Scripting a Partnership

Both Jha and Rajabali have been at the forefront of realistic popular cinema in Bollywood. While Rajabali started his writing career with films such as Ghulam,The Legend of Bhagat Singh and Pukar,Jha created his niche with hard-hitting films like Damul,Hip Hip Hurray and Mrityudand. When the two met in August 2002,Jha was looking for a sounding board who could assess his script. Jha’s friend,director Govind Nihalani,introduced him to Rajabali.

The writer came on board as a script consultant for Gangaajal. He continued in that capacity for a while,until both began to trust each other. During Apaharan,Jha requested Rajabali to co-write the film. Since the latter was too caught up with other assignments,they roped in Sridhar Raghavan,even as Rajabali continued to oversee the drafts. For Raajneeti,Jha told him that he has to write with him. “I was shocked when he told me that the film was going to be on electoral politics. I told Prakash that I had no clue. He told me that all I need to do is weave it into narrative form,” Rajabali states.

Jha and Rajabali have a system for working. “We first have a discussion on the topic. When we planned to do Chakravyuh,we discussed the Naxalite issue. After then we decided how to weave it into a story,” says Jha. The first detailed outline is then written by Rajabali,after which it is sent to Jha,who writes the first draft and sends it back to Rajaballi. “A series of stinkers follow,after which we write around seven to eight drafts,” says Rajabali. “Since I am the director,I usually have the last word,” says Jha with a smile. However,working together gives them the liberty to go overboard. With time and understanding,the number of drafts seems to have reduced. The duo adds that their latest venture,Chakravyuh,had just five drafts. “Writing this has been the quickest and we are done shooting the film in almost a year,” states Rajabali.

While the writer-filmmaker duo agree to disagree on most occasions,what works for them is their common approach towards empathising with their characters. “We never have villains in our films. Manoj Bajpayee in Aaraskshan is sleazy,but his views find resonance,” says Rajabali. Similarly,Jha points out to his upcoming release Chakravyuh,where Naxalites are not shown as villains. “Their anger and frustration is a result of consequences,” he says.

Rajabali’s job doesn’t end at the writing table. He stays with the film till it is released. “Every little change I make,I let him know,” confirms Jha. Similarly,Rajabali gives his opinion at any juncture if required. “Prakash doesn’t add any element to the movie because it has to ensure box-office success,” he says. Jha and Rajabali’s next venture will be Satyagraha with Ajay Devgn playing the main protagonist.