Imtiaz Ali won't direct a film if the story is written by someone else

The 'Highway' director feels there are certain advantages if he writes a story and directs it too. "Flexibility is the first advantage. You can mould the script and make changes in the scene as you direct it."

Imtiaz Ali is busy doing rounds of theatres and gauging audience feedback on his latest film, Highway, starring Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda.

Imtiaz Ali

During the Chandigarh leg of this self-reviewing exercise, Imtiaz sounded happy by the response to his film. “The film is doing well. I am standing outside a very old theatre called Dhillon and it’s enchanting to see the poster of Highway. I have come here mostly to gauge the audience’s response. The Army has also invited me for a screening of the film. So, I will be attending that too. The response till now has been very emotional, personal and touching.

This is the first film that I wanted to make, and getting this kind of response is gratifying.”

“This time round I had decided that I will take all the risks and will not use any safety measures. The kind of treatment that I gave to this film is something that I had never tried before, which makes the appreciation more significant,” Imtiaz waxed eloquent.

Talking about his expectations from the film, he said he merely wanted the audience to have a satisfying look on their face for the money they spent to watch it.

Will Imtiaz like to direct a film, the script of which is written by someone else? He answers in the negative. “I don't see that happening. Nor would I like another person to direct a film if the story is mine. I had written the script for Cocktail and was supposed to direct it but at that time I was busy with other things. So, Homi (Adajania) directed it,” he said.

He added there are certain advantages if he writes a story and directs it too. “Flexibility is the first advantage. You can mould the script and make changes in the scene as you direct it.”

The director also disclosed plans about his next film; it is tentatively titled Window Seat. Featuring Deepika Padukone opposite former boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor, this film is expected to go on the floors this July.

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