BEFORE “Sound… Camera… Action”
MBN posterFor the last ten months I have been trying to start my next film. I have signed three films. Have a few more producers wanting to sign me up… yes all that sounds like “why is this guy complaining?”.. But yes this is not it….
The wait to get to the shooting seems endless. I realize how much time I spend in doing things that I rather not do to get to utter the magic words…
Film making is increasingly becoming not about spending hours worrying about your craft but hours you spend negotiating with Producers/financiers/distributors/actors… More often than not you realize that to realize your film your producer does not need to be convinced about the script… as long as you have the star (not necessarily an actor)you film can get made .
Are we “proposal maker” or “film makers”. I have nothing against working with stars as long as they are also actors( and believe you me the tribe is small… :)). Also another big problem I face( my shortcoming) is that after months of waiting for a meeting I realize that a narration is needed… something that I am terrified of and just do not know the art of doing. so I leave my script with the actor… and yes you have guessed it right reading is not the plus point with many of them… so months go by and the script is never read… Now I am thinking of hiring a professional for my narrations… anyone there? 
Recently I have had an upcoming actress comment “Onir this is too much of a performance oriented role for me, I will get stamped…”; another star(male) commented about his fear of working with me “isn’t he the sensitive type?”….oops thats not supposed to be nice… I did not realize.
I would perfectly accept if someone would have a genuine problem with the script and am open to discussion, but that anyway is never the issue. Do not even get to that stage.
Today the Hindi film industry is facing a crisis of sorts, we desperately need at least twenty fresh actors ( male and female).
But who will make the move. People who can take the initiative and introduce new talents do not want to do so. the big banners, established directors and corporate houses are all running after the dates of the same set of actors.
I feel frustrated when constantly I am approached by new talent for being given a chance. Given a choice I would happily work with new comers…. but the big question is where will the finance come from …. and the even bigger question … how will the film get distributed.
The success of “Bheja Fry” “Black Friday”, “Honeymoon Travels Pvt.Ltd” and “Metro” hopefully will make the industry realize that we need to look beyond the star system…. lets wait and watch…
But after reading Anurag’s article the other day I have been thinking maybe wait and watch time is over… and its time to figure out an alternate way of doing things… and I am so happy to read that Dev. D is finally happening in Nov with Abhay Deol. This is so very motivating. I am thinking now….
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Aha..welcome abaord Onir. Nice little piece.
Of the “stars”..i think Kay Kay is “saleble” now…may not be as big as others..but..many associate him with good cinema…many audience feel if kay kay is in a movie..its gonna be good…
Good luck…looking forward for more
Welcome aboard Onir!
Thanks Om… yes I think KK is a good actor… and definately look forward to working with him sometime.
Thanks wb
Onir..just read in one of your past interviews that you want to make ” Hamlet”…that would be very interesting..any dope on that?
Onir I request you to not remake shakespare anymore please.
There are so many stories in India. Let the big players play with Hamlet.
Welcome to PFC.
*****************
Watching the worst movie ever right now - WORLD TRADE CENTER(-5/10)
Music - http://www.pandora.com
Book - Imperial Life in Emerald City
@ Mainak..what do you mean by Big-Players?…Vishal.B became who he is now after Maqbool and Omkara
Last Film watched: Breach…4/10
welcome aboard onir.. its great to first see ophelie and then you..
Dear Mainak
Actually Om is correct… and why grudge me becoming a Big Player …lol… just joking… seriously speaking as of now my Hamlet Project is on hold as most of the star/actors are very sceptical about doing a film as dark as Hamlet . and though Bhavani Iyere has completed the script the project is on hold for now… so I am sure you can relax because I do not see it happening soon :(… and I am not happy about that because she has written a very intense and powerful script.
Thanks Anurag… haha since I am working on Hamlet I had to follow ophelia….
am already feeling at Home…
you know.. seriously, narrator can be a very lucrative profession in bollywood.. i am a damn good narrator..how much you think one can get paid.. and don’t you think a narrator should be paid double the amount, one from the producer and the other from the actor, because you are saving him trouble..
pardon me, but hamlet himself has the answer- “to be or not to be that is the question. whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortunes or to take arms against a sea of troubles and in opposing end them. to die… to sleep!” :d
welcome to PFC Onir.Hope to read more posts from you.
Anurag stop molopolising every film making opportunity. will you leave something for the rookies ?
no, honestly this is just the daily wages quirky job i am looking for, onir while i rewrite my trashy scripts. can i audition?
roll the troll Oz. “Please do not use PFC to ask for work”. Peace!
Anurag LOL… I think that’s a good Idea… start a company that trains and hires out Narrators… or should one suggest Mr. Ghai the idea. he can open another dept at Whistling Woods :d….
Thank you Smriti… when could I audition thee? Maybe i should charge for auditioning. anurag has set my mind working once again…. hehe
Cy… I believe that Hamlet’s “to be or not to be ” was never resolved by him… but by destiny/accidents… by powers outside his control… cant let that happen…
gosh. now they charge to audition. what next - oz is going to ask for a PFC cut. no wonder mr ghai makes apna sapna money money and you blame him! well i havent seen the film so can’t say. shut up smriti!
Hi onir,
yes you were honest. But pardon me in this industry you are only as good as your last film. Frankly ‘Bas ek pal’ was bad.Your first film seems like a flash in the pan that is why nobody from the industry may be taking you seriously. Dont mean to be rude..but that film didnt make sense. A flop is one thing..cuz box office is something one cannot predict. But your last film was not liked by anyone. You must be sure of your script and yourself first i think.
Again sorry if i was rude.. just being honest.
welcome aboard Onir. n thats so true…guys plz dont kill me….again going to repeat that lil philosphical quote…no film is big or small before friday. check jaaneman n bheja fry for urself. but ya u need guts to do that. we need more producers like sunil doshi i guess.
smriti…m with u. anurag bacchoon ke liye kuch to choro..
