Excited he is, and why not so! A childhood dream is shaping into reality, now that ought to be the happiest moment in anybody’s life, so it is for debutant director Akhilesh Jaiswal.
Come 9th of May, people get to know one of the most sought-after writers in Indian history, Yes! You got it right he is ‘Mastram’, the man who gave common people their doze of sex stories. The writer-cum-director Akhilesh Jaiswal, was kind enough to talk to One World News over the phone, and share more about his film ‘Mastram’:
Tell us something, about your growing up days?
Basically I hail from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. I did my schooling from there. Thereafter, I came all the way to Mumbai, to join a Mass Media college. Being a below average student. I thought of dropping out of college and rather trying my hands at film-making, as I always wanted to become a Director. Sports and friends were my life in my childhood, studies were the last thing I was ever concerned about.
How was the experience of working with Anurag Kashyap, during Gangs of Wasseypur?
Anurag is like an institution. I got to know the nuances of film-making, the environment of a shoot and almost about everything of the process. Getting that film was like ‘one great moment’ of my life. The 110 days shoot for Gangs of Wasseypur were like my studying days, I learnt how to approach film-making, from Anurag Kashyap.
What inspired you to make ‘Mastram”?
I have personally been a big fan of ‘Mastram’. The books were a rage in our times, and I used love reading it. Coming from a conservative family, getting to know of such things at a tender age gets you excited, and that’s what happened to me. I used to wonder who this guy was. But, with time the idea died out. It was during GOW, that I came across a book stall in Dhanbad which was selling ‘Mastram’ books. Now that was a walk down the memory lane for me, and the idea caught the bug in me once again. I thought it was great concept to work upon, and went ahead with it.
So what is the movie about?
‘Mastram’ is a fictional depiction of what the writer’s life would have been.I have written a story of how a porn-writer would have survived in a conservative society like ours’. It must have been really exciting, as well as difficult I believe.
How was the response at the Mumbai Film Festival, where ‘Mastram’ was screened for the first time in October, 2013?
Initially, I was very nervous. But once I witnessed the audiences enjoying, I was relieved. There were two screenings and both went housefull, and that too without any promotion. It was then that the produces were sure that the project had the elements of catching up with the nerves of the audiences. In fact, the film was not complete by then. The back-ground score and music were yet to be scored and aligned. The overall experience was very over-whelming, I must say.
You have always collaborated with writers and worked, why is it so?
It is not always a conscious decision. But, in a way it is good, as you have more than one opinion, which helps in getting a better judgement of the work. It is also important that the writers work in co-ordination, they should complement each-other.
Why did you go for a complete new cast?
Once the story was final we wanted fresh faces, as we knew that the script was our HERO. Moreover, all of them are good actors and have performed exceptionally well in their parts. Rahul Bagga (who essays ‘Mastram’- the writer), has done smaller roles in the past and is a very natural actor.
What are your expectations from ‘Mastram’?
I just want more & more people to see the film and enjoy it. I hope it makes money for the people who have invested. I do not want it to go down and the Producers suffering loses. At the end of the day, everyone should be happy and satisfied with the film, the makers and the audiences.
‘Mastram’ releases across India, on the 9th of May, 2014.
Our Verdict: ‘Do Not Miss It’
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