Director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury: I Believe In Stories That I Have Seen Otherwise It Becomes Superficial

In an interview with Outlook, the director talks about the idea behind the storyline, taking references from real-life situations, and working with stalwarts like Pankaj Kapur

Excerpts from the conversation:

?Q. 'Lost' is inspired by a true event so would you like to talk about that?

I was with the story for the last 5-6 years along with Shyamal Sengupta who has written the script and Ritesh Shah who has written the dialogues. The story came to my mind after meeting a very young girl who is a journalist. I love to explore stories from my atmosphere and?that’s the most important thing so after talking to her about what kind of work she does, and how far she has to stretch herself, I have realized that the most important thing in life is responsibility and commitment in whatever you do. It's not about journalism only, even if you play cricket, even if you sell vegetables, even if you are a gym trainer, you have to be committed to that. All of us have a purpose and we should go deep into that. It can't be superficial, it can't be shallow and I have got a lot of stories from that atmosphere- what is happening in and around. However, the basic story is how far a woman can go to find out the truth because that's her job. Everything has repercussions but we should be good, truthful, and honest as much as possible. ?We wanted to be real and honest as much as possible with this film too.

Q. Pink was one of the path-breaking films and with 'Lost', you are again taking references from societal problems.? It seems you love taking references from real-life situations?and social films as a filmmaker.

What is a film? A film is a story that you want to tell and you want to entertain people both intellectually and at the same time in a very entertaining way. What is entertainment? If you engage me with something, that is entertainment. Now when I write a story or think of a story or select a story, it has to come from things that I believe in, which I have seen, which you realize otherwise it becomes very superficial. It has to have context which we have seen before, which is in front of you, which you are facing every day so think. I have said in several interviews that who are we to judge? You have the right to drink with me at midnight or 2 am so how can people judge you? That’s my problem. My problem is I can't go to court so I have to address it through my art.

The entire socio-political, socio-economical, and sociocultural things surround us so we are thought of that. Whatever stories are happening are happening around those so how can you neglect that? It comes very automatically, it’s part of our existence. I am existing in this atmosphere so how can I neglect this atmosphere? How can this element, geography, and politics not come into my story?

Q. But what about the business and commercial aspects while making such films?

Of course, when I make a film I have to think of what kind of money I am spending and ask my producers. Even if I am doing a film with X?amount of money that is unrecoverable so that is not done. The way you design a film has to be moderate because otherwise, the business doesn’t stand. Though while making a film, you don’t think about money but you don’t spend 100 crores at least.

Q. Why did you select an OTT release for the 'Lost' release?

This is everybody’s decision and I am fond of theatres, I am extremely fond of theatres but trust me, the OTT release and its reaching 190 countries is a huge thing for us. We are making a film for people to watch and people are consuming everything. So I am happy that it is reaching so many people, ?to so many countries. Our trailer has crossed 14 million views so it's a great thing. I respect both theatres and OTT but maybe my love is more for cinema.

Q. Do you think in today’s time?sometimes heavier subjects like this get a lot of trolling as well? As a filmmaker, do these thoughts come to you?

These problems have existed for ages and I am an artist so I have to be honest and truthful and I have to show a story. Also, everything has good and bad things in life. I don’t have an illusion that everybody will love it but some people will love it and some people will hate it, that’s life. At least we are honest that we want to do this thing.

Q. How did you finalize the star cast?

I wanted to work with Pankaj Kapur for a very long time and when we spoke to him, he was convinced. Another thing I believe in is that the universe also gives you back and it automatically falls into place so I am lucky here. Also, Rahul (Khanna) didn’t do this kind of role ever and Yami was beautiful. Even a person who has done a small role was so honest and involved.

Q. What next?

I have always made films after two or three years even in Bengali films but now I am ready with another film and have completed my shooting and editing is happening now. It’s a Hindi film.

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