N Onir…u need to give a fancy name to ur blog. we luv that!!!
sandeep u may be rite. but thats also need to change. after aks,someone dared to back rakesh mehra n so rdb was made. after two horrible shit films, someone backed ashutosh gowariker n so lagaan was made. n the examples are many. u need talent to spot talent!!! money cant do everything.
hi onir nice to see u here:d .by the way i was wating for ur hamlet .it is sad that u r postponding it. about giving the break to new actors i think ur good in it. in ur both films u have given chance to new actors . so keep doing it
Phoenix Sir you have provided me the exact example I was looking for when I said a flop film is not necessarily a bad film but a bad film is a bad film. Aks is a great example of a film well made but due to various factors like newness of treatment, obscure storyline it failed at the B.O. but never was the talent of rakesh mehra in question. technically a good film.. And dont forget he was a reknown ad maker before that. Yes Ashutosh has sprung up from being a flop actor and an extremely poor director. But he too went through enough hell before aamir signed on the dotted line.. 6 years!! And AAmir creatively contributes a lot.
In the case of Onir, his first film was emotionally liked.. but neither technically nor direction wise anything to write home about. He had a chance in his next film to make his talent know. But Bas ek pal just made no sense. there was no progress technically nor otherwise.. Sorry for sounding harsh but Phoenix sir you asked so explained.
Hey Onir, what about doing a modern version of Hamlet where Ophelia is not stupid enough to drown herself because of a man who prefers to talk to skulls?
Vanakkam Onir, ya liked the certain color symbol of characters in your last film…bythe way film was long though..Saw it at osian 06, need to see My brother Nikhil…cheers!
Damn… “while I was sleeping” you guys were having a party!!! ONIR… !!!!! Thank you and welcome to PFC!!!
sandeep batra - its perfectly ok
Ur criticism was healthy and not personal.
if bas ek pal had flaws, I’m pretty sure onir would be intelligent enough to realise them and not to repeat them. If it “didn’t make sense” it is upto the director to realise and notice the difference as to where he went wrong.
Although i also have certain reservations about my brother nikhil, still i thought it was a well made film which had the guts to go independent and tell a story which none of the mainstream guys wouldve attempted. I give credit to onir for that. =d>=d>=d>=d>=d>
All the best Onir. I wouldve loved to see ur adaptation of hamlet.
And of course .. Welcome aboard.
Hi Onir,
I loved your My Brother Nikhil. The scene where
Nikhil is taken to the beach and requires support
to stand in the waters, the same waters that he only recently ruled as a champion swimmer - the scene just *shines*.
I was sobbing so much that my husband who walked
in was shocked
Do make more such films!
Hi Onir, loved your MBN… Kepp rocking!!
Hi all
PHEW!!!! a lot to answer to so here I go
1) hi Sandip thanks for your comments. and it is ok not to like my film… I agree that Bas Ek Pal might has flaws but I am sorry I do not think it is as bad as you make it sound and if you go on to IMRDB site you can see lots of comments where there are people who have liked it.
Secondly Flops/Bad films has nothing to do with how the industry perceives you…. then after JaneMan, salame ishq and JBJ … the respective directors would not have been making other films.
and In terms of technique and style I am sorry to sound rude but I rather give credits to reviews of MBN by San francisco Cronicle/ New York times and many more national and international critiques than your comment. A style and technique has to suit the requirement of the film … Technique that stands out is Bad technique. and I think the style and technique of MBN suited the film. it is not obtrusive.
Also I am sorry I think you did not understand what i was saying…. It is not the lack of producers and actors that one is complaining about(what you term industry)… I am talking about “project making”… you will in the next week hear about the next fil that i am making with some of most respected actors from the industry and their faith in me as a director makes me feel that yes one makes mistakes but thats not the end of the road…
hey Phoenixnu
Thanks for welcoming me. and I hope Dreamseller is fancy enough :). And yes I agree that I need to be careful… we all need to….
Thanks Kuldeep for your comment. Hope to work with new comers in my upcoming projects.
hi Ophelia… well that should be reason enought to turn her mad and wanting to kill herself… at least once dead her lover would have time for her( since he talks all the time with Ghosts)
Atray… glad that you noticed the color scheme in the film. Hope you catch MBN soon and comment on it.
Thank you kartik,
Yes I think it is important for me to try and analise my mistakes/weakness and at the same time not to panic. Some of the best films in the world have been rejected when they were released… both by critics and public.( of course I am not trying to say that i have made a masterpiece). But at the same time while I try and understand what went wrong, I also learn to look at my strength and respect that…. and today I am proud of having made MBN… and I do not think it is a “flash in the Pan”( Hello I have just made two films)…
Thanks for welcoming me and I too hope to be able to make Hamlet someday because I think a lot of effort and love has gone into the script
Kalpana … sorry for having made you sob so much… but I smile when I hear that someone sobbed during the film.
Suchita I am glad you like MBN. Maybe I sould share it with you… the Canadian “OUT IN SCHOOL” society has decided to screen the film over 40 schools all over Canada. Also The SAN FRANCISCO LGBT film fest( the oldest LGBT film fest) which celebrated 30 years of LGBT films in the world Listed MBN as one of the landmark films from across the world :)..
Onir: Welcome on PFC and thanks for writing this nice article.
If you dont mind, just wish to know how your mind works while casting the actors and how is their reactions to your proposals [if that does not bring out any personal details where you feel hitch]
For example, your second film, Bas Ek Pal. People had praised MBN, so naturally actors might have been wanting to work with you.
But you were approaching Urmila Martondkar for a role,she has been playing repeatedily for some time. She has been playing role of a troubled girl Right from RGV’s Satya, Kaun, Bhoot and then Naina, Maine Gandhi ko nahin mara and then Pinjar. I may be forgetting some other films. and yes Ek Haseena Thi was there with similar character.
Did you consider this fact before approaching her? was it a plus point on her side for you that she is well versed in playing such disturbed characters? or did you feel for sometime that she is just typed in a similar kind of role.
Did she become instantly ready to play that role?
