Kanan Gill learns filmmaking from Nagesh Kukunoor for his YouTube series

For the finale of his latest series on YouTube, comedian Kanan Gill knocked on filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor's door to help him master the art of making cinema

Would you watch a serious, artistic film made by a comedian? No? What if he had help from a director? If that's a yes, head to a Lower Parel restaurant where Kanan Gill - with mentor Nagesh Kukunoor by his side - will screen a short film that marks his directorial debut.

This filmmaking session is the fifth and final part of Gill's YouTube series, I Can Do That. The first episode, which went online a month ago, saw the comedian learn how to cook from chef Kelvin Cheung for a week before having to prepare a dish before a live audience.

Kanan Gill (right) spent a week learning the nuances of filmmaking from Nagesh Kukunoor, who has directed Iqbal (2005), Dor (2006) and Aashayein (2010) 

The next few episodes had Gill learning a variety of skills from professionals. DJ Arjun Vagale introduced him to the craft of DJing, while Mukti Mohan gave him dance lessons. "Filmmaking is the fifth skill I've picked up in the last month or so. Nagesh was kind enough to agree to teach me. More than anything else, he was game for doing something fun. Even the masterclass was far from dry and informative. In fact, it was a blast," says Gill.

He adds that he gleaned a lot from the experience, including the right way to deal with actors. "I'm quite well versed in making comedic videos, so I wanted to stray away from that.

For the previous episodes, Kanan picked up dancing 

Therefore, this time, I have made a highly, and possibly over-artistic short film," he laughs. While Gill made his acting debut with Bollywood film Noor earlier this year, this is the first time he will be testing his directorial chops. "I will make more films outside of the series, but I'm more interested in the writing of movies. I think India could really use some good comedies right now.

Kanan cooking

" Before signing off, he says, "Unfortunately, filmmaking is the last episode of this season. There are plenty of more skills to learn, but, until next time."

On: November 29, 7.30 pm onwards
At: FLYP@MTV, Unit No 6, first floor, Trade View Building, Kamala Mills Compound, Lower Parel 
Log on to: insider.in
ENTRY: Rs.588

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