T here is an innate calmness in Vishal Bhardwaj that is offset by an intensity about his work. He is candid, but there is an inherent restraint, be it about brickbats for Haider (his adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet ), about the social media or Bollywood’s multi-crore clubs. Nonetheless, his occasional repartees and frank observations surprise you. The multifaceted Vishal was in his element when he interacted with students of LV Prasad Film and TV Academy in Thiruvananthapuram.
Later, during a freewheeling interview with FridayReview at the restaurant of Vivanta by Taj, the composer, director, singer, producer and writer, talked at length about his films and his connections to Malayalam cinema.
You’ve charted your own territory in filmmaking. Any compromises?
I haven’t compromised till now. Of course, there have been instances when I have had to agree to a producer’s request, as in the case of including a song in Omkara (‘Naina thag lenge’). But looking back, I felt it was good that the song was there. However, film promotions are difficult for me. But then you can’t stay away from it these days. Nevertheless, given a choice I would never do it.
Why do you keep away from social media?
I am not on Twitter, Facebook or Whatsapp. It isn’t that I am against those filmmakers who voice their opinions and also get their share of criticism. It is simply because I am over-sensitive, I don’t want to be in the open and be vulnerable. Why should I be? I am jealous of those filmmakers who can take those tweets and posts. That doesn’t mean I am against film critics. They are paid by a particular channel or newspaper for their work. But on Twitter, you are followed by a person whom you don’t know.
But being tagged ‘anti-army’ and ‘anti-India’ by many after the release of Haider might have hurt you since the film has Kashmir as the backdrop?
In fact, right through the making of the film, even the actors were a worried lot. Kashmir was made the premise because Bollywood hasn’t made a mainstream movie about the situation there. We haven’t seen Kashmir from the inside. But that doesn’t mean I am against somebody. I love my country and I am a nationalist. And I have every right to portray what I feel about the system. It was challenging, there was a conflict within me… more like ‘To be or not to be…’ As for Haider , the movie is closest to me among my three adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays, because of the father-son bonding.
Your debut was with a children’s film, Makdee and next came The Blue Umbrella . Why haven’t you made another one?
I started out with a children’s movie because I wanted government funding. I wish I could make more. I feel bad that we are not making movies for kids. In a way, I find many of our commercial films are made for kids, with those action scenes, flying cars and the like (laughs). And our super stars are intelligent enough to work in such movies.
Since you are a producer as well, what is your take on box office collections and the so-called multi-crore clubs, now that we have a Rs. 300-crore club with the release of PK ?
I am concerned about the collections. As for the ‘crore business’, may be these movies have something that connects with the people.
Upcoming movies?
I haven’t finalised any. I would definitely love to do more of Shakespeare’s works. Of all the movies I have done, it is the Shakespeare adaptations that have done well. And the credit goes to the dramatist, not me. His characters are so deep, though I found the plays quite scary while in school. In fact, when I was planning my second movie after Makdee, I stumbled upon Macbeth . I was looking for a human story with violence in the backdrop. We filmmakers have a penchant for gangster movies, for we love guns more than roses, but we usually don’t go beyond gang wars. When I read Macbeth, I found so many layers to the characters and that is what I adapted for my film.
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Candid speak
An actor you want to work with?
Mohanlal. He is so natural, you don’t feel like he is acting, he becomes the character. I had approached him many times, but he hasn’t agreed yet… he is a good friend.
Kerala connection
It was a retrospective on Polish director Krzysztof Kieslowski at the International Film Festival of Kerala in 1996 that inspired me to become a filmmaker. I continue to love Malayalam films, and the directors here.
An actor who surprises you?
Irrfan Khan. Every time I work with him he gives something new.
On music reality shows
They are good, because people are learning classical music now. Participants know that if they have to be good, they have to learn classical music as well.
On wife and singer, Rekha Bhardwaj, and her songs
We don’t argue on creative things, but definitely on other things. For instance, she is a huge fan of Shah Rukh, whereas I don’t like him in some of his movies. She gets irked when I say that. Of course, Shah Rukh is a good friend. As for her songs, I love her song ‘Phir le aaya…’ from Barfi .
Flavours of Kerala
I love appams and have it for meals with vegetable stew. Now, my wife knows how to make them. I am not a foodie, but I am particular about having what I like….
In the city
Vishal Bhardwaj was in the capital city to distribute certificates to the first batch of students of the digital filmmaking weekend course at LV Prasad Film and TV Academy. Three films made by the students, Prathibimbam, Ardhaviramam and Madakkam were screened at the function.