She looked good in Satya and Kaun but repetition makes a thing bit bore. Its sad to see such a talented actress going for a type casted path.
Was there any story behind her doing Bas Ek Pal’s role or it just went smoothly without any pause?
Hey PFC
Well I think you are right, but I did not really realise while casting her that she had done “troubled girl” roles before. And so that was not really a reason to approach her.
Actually at when at one point I realised it I was worried about the repeat factor…
The reason I approached her was I needed a good actress with a certain ampount of sensuality… who was also a matured woman. She fitted the bill. There were not too many options for the role.
When she read the script she liked the role… actuallly she thought her character had much more shades than they had in many of the other roles she done. She throughly enjoyed the experience and liked the duality and conflict in her character.
In terms of her agreeing to do the film and all through the shoot and even now she never had an issue with the character or the film… and liked herself in the film.
Thats good news that Hamlet has taken a backseat.
OM I think Vishal Bhardwaj is a big player in Bollywood. And though I really like Maqbool, I’m not crazy about it like everybody else. That year EK Haseena Thi was for me the best film. I thought it was way better than MAQBOOL. SAIF rocked in that film. I think Onir you should sign SAIF for your next film. Save him from the sharks.
I am not grudging you becoming a big player. I just want you to keep making good personal films until you become a big player. Then it will be more difficult that it is now.
Onirthanks for the reply your reply to me in #27.
[admin note: comment edited, does not adhere to comment policy]
Hi Onir welcome to PFC. A general query to a film-maker. It often amuses me when film-makers talk about “I love to tread the darker areas”…everyone who wants to sound intelligent or different says he likes dark films
Dear Onir
Please stick to originals. You have the capability and talent. BEP in its desire to indianize the original losts its edge. [I am not commenting on hamlet, you can say it is also inspired]
Vasan, please reduce the frequency of meeting Guru Dadiyal… morbid?dark? darn…
hey Mainak
Honestly speaking I am not really desperate to become a big player…. am pretty happy with doing “personal films”… and the approach to hamlet would have been also similar. And you are right I have been trying to analise things for myself… I need to not run away from myself because what comes from within might not be “commercial”… but at least it will be honest.
Onir,
Welcome to the blog! I have a suggestion for the name: “Bas Ek Blog.” What say?
Regarding “narrator”… these are professional jobs in Hollywood… “pitcher”… they pitch your script to the studios, producers etc…
Hey Vasan
Thank you for welcoming me. Well I think I enjoy the dark side … but not too fond of morbid… actually depends on the film. I think MBN was not a dark film, it was a film about hope… yes BEP was dark… and I enjoy Tragedy. I think dark is fascinating because it is full of suprises, because it is mysterious and because it also there is something sensuous about the dark.
As a film maker I enjoy making films exploring relationship… sometimes it is dark, sometimes it is not. actually my next film is a romance called “MY BROTHER”S BRIDE”…
so venturing into dark for me means exploring another shade of relationship
Onir u ve a valid point that an obtrusive technique is a bad technique. Each movie has its own treatment but directors’signature through them makes his style palpable.I really liked MBN..welcome aboard and all the bst.
Hey Omprakash
All my forthcoming films are original scripts…. Hamlet is an adaptation of the novel… once the film is made we can discuss
Venky… I have already named it Dreamseller. is it that bad?
Oz… are “Pitchers” narrators…. sounds more like agents.
Onir, I have read about them and may not be using the right term… t!, Vijay, Mainak… some help here please
Krysh
Thanks for your comments and thank you for welcoming me.
technically good director is a term that exists only in this country..half the producers think the job of the director is to place the camera..
and i agree with onir.. when technique stands out in a film, over the story telling, so much that you notice it then sorry, the guy doesn’t know how to make a film,
then i prefer avant garde’ filmmakers who play with form, people who experiment with the medium , making shorts and completely reinvent, what you can do with stock and camera
Absolutely…. Very often especially with big budget action films here one feels that because the maker has access to DI and effects … he starts trying all possible effects. So much so that split screens, flash frames, wipes, etc… come and go without any rhyme or reason… also suddenly because of its available you will see steady cam/ Jimmy shots, cameras doing the Russian angle even if it is absolutely redundant.
you call it russian, some call it dutch, i say pain-in-the-neck angles
Hi Anurag…you could google Hadrian Belove, and check cinefilevideo.com (you will love it)…..also check silentmovietheatre.com, that is to be one of the venues we are ‘annexing’ for this noble endeavour! (it’s not exclusively silent, of course, but if you’re in LA, I would highly recommend you experience a live band playing the soundtrack!)
Hadrian is the owner of cinefile video,major archivist and main curator of the series I mentioned…
best
xxx
is it the same cinefile that’s somewhere near the santa monica boulevard in LA.. they have the best film collection
Amazing news about the screening of MBN in Canada, I think bec of you and AK, and few other filmmakers we get so much inspiration….there’s always hope..thanx
Hi Onir,
Welcome to PFC! I loved MBN…one of the few films that brought tears to my eyes. I also enjoy Tragedy as it is a potent weapon to connect emotionally.
Nice to know that you like to explore different shades of relationships in movies. Relationships are never simply black & white as most films show them to be. They always have multiple shades.
Looking forward for more from you…
Thanks Suchita.
Hey fender Bender… thanks for your comment. what I mostly dislike in BW cinema is that people are so black and White. Grey is the color I like :)and I believe that that is what makes us exciting as personalities.
the best example of such a film would be Choreographer Ahmed Khans debut film Starring Sunny Paaji. Man it was atrocious.
Its a very common disease in Bollywood. Everyone gets a hard on when they see Jimmy Jib.
cheers
Hey Onir,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts…..
Is MBN like one of the few films from India to have had such a long long long long long run at the festival circuit all around the world? That itself is like a huge recognition for the film and the impact it’s made. Wish you all the very best for all your forthcoming ventures.
yeah , it’s the same…SM and Sawtelle, right next to a hookah bar, the Nuart and a rare bookstore…in good company!
