to say. You should have a good script in hand. Then do the right casting, choose the perfect locations and crew. All this makes the journey smooth.

Do you believe in the fact that films should be made keeping in mind the sensibilities of the audience or your target group?

The sensibility of the audience is your own sensibility. That's because you are the first one to actually witness the actions of your film as a director. So you will have to trust your own sensibility.

Even though you have your script ready, did it ever happen that you are struck by an idea during the shoot and you immediately make it a part of the narrative? So what do you do in such situations since you don't have a defined shooting structure for the particular sequence?

If you are struck by an idea and you are convinced about it, you include it anyhow. But if it tampers with structure of the script, it is not a feasible option. Look, if your idea is not in sync with the film, then it should better be dropped.

Do you think the budget of the film can severe the prospects of a film?

There is an optimum budget for every kind of film. And if you don't get the right kind of budget, you better not go about making one.

Any tip for the aspiring directors or scriptwriters?

It is said that films are lies since they do not happen in real time. But remember that no lie can happen without a truth. So never, lie to yourself while making a film. Be true to what you are doing and you will definitely achieve it.