Vikramaditya Motwane doesn't come with the air of a prominent film director. He walks in and casually introduces himself to us prior to the interview, thereby cutting through layers of Bollywood's delusions of grandeur.
In Delhi, to promote his latest film Trapped, Motwane is rather pleased with the feedback he's gotten from previews and festival screenings.
Cinematic entrapment
"I just thought the story had this element, [it created] dark humour, a funny kind of space," he tells Catch. "Everyone who saw the film so far has said, 'I was scared, was on the edge of my seat, clenching my...' unmentionables. And that's the best response you can get, really. If they say that...
"It's not a film you can sit back and watch, you have to sit forward, be really involved. I've seen people [in theatres] shout, clap [while watching Trapped], it's an experience."
But while the filmmaker is thrilled about the feedback, he's markedly more pleased with his choice of actor.
"I needed somebody who could hold the screen for 100 minutes," he says, speaking about Rajkummar Rao. "You know he's a guy who's going to try really hard. You don't know if [his character] will succeed or not, he [Rajkummar] has a vulnerable face. And he can really get under the skin of the character. I've never seen him play somebody and not become that person completely.
"The moment I read the story, I knew that he's the guy."
On being asked if he identified with the isolated character, Motwane says a curt yes, without explaining further. "I have a fear of rats, which is there in the film. The moment I read that the guy is scared of rats, I was like yes, this film is for me,"he adds.
Trappings of censorship
Motwane, outraged about the wanton censorship being practised by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), says, "It's silly, right. So you're 18 years old. You can marry, have sex, you can drive what is potentially a dangerous weapon, you can kill people with that, but no, you can't watch 'adult content'. Because hey, it will corrupt your mind. It's so backward..."
Calling censorship a "very old fashioned, defunct policy", the filmmaker says, "You are a certification board, I mean 'Censor Board' was placed by the British government to censor films. Why are [they] still trying to do this? Are they the British, and we the subjects?"
Hopeful after the SC verdict on Phantom Production's Udta Punjab, Motwane says, "I believe our justice system works, and I believe that it will always help us. Be it for Lipstick Under My Burkha, Haraamkhor, or Udta Punjab..."
However, he doesn't speak with the same confidence about his own industry. On being asked what the industry was doing to fight against censorship, Motwane impulsively says, "Sadly, nothing".
"I mean we are trying, we are trying... the Shyam Benegal panel was put in place, we're in talks... But I won't lie and say the industry is doing a lot. We are a bit of a divided industry. I think we need to be more together to fight a lot of issues, be it censorship, taxes, or the case with Sanjay Bhansali," he adds.
"I also believe we are working in the right direction, there have been changes, at boards. Whether it's smaller movements like MAMI, or the Indian Cinema Foundation, there's a certain sense of togetherness. I think it's just a matter of time..." he trails off.
Feminist and culturally displaced, Durga tries her best to live up to her overpowering name. She speaks four languages, by default, and has an unhealthy love for cheesy foods. Assistant Editor at Catch, Durga hopes to bring in a focus on gender politics and the role in plays in all our interactions.