There’s also Vidiots on 4th and Pico which is the oldest one around…
onir, welcome to PFC
regarding the technique taking over story-telling, i think there are times where it can be a thin line.. for ex, “children of men”.. while i really enjoyed the movie, i couldn’t help but notice cuaron’s techniques.. the long one-take shots which are dispersed thru the movie, the most noticeable one being with owen going thru the war zone to rescue kee and her baby.. or the car interior shots.. times like this, the technique is so well-used that it makes the story flow, it makes you part of the action, yet it makes you wonder how it was done.. at the end of the movie, you realize you enjoyed it but can’t help looking at the special features to learn how they did it. i disagree that everytime a technique is noticed, the director doesn’t know how to tell a story.. it’s all relative, IMO..
loved MBN, didn’t like BEP so much.. probably bc i had already seen “live flesh”..
thanks for the lovely post.. waiting eagerly for more :)>-
Hi Onir,
I loved MBN. Did not watch Bas Ek Pal.
You said that you are a bad narrator. If you do not narrate the script then how do you convince the producers and actors to be a part of the film and how do you convince them that you can direct the film well.
According to me a good director should be a good narrator also. But there are many successful directors who do not know how to do narrate but the result comes out well.
@Striker.
When I ask someone how a movie was and he says excellent shot takings, excellent editing, excellent direction I wonder, “Was he watching the movie or the shooting of the movie ?” We may notice the techniques maybe because we love cinema and want to learn about film making.
@Onir/AK on camera angles etc
A very recent example is RGV in Nishabd. Many times I felt like camera will get into jiah’s shorts. Thank god she was wearing a tight one. :d
JJ.. yup, agreed. my point was to say that you can enjoy a movie, yet be intrigued by its technical aspects, and that doesn’t necessarily make the filmmaker any less of a filmmaker just bc he used some unique technique..
JJ point is not that onir is a bad narrator or someone is good.. point is nobody here reads a script..
you follow the story and technique follows you.. technique should be used to enhance the story telling , not intrude.. what one is saying that content should dictate form, form should not dictate content.. people don’t make films just because they fancy a particular shot..
to use your example striker..what you call technique in children of men, is not just that.. the man wanted to make a film set in futuristic london, he wanted it to look real, not CG generated, hence the long takes.. and then he used CG to create atmosphere, he did use technique to hide it well , to focus on the story, on his central theme and characters.. and you will be surprised to know that not many in India think that particular film was an achievement..
you see his Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN and children of men.. you will see they are shot similarily, candid, handheld, always following the characters, no unnecessary cutaways.. difference was he managed to create the futuristic apocalyptic england within that.. now that was an achievement and that’s probably one example..
Onir bhai, welcome to PFC! Looking forward to many future posts.
Will your next film also star Sanjay Suri? I always thought the guy was talented… but then very few directors could extract that talent. Pinjar, Jhankaar beats and your 2 films are rare examples his talent used well (haven’t seen Say Salaam India)
I liked Bas Ek Pal… but I the one thing that bothered me about it was the very little interaction between Sanjay/Urmila at the start of the film… they only met twice, and after the first meeting he claimed to be in love… so much so thats all he could reflect upon while in prison? Consider this in a large part was the basis for the film, I really wish there was more development between the two… the start of a relationship (albeit onesided if thats what it needed to be)… it would have had more impact to see her with Jimmy in the 2nd half… the 2nd club seen where the shot is fired was great…
Wish you the best on your future projects
Anurag, you sound exactly like one of my profs (thats a compliment… at get togethers we still talk about how much we respect him)… he hammered it into our heads that obtrusive camera/sound techniques are for amateurs.. the second the audience starts to focus more on the technique than your story/characters, you’ve lost them…
Oz - I actually wanted to start a “Hollywood North” company pitching projects out here… thought it’d be a great way to make connections… then a comrade made me realize you actually need the connections first…
Oops, when I mentioned Sanjay Suri performances, should’ve included Dhoop… thought Ashwini Chaudhary handled that film so well… thankfully he didn’t cast Sanjay as a “good boy”…
‘The Interview’
moi recently went for a private screening of The Interview, remake of a Theo Van Gogh film (assassinated Dutch director), directed by Steve Buscemi. Steve shot the whole thing with three dvs running simultaneously…it takes place entirely inside an apartment in NYC, and cost next to nothing…but absolutely brilliant. It is sheer dialogue and the kinetic nature of reactions between the two main actors Steve and Sienna Miller that keeps this film cracking along at an incredible pace…he’s a washed up journalist and she’s a B-movie actress, who mutually dislike each other, and spend the majority of the film figuring each other out…with a lot of peaks and valleys, you almost forget that the whole damn thing is happening in an apartment.I know Polanski did ‘Death and the Maiden’in an enclosed space, but this one works without any heavy,political backstory… definitely worth breaking down.
For economy,innovation and sheer balls in pulling it off, it gets a huge thumbs up!
vic
BTW, why is there a stinkin ‘Koffee With Karan’ ad on this site ? Are you guys finally selling out to master mammon? To call that guy a filmmaker is like calling Linda Lovelace an actress..!
@Viczee - Scroll to the bottom of the page to the DONATE section and help cover some operational costs. That way you can get rid of Koffee With Karan ads on this site
Vasanbala. I am sure there are some more films recently made that is still doing the festival circuit. MBN has been to over 30 film festivals, a part of film studies in half a dozen univercities and Museum of fine Arts in the US and won over 10 international awards.:)
Thannks for your best wishes
Justin
I usually have a full bound script when I approach an actors. So usually I tell them a brief outline and then to read it. And now after having two films they happen to believe that I can direct…. and Producers and anyway mostly not really interested in the full script…. they want to figure out the “project viability” in terms of actor standing, Music and Genre(comedy/action/thriller, etc)
Hey Tony Mera Naam
Thanks. Well Sanjay Suri and I have a production company and at present we are on the process of not only trying to raise finance for some of my future projects but we also plan to produce films to be directed by other first time film makers.
