shot-button
Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Chaturthi
Home > Entertainment News > Bollywood News > Article > R Balki Didnt want to make it from filmmakers point of view alone

R Balki: Didn’t want to make it from filmmaker’s point of view alone

Updated on: 28 September,2022 07:12 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Mohar Basu | mohar.basu@mid-day.com

With Chup revolving around reviewers being killed, director Balki explains why he roped in one of his harshest critics to co-write the film

R Balki: Didn’t want to make it from filmmaker’s point of view alone

Dulquer Salmaan and Shreya Dhanwanthary in the film

R Balki remembers that one of the early reviews of his directorial debut 'Cheeni Kum' (2007) was so scathing that he stopped reading them altogether. It’s almost his way of delivering poetic justice that in his latest film 'Chup: Revenge of the Artist', a serial killer attacks movie critics. “How can it be such an unfair world where someone can write something and get away with it? It is sometimes agenda-based. I thought of this story in 2010,” he begins.


Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan turns music composer for R Balki’s ‘Chup’


 R Balki and Raja SenR Balki and Raja Sen


Even as he sat down to write the script of the Sunny Deol, Pooja Bhatt, Dulquer Salmaan and Shreya Dhanwanthary starrer, the filmmaker knew it had to be a balanced narrative. He didn’t think twice about reaching out to film critic Raja Sen. “Rishi [Virmani, writer] and I discussed that it’d be nice to have an outside perspective on it. I had not read Raja’s reviews until then. When I called him, he was blown by the idea. I took two days and read everything that has ever been written about me. I discovered that Raja has trashed me the most. It was beautiful to sit in front of someone who trashed you, and start murdering him on paper,” he laughs.

Also Read: Shreya Dhanwanthary: Chup is an ode to art and the spirit of every artist

Balki believes the purpose of getting a film critic on board was served, as the movie argues both sides of the case. “I didn’t want to make it from a filmmaker’s point of view alone. What the other side thinks needed to be included as well. Raja gave me insight into what critics feel when they are critiquing.” The intention behind the thriller was to evoke respect for cinema, adds the director. “As an audience, they have the agency to say what they feel. But a critic is supposed to be sensitive to the art, and guide people to understand the conversation the film is trying to have. He is not the judge.”

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK