Filmmaking will never be dull: Kunal Deshmukh

Kunal Deshmukh

As a filmmaker, human drama inspires me the most. What works for me is a human dynamic or an emotion that is hard-hitting. If I can relate to a subject, if it has the power to move me, irrespective of whether it makes me cry or laugh, I am drawn to it. If I can make people experience that emotion through my films, then I can think of myself as having succeeded in achieving my goal as a filmmaker.

To be able to make a living out of something one loves to do is a rare thing; not everyone is lucky enough to be able to do it. Most people end up doing something they don't really want to do. Through direction, I get to make films with stories that I want to tell. So I am making a living out of what was once just a hobby. My profession offers me an intense, creative-driven environment where one gets to brainstorm and collaborate with some very bright minds. My job keeps me on my toes, and I am learning something new everyday. It's a job that has no routine and it will never be dull.

However, the territory comes with many challenges. One's journey in this field is all about patience, rigour and persistence. One will run into hurdles, ranging from a creative block to lack of funding for one's projects. Also, a film, at first, may reflect the director's vision, but it is a highly collaborative process and to be able to absorb everyone's inputs and come up with a combined effort can be trying indeed. Sometimes, people add effortlessly to the vision, in which case, the ride is smoother and one can make a better film but at times, people take away from the overall vision, which is detrimental to the film.

It's all about striking the right balance.

(Kunal Deshmukh is known for directing films such as Jannat, Tum Mile and Jannat 2.)