My next project does have Sanjay Suri. I think he is a talented actor with a lot to offer… and apart from that been a big support and bouncing board for ideas/scripts.
But my next film in not a solo hero project…and it will have actors Shabana Azmi, Sharman Joshi and a few more with whom I am in the process of finalising.
Well for me in BEP… the first meeting results in instant strong attraction and because the second meeeting changes his life she kind of becomes the focal point of his existence. She becomes an image that he seeks solace from…. I saw it that way. But I have been told by many that I needed to have shown at least one more scene between the two for their attraction to be believable…
Hey Striker/ Justin … I do not disagree with what you have to say…. about technique/narration. I think Anurag has explained what I was trying to say. Thanks Anurag… Now I totally believe when you say you are are good narrator… you know when I read your comments it is almost like hearing you speak…
Justin/Striker ….Of course it would be stupid of me not to acknowledge the importance of technique… After seeing some movies I too am captivated by the style and technique and reflect on them… and how they complimented the narrative. I am talking about technique taking over the film narration or even trying to camouflage the lack of story/content.
But who is talking of technique ‘taking over’or trying to camouflage story. Just the mention of technique and most look at it as russian angles and gimmicks and Cg and Di. No that is not what was meant. That is what it was interpreted as.
To be unobtrusive and yet use technique is also a technique.For that intensive knowledge on the subject is needed. The fact that film is not like reading a book requires that film making equipment be used imaginatively to enhance the scenes. In an examination while writing a precis, you can exclude what is not needed when you know enough. How can you filter otherwise.
And guys at the admin..it is not fair that I started this whole debate..it took a turn without my comment being included and I was misrepresented. The idea of a debate is to hear out both sides.
[admin note: your comment was edited cause of it's flamatory nature... debates are most welcome... not my way or the highway approach... we would have banned you from commenting if we did not want a healthy discussion here]
point taken Vijay…!:)>-
but that’s where it all begins…
Hi Onir. Good honest article. Heartfelt words always leave an impact. Completely agree with the fact that content should precede technique.
PS: Between you n Anurag please to share this kinda gyaan more regularly
PPS: Glad you are taking Sharman Joshi, me thinks he’s one actor who’s got a lot to offer in terms of versatility.
hi Gopi thanks for your comment. Its exciting for me to be here interacting with colleagues and other bloggers…. am looking forwards to being here…:
onir,
u must continue to jot down your thoughts.its very interesting and eye opening for most of the creaders(audience).aal the best.
Hi Onir,
Your open approach is becoming very helpful in creating a nice discussion. Thanks a lot for this openness.
Turning to MBN,
was it a conscious decision on your part to involve gayish angle in the film. Did you wish to remove this old myth that AIDS happens becasue of gay relationship? AIDS had got major attraction after Rock Hudson was died as first celebrity in the mid 80s and in late 80s this concept was developed that AIDS is almost directly proportional to gay relationships. Only later it was estbalished that it can happen through blood transfusion.
I cant recall correctly and I may be wrong but perhaps film does not reveal how Sanjay Suri means Nikhil gets the contamination from HIV.
was it not possible to show the film without including gay angle?
or you consciously wanted to handle both the topics in a single film?
While writing and making the film, you had any impression that film should be different from other films based on subjects dealing with AIDS like Philadelphia and in Hindi Phir Milenge?
Idea to make a film on this subject was more important for you or this fighting was also there that as its your first film, it should get best from your side?
Hi Onir
Nice to read your article on PFC…it’s really sad that filmmakers with two and three films have to wait for making PROJECTS …then it’s just imaginable how scary it will be for first timers…and i am going thru,all this…why not film makers start a cooperative effort and support for good cinema…it happened earlier and still happening…
Thanks Ajay.
Hey RK… well for me while writing MBN it was not really a thought “ok lets put AIDS and Homosexsuality together and make a controversial film”. MBN was inspired from the story of Dominique and as I wrote the screenplay Nikhil shaped up the way he is. I was not trying to make an AIDS awareness film or a film which talks about rights of people following alternate sexsuality. I was interested in telling a story that touched me… and the characters are the way they are because that reflects my world view. And whatever film I make will always reflect that.
MBN was not meant to be my first film. After finding no takers for my first four scripts I wrote MBN, because my friend and actor Sanjay Suri thought that we might be able to raise the finance ourself… and the story touched everyone to want to do it for peanuts… so it became a possibility in terms of making it ourselves.
I had seen Philadelphia and knew that comparisions were bound to happen, but for me these are two different films.Phir Milenge was released after we started and completed our shoot and somehow never really managed to see the complete film.
hi Maneej
I think we all need to start as film makers be more supportive of each other. I have been constantly thinking about how hard it was to make my first film and seriously want to figure out a way of being able to produce small budget films made by first time film makers… the script being the criteria.
But one thing for sure we should start supporting each other rather than be insecure. But very often “groups” unless with an open structure become as rigid as the “other”
Welcome aboard sir, Looking forward to hear more from you.
Onir…i think u should write a separate post on the making of MBN. how it happend,why it happened….from the initial thought to its release. will be inspiring for many others. also, since we dont have much culture of documentation as far as films are concerned, atleast blogs can serve this purpose.
Welcome Onir!!
Naration is indeed not easy.
Out of curiosity wanted to know, if you submitted the complete script or just the story of the film to the actors?
Thanks Varun.
Hey Phoenixnu… Maybe it is a good idea to revisit MBN after two years… There are so many memories, so many experiences. I will give it a thought…
Hey manjeet.
I had a complete dialogues script ready before i approached my actors. Only sanjay Suri was a part of it right from the time I told him the basic concept.. All the other actors read the complete script before agreeing to do the film.
hey Onir, welcome to forum… first heard of you when MBN relesed, liked it.
saw you interviewing Homi…the way you handled it am not sure i dont believe when you say you are not a good narrator…
keep posting……
Hey Naren
Thank you for welcoming me… You know till today I have not managed to sit thru the episode with Homi…. I thought I was terrible… But thank you… you made me :)…. But with him it was more of a chat with a friend ….
and narrating to an actor is a total different ball game…
Onir, this is one time i wish i was a really famous ’star-actor’…JUST FOR YOU! Would’ve done your film…
Everyone is so money-minded and so, star-minded…but they tend to miss the glitter even when it’s shining right in front of them, asking them ‘I’d like to share my script with you!’ BAH - what LOSERS!
