'Dial 100' director Rensil D’Silva: Visiting control room was an eye-opener

Manoj Bajpayee in the film

Rensil D'Silva, who previously helmed Kurbaan (2009) and 24, among others, has a way with thrillers. He knows only too well that the charm of a thriller lies in a compelling premise and intensive prep. So, before he began writing Dial 100 that sees Manoj Bajpayee's cop character in a catch-22 situation during his overnight duty, the director visited the Police Control Room in Mumbai to gain complete understanding of its functioning.

"Today, we are part of the OTT world where every [story] is realistic. So, I wanted to make a realistic film without taking too many liberties. [As prep], we met the [then] police commissioner [Param Bir Singh] who sent us to the control room. Visiting it was an eye-opener for me. The cops answer distressing calls every 10 minutes, [with complaints ranging from] domestic abuse to suicide. Seeing them [handle such high-pressure situations], I wondered, what was their motivation to come to work the next day. If you hear 10 such calls, [it affects] you psychologically. The pandemic has brought mental health issues, such as depression, suicidal feelings and loneliness, to the forefront. I thought my film can address certain issues," says the director.

Rensil D'Silva

Zeroing in on his three leads was a no-brainer for D'Silva. Having worked with Bajpayee in Aks (2001) and Sakshi Tanwar in 24, he says they were his "first and only choice" for the ZEE5 film. "The only person I hadn't worked with before was Neena Gupta. I am glad she said yes."

While Gupta's Seema Pallav may use devious means to settle old scores with Bajpayee's cop character, the writer-director strived to keep their motivations honest. "I don't think anyone is right or wrong; it's a matter of perspective. Neenaji is doing what a mother in her place would have done; similarly, Manoj is doing what he should be doing. Right and wrong is for the audience to judge. Their moral compass is intact because the movie's underlying theme is that parents will go to any length for their child."

Also Read: Neena Gupta puts in her own self in each role: Manoj Bajpayee