I love making women-centric films: Shoojit Sircar

The Piku director said, “I love making women-centric films. Ray Babu (Satyajit Ray) made them too.”

“The good thing about women-centric films are that I don’t have to wait for the heroes,” Sircar continued, “I can freely write a script for my heroines now,” he said smiling.

Sircar, who has earned a reputation of making small budget films, said he wants to avoid unnecessary expenses.

“It’s not about small budget films; I normally don’t want to spend unnecessarily.”

Stressing on the topic of self control he said, “I know how to control the budget of my films. Economics is an important factor. I think with the controlled budget, if the recovery is there, I can make my next film.”

“The basics should be right and the cost of the film should be under control and you should know the ways and techniques to bring out the best in terms of cinematic values,” Sircar said.

When asked if he will direct a Bengali movie any time soon, Sircar said, “I don’t know when I’ll direct one myself, but I’m producing another Bengali movie next year.”

The director, who is currently working on his next Bollywood project with the same team of writers, spoke about the chemistry a good unit has.

“You definitely need that bond, otherwise I’ll not be able to communicate with my writers freely and a gap will be formed.”

Though he kept tight-lipped about his favorite director, terming the question as ‘diplomatic’, Sircar admitted liking Neeraj Ghaywan’s directional debut Masaan.

When quizzed if the Bengali movie goers thrive on nostalgia, Sircar said, “Well, I think to some extent yes, we thrive on nostalgia. Bengali movies have that nostalgic trip, which is not bad. Even European films have a nostalgic quality to it.”

Heaping praise on Bengali cinema, Sircar said, “I want Bangla cinema to really crossover. Why not a Bengali cinema for an Oscar nomination.”

The maker of Vicky Donor, who expressed his desire to make a movie on Mohun Bagan and their historic win against a British soccer team to clinch the IFA Shield, in pre independent India, is still on the lookout for a suitable script.

“I’m still working on that script. It’ll need a lot of research and once I’m happy with the whole thing I’ll start my work.”

On his secret to continued success, the director said, “Be true to yourself, Keep it simple and keep it straight.”

 

(Reporting By Sudipto Maity, Image By Avishek Mitra/ IBNS.)