Hey Urvashi
I wish I had Alladin’s Lamp and could turn u into a “star-actor”… :). Thanks for the thought…. you are a STAR…
Hey Onir,
The bane of the inarticulate sufferers of speech-deficit-disorder like us — the narration! Maybe we could create a different kind of script for them, with pictures, like the kindergarten story-books… Think that would help?
LOL Bhavani… Maybe we should try that. You know I have been answering so many queries about Hamlet.. How a beautiful script has been caught up in this whole trap of “project making”
you know recently there was this person I know who was telling me how he approaches actors … reads out a bit os the story and then says ” now a action sequecce” and switches on a DVD with a certain action sequence… so the actor gets reallly excited with all the actions he gets to do….
Onir,
Welcome to PFC. I get your point that our starts concetrate on their image, glamour and looks more than the craft of acting.
If a star cant read and understand a script and needs a narration its a pathetic state of affairs. Narration should be done only to get your/directors prespective on the script and they should have read the script before hand.
No wonder most of the stars act the same in every movie and evey character they play.
Finally I think KK is a fine actor and he is managed so far to keep away from being type cast.
wow Bhavani Iyer… I was just thinking of her. Nice coincidence.
Hello Onir,
Welcome to PFC! I have seen My Brother Nikhil and Bas Ek Pal and have liked both the movies. Waiting for your next.
Cheers,
Himanshu
Hey Onir,
Could you possibly dedicate a post (or part of a post) to the music of your films and your work with Vivek Philip? I really enjoyed both soundtracks and have been trying to know more about the creative process behind them. [-o<
hey ShawshankRedemption
Thanks for welcoming me. Yes I think it is a healthy practice when one has narrations in form of script readings with actors/crew… but not because someone cant read…
yes I totally agree that KK is a very fine actor and hope to work with him soon.
Hey george
Will do so soon… maybe co-write it with Philip.
Hey Onir,
Thanks a ton. Now all I have to do is wait for the article :d 8-> :-??
Hey Onir,
102 comments and still going strong on your first post!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS BRO:)>-
By the way, where is your office located. I want to drop in some day.
Thanks and keep Blogging.
Hi again onir. Great to see that you
Dear Onir,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and very interesting reading the thoughts of the others. Though I am not in the world of film making . my medium being contemporary dance and for the last 38 years and still today the struggle is on to look for funds to create and then finally to pesent the work.
as i keep on saying the going is delayed and not denied but these days i am not able to hold that mantra longer.
look forward to your next film and if my services are needed do let me know
cheers
astad
Astaad!!!:o It’s our honor to have you here on PFC. We hope to see more of your presence here!!!
Hey Just another struggler
Me too am just another struggler :)… so i operate from Home and cafeterias… you can write to me on my email address… anticlockfilms [at] gmail [dot] com
Dear Astad
I am so touched to see you here and by your comments. Am a great admirer of your work and it would be a dream to work together in some project.
Are you currently In Bombay? would love to meet up.
hey Smriti
I am enjoying this space… I like to respond to comments, positive and negative…. because it helps me analise myself and my work. As a film maker sometmes it can get lonesome, also I feel it is a good training to learn to accept mistakes and to face it, rather than live in denial. I think PFC is providing me all this so I am here :).
For me MBN was yes two primary relationship story… That of a brother and sister( largely inspired by my own sister who has been an inspiration and support) and the love story between Nikhil and Nigel. you know I will share with you a small incident. I remember sanjay Suri’s wife ambika… sitting in front of the monitor and crying while watching a shot… and she commented ” their chemistry is sooo good”. Later I remember Purab commenting and I believe him. during those 30 days of shoot I think Purab(Nigel) was in love with Sanjay(Nikhil)… and I think the tenderness shows on screen.
I will write my post by wed … thats a promise. Just scared do not want an overdose of me so soon .
hi Onir, though I havent seen your films, I would like to….at some point..
It would be great if you could give me some feedback on my post….would love to hear your thoughts. Did you by any chance screen MBN at the Outfest here in the US?
thanks
V
hey Viczee
will check your post. I forgot where is “outfest ” ? Chicago? I was in the LGBT fest in San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, Boston, Seattle, Long island and another five to six cities in the US.
hey vasu
Honestly speaking. My first film I was the one of the producers… so did not have to do narration. fortunately all my actors were readers… and so where they in the second. When i realise that an producer does not have enough time to read … i usually do not follow up on that because I know that producer would not be correct for my film. ones an actor/producer/crew reads the basic script… discussions can cantinue over days and hurs. depends.
Hi Onir
Its great to see you and Bhavani in PFC and also responding to the comments here.
Let me say that I really liked MBN. I thought that it was a very bold film which had some great moments in it. For me what didn’t work in the movie after a point was all those people talking into the camera…just my opinion.
And as for BEP, I had great hopes but frankly, Atif Aslam’s number was my favorite piece in the movie. Shots of Jimmy Shergill constantly wheeling his wheelchair out into the balcony of his house for scene after scene kind of got my goat. The violence in the end didn’t seem to fit at all. Did you have an alternate ending which you didn’t use for some reason?
Hey Dazed and confused.
In terms of MBN for me the talking to the camera was a very intergral part of the film’s style> because I wanted to give a secnse of Docu drama in the film and also address the audience directly. But I am aware that it did not go down well with everyone. when I look back now there are things that I would have done differently, but I think I would still have the talking to Camera bit in the structure.
