A man for all causes

Tell us about the journey from your first film to Chakravyuh?

Kitne shabdo mein? (In how many words?!) It has been so long that I may not even remember parts of it! It feels like I started yesterday, and yet there’s a very long way to go still. It’s not like I sit back and assess about how far I’ve come; every film feels like a first. It’s the same butterflies-in the-stomach feeling before every new film, like it is right now with Chakravyuh. I don’t dwell on the past a lot.

Chakravyuh is set against the backdrop of the Naxal struggle. After Aarakshan, what made you choose another political hot potato?

The subject for a movie doesn’t reveal itself to me one fine day. It is a continuous process. When I was in college, I used to think about the Naxals a lot; I was even tempted to join them at times! Their idea of a society is something I really fancy… But they are greatly divided now.

While doing your research for this film, which aspect got the most attention from you?

My association with the Naxals is a rather long one – about 15 to 20 years; I’ve observed them, spoken to many; read a lot about them… Chakravyuh’s story was first narrated by my co-screenplay writer Anjum Rajabali in 2003 and I found it very apt. Later, when I found time, I revisited those areas, spent a few days with those people and refreshed a lot of experience and memory and then penned the final screenplay. Ideating and research is a continuous process.

A certain song from the film was in legal trouble for its lyrics. Were you prepared for it?

No, I had anticipated some talk around it definitely, but never imagined it to take a legal turn. That went a little too far. Nevertheless, I’ll have to defend it because I put it in for a certain flavour, a certain sentiment… If I don’t, I’d be accused of grafting it in for publicity's sake. It was important for me to portray the sentiments of the Naxals through that song… That is the way they sing or think. And it’s not the first time that their (Tata, Birla, Bata) names have been taken. They have repeatedly found mention in street plays, films and many other forums…

Your movies invariably court controversy. What do you think is the reason?

I make films on social issues; subjects over which people are bound to have different opinions, and when there are different opinions, there will be controversies.

How did Arjun, Abhay, Manoj, and Esha come on board?

I told them my story and they were convinced. They wanted to work with me and we worked it out.

Did you face any problems with the Censor Board of India regarding Chakravyuh?

Yes, we did. There were problems with the song, but the Revising Committee gave the go-ahead. Then that very song’s remix was stalled, and I had to approach the Tribunal; they also gave it a clean chit. I believe in self censorship. We need to understand that if we make something unpalatable, the audience will reject it; we have a mature audience now. What right does anyone have to dictate or impose morality on another? I can do the same to you then. Once we are educated, once our parents have instilled values, an individual has got to be on his own. Try telling a child to not read this or see that, he’d only be tempted more.

Do you think it’s fair to cut scenes once the film’s been awarded an ‘A’ certificate? Could it affect creativity?

We are film makers; as creators of our work, we should be responsible. I don’t see a need for the censor board.
Aarakshan had suggested a clear solution. Does Chakravyuh offer a solution too, or is it open ended?
No, Chakravyuh addresses an issue that doesn’t have a ready solution. What we’ve done is present an all-round perspective of the problem such that a solution may become apparent.

And the perception should change?

It should, otherwise it can become dangerous.

Any actor you’ve always wanted to work with…

Nothing like that. I want to work with everyone. I have worked with Ajay Devgn a lot of times and I want more of him. I want to work with a lot of them in fact.

Of all the films you’ve directed, which one is the closest to your heart?

Parinati.

What are your expectations from Chakravyuh?

We have tried to put together a good story. It’s a commercial venture. People should like it is what I think.

Your future projects…

I’m making Satyagraha which will start in January.