In terms of BEP… haha I find it so funny the way you talk about Jimmy and the wheel chair. In terms of the end I was not too sure if I am going right… let me be honest. I wanted it to be dark for sure…. I wanted it to be a tragedy…. but I think my execution went wrong. Also I was till the last day thinking of another end. where Juhi goes off to Deheradun, Jimmy and Urmila part ways… Sanjay takes a car back to the airport to go back to Boston and Rehan gets arrested/ shoots himself…. another option that Sanjay decides to visit Juhi at dehradun… six months later… I ws planning to shoot an option… but ran out of budget and dates. Had to shoot the climax hurriedly in a day… paidthe price for it …
Hi, Onir,
I’m glad you kept the actors talking to the camera in MBN. The combination of Juhi’s dialogues and the desaturated colors made it feel very home-made documentary-like. To me the most remarkable thing isn’t in your movie at all — telling how Nikhil got sick. It was a very enlightened choice not to go there.
The kindergarten format of narrating a script with pictures is not such a wacky idea. In a group interview on “Life After Film School,” Len Wiseman (Live Free or Die Hard) said that he started in the biz as an artist and would pitch his movie ideas to producers by drawing out a beautiful storyboard. As a result, producers felt more confident in his vision because they could see it. It also helped him sign the actors he wanted.
Good luck with your narrations! I’m sure you’re better than you think.
Hey Evelyn.
Yes that was a very conscious decision. Not to talk about why? Because I was reading a lot or articles related to AIDS in India to make sure what no wrong message goes into the film. I realise the danger of stereotype… prostitutes/homosexsulas/drug users… being perceived as ones who are in danger and deserve it. That is why I also made sure that Nigel was not infected.
I think storyboarding is a very important step in film making. Unfortunately it needs bigger budgets. But yes its great to have a story board.
That’s the sense I had of it — that you wanted to keep the focus on sympathy for Nikhil’s being outcast and not on who’s to blame. When something tragic happens, so many people try to find out why it couldn’t also happen to them rather than feeling empathy for the person in front of them.
For the story board idea, I would assume that this is something that normally would be done in preproduction, not during the pitch/narration. Because Len Wiseman can draw, it sets his pitches apart from the others. Perhaps there is something you do really well that can reach people — maybe make a short video documentary of examples of what you like, even if they’re nothing like your next movie.
Thanks Onir,
Will mail you ASAP.
Hi Evelyn Tu
I finally mangaed my cast “without ” a narration.
Onir
OUTFEST is in LA. Novenber 30 to Dec 2. This year they are really promoting the festival in a big way. I just saw a huge billboard at Hollywood/Highland today.
http://www.outfest.org/
cheers
Onir,
Excellent! Does that mean the actors you’ve found actually like to read? Or does it mean they trust you so much that they’ll follow you anywhere? Either way, it’s all the better for you.
Do you ever use non-actors who actually “are” the characters in your movies? If so, I would guess it might be necessary to narrate the story to them.
hey Mainak
yes MBN was screened by OUTFEST Last year.
Evelyn Tu
WELL luckily the ones I met for this project are readers… and apart from that they trust me too
For once, it seems, I’m not hopelessly behind the curve! Living in the part of the US that I do, Indian cinema isn’t exactly something you find on every street corner. In fact, at this time last year I was only vaguely aware that a film industry existed in India. The trip from discovery to fascination didn’t take long though. But I’m finding that things I’m only just discovering are nothing new to the rest of the world. So finding this blog (which happened more or less by accident) is unique for me in that it only started about 10 days ago and I already know about it.
I came across PFC while looking for articles on MBN. I just saw it for the first time (didn’t I say I was behind the curve?) and … words fail me. I’m far too jaded to get choked up by most movies, but not this one. What a triumph! And what undiluted guts it took to make it — especially as a first release! I’ve been recommending it to anyone who would listen since the ending credits rolled up my screen.
I actually saw BEP before MBN, which might seem strange unless you know me well enough to know that I’m proabably the biggest Urmila fan in the southeastern US (possibly the world!) What IS strange is that I actually liked MBN much more despite its Urmila-less-ness. Sanjubhai’s performance — especially in the last hour of the film — gave me a whole new level of respect for his talent. But by that I mean no slight to the other principals in the film. Every character came across seamlessly, and completely believable.
I can’t wait to see what you do next. If this were a takeaway where I could order up anything I wanted, I’d want to see Urmila, Sonali Kulkarni and Antara Mali playbacked by Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan. (They could be doing just about anything and I’d watch!) But whatever you do, I can pretty much promise you I’ll own it as soon as it’s available on DVD (I’m not likely to see it any other way around here).
And if you’re looking for an unconventional script idea, I have one for you. (Ssh… can’t let it slip out here, somebody might steal it!) Meanwhile if you ever find yourself needing a 40-something American for a cameo, I’ll do it for airfare and accommodations. (And accommodations are negotiable if I get to play Urmila’s gora love interest! :d)
Thanks for making such a wonderful piece of cinema. It transcends all of the socio-political and geographic boundaries and brings a message that’s applicable anywhere in the world. And it does it with dignity and respect. That’s a rare combination in any form of mass media, and I’m looking forward to seeing your next offering!
I think you really should keep up the pattern of naming all of your protagonists Nikhil and Anamika. It’ll be an interesting “trademark”. Imagine the talk in the tabloids: “Saif Ali Khan the next Nikhil?”
James… I actually have the same names written in all my scripts… :)… Only yesterday my writer for one of my forthcoming projects was trying to convince me to rename the protagonist from Neel to Nikhil…
Honestly I would have loved to do so.I feel close to the two names. I am sure that sounds stupid. But when ever I write I have a Nikhil and an Anamika talking to me. But to an outsider it might seem more like a publicity gimmik… and I would run away from that…. so I try and use names as close to Nikhil and Anamika… like… Neel and Anushka…
and you have made me start wishing Saif as one of the “Nikhils”
Hi Onir,
Welcome to PFC!
Onir, if Nikhil and Anamika speak to you then let the public go hang. The ones who would denounce it as a publicity stunt are going to find *something* to gossip about regardless of what you do and the ones who see it the way I do — as a trademark (even if it is slightly quirky) — will find it endearing. The rest won’t care one way or the other. As long as you’re making good films, the rest doesn’t matter, and if Nikhil and Anamika help that process then use them!
Well as much as I’d love to see Saif as the next Nikhil, I developed a whole new level of respect for Sanjubhai’s talent after seeing MBN. Actually ALL of the characters were pretty seamless, but Sanjay’s performance really rocked me — especially in the last hour of the film.
I actually saw BEP before MBN, which isn’t all that surprising if you know that a) I live in an area of the US that isn’t exactly a hotbed of Indian cinema and b) I’m probably the biggest Urmila fan in the Western hemisphere (possibly the world). But even being Urmila-less, I thought MBN was a triumph. Thank you for making such an inspiring piece. It transcends all of the socio-political, economic and even geographic boundaries by bringing to the screen a story that’s repeated itself all over the world. And you did it with dignity and respect and without a lot of sensationalism.
As for the “next Nikhil/Anamika” I think Saif is a great choice. If this were a takeaway counter where I could order whatever I wanted, I’d wish for Urmila, Sonali Kulkarni and Antara Mali playbacked by Sunidhi-ji and Shreya Ghoshal. (They could be doing just about anything and I’d watch!)
And if you ever find yourself needing a 40-something American character, I’ll do it for airfare and accomodaitons. (And accomodations are negotiable if I get to play Urmila’s gora love interest!:d)
Anxiously waiting to see what you do next!
Thanks Praveen
Hmm… Sorry for repeating myself so much in my last. But the first message didn’t appear until after I posted the reprise. Not sure why.
Anyway, I screened MBN for my ma last night and I think she might have said it even better than I did. This film happens to have been made in India, but the story is universal. Or words to that effect anyway. So you have yet another fan here in the southeastern US. (And you’ll have many more as I find more people willing to sit still for 2 hours.) I guess Ma’s point — and mine too — is that you don’t have to like Bollywood movies to find the message in MBN. This is a film without borders and one that gives a deeper understanding of a segment of humanity that maybe you wouldn’t pay much attention to otherwise. And a film that does that is good in ANY language.
Dear James
Thank you for your comment and encouragement. And a bigger thank you to your mother for sitting still for two hours .you made my day…. and yes cinema goes beyond spoken language… and can communicate beyond boundaries/cultures/time.
hey onir
i loved juhi chawla in bas ek pal and mbn. i think she is the best actress in bollywood. Are u planning to cast her in ur next which i think is my brothers bride?
hey Kushant
Sorry to disappoint you but juhi is not a part of MBB. But I absolutely adore her as an actress.
Onir: you dont have sister or sister in law of your My Brother’s bride? or any other strong female charcater in that.
If you have some comedy based female character than she is the queen of comedy.:)
hey James… yes would definately like to cast saif as a Nikhil avatar some day…. and as far as a 40 something lover for Urmila… are you going to finance the project:d
Onir…if possible,do write a new post about the new singer n musician whom u r launching in ur new film n that too without casting couch ;-)….was reading ur indiafm interview.
RK… apart from the bride there are two more interesting female characters… One of them is likely Shabana and the other I cannot cast Juhi … though she would do it, its too small a role and I do not wanna use her friendship as “special appearance”
Phoenixnu… will do a post on music and include this bit…. Maybe next week or so…but guess what indiafm did not realise that I was not casting… i was selecting singers… and there was a couch in the studio… did I say anything!!!:d
Onir: Thtas great notion so humane in so infamously imaged business oriented film industry.
I just read you are working on remake of Chasme-ibaddur. I hope you cherish the most wonderful character of that film. I hope someone create that magic which Sayeed Jafree had created , he was the real hero of the film. all the best for that venture also.:)
Rk Yes I am working on the remake of CB for Studio 18. What we are essentially doing is trying to re-represent the essence of the film… as you will agree with me…. times have changed, people have changed… where do u find those beautiful people anymore… we are less innocent from those days. I had alwaysed loved Sateed Jafrees character and I think in the remake too he is a lovebale character. Hope you like the way it shapes up…
@Onir…ha ha ha.thats funny. hopefully some moron doesnt pick it up from here n figure out some “sansani”khej khulasa here…onir’s singing couch!!
Onir: Something might have changed but surely good things are appreciated in every era. You may be rest assured about that character’s popularity if you get a convincing actor and why not Sayeed saab himself. Its long when we saw him last in a significant role. If possible please bring him in.
I am sure you have seen Jhoom…..Jhoom. Sayeed saab’s character and way he played it is still popular and hence his character of CB has become a tool to inspire character/ performance in latest film. You understand it, because yu are so deeply attached with that character.
:):)
RK i have not see JBJ… hehe… but not a bad idea I must admit…Thanks
Hi Onir, Just wanted to say welcome to PFC hope to read more posts from you (sorry abt the delay welcome… checking this site after sometime now).
Best wishes!
Baarishh
Thank you for the welcome… dont keep away from the site for too long…:)
hey onir
u have said truth. bollywood needs new faces(not like those invented by RGV though RGV was my favourite director till company). as an audience i am bored to see the old faces. i heard that someone is making ONE NIGHT @ THE CALL CENTRE (by chetan bhagat) with salman khan in lead. i have read the book. as long as i i understand sallu bhai is the least perfect for the role. my friends also agrees. its nothing but a result of star system. that role does not need a star.
That movie is called - Hello.
Being directed by Atul Agnihotri.
http://www.hellothefilm.com/
The whole difficulty of making it happen is the poison bro.. Lemme guess, after having a few under your arm makes it uninteresting.. what say Anurag ???
well hav not ventured under the fear of narration.. Am i less pasionate or even lesser a fake .. Maybe neither. But need some views and suggestions on braving the path.. anybody ???
Well do you become a filmaker first or one after doing a project ??? how can u drive the first time if u are not a driver ???
Getting back..its the same one for all of us..
” I dont want to become a member of any club.. which would ( easily ) take me as one ”
Groucho
@ maddy
I agree with with. but i think Salman is not the lead of the film. I think he is doing just a special appearance