Competitive edge

A coming-of-age film,Udaan is the story of a boy and his struggles typical of teenage years,and stars Rajat Barmecha,Ronit Roy and Ram Kapoor in key roles. Some may say that the film has a rather unconventional cast. Kashyap confesses that he considered Roy for the role of the boy’s father because his mother likes the actor’s work on television.“Ronit was a neighbour. So I met up with him and he is indeed an interesting guy. I suggested him to Vikramaditya who then took the final call,” laughs Kashyap. Motwane adds that Roy was earlier selected Roy for the uncle’s role. “But when the lead actor stepped down from the project,we asked Ronit to take over and Ram Kapoor was brought in for the uncle’s role.”

The suggestion to shoot the film in Jamshedpur,however,came from Motwane’s friend,filmmaker Imtiaz Ali.“I wrote the script with Delhi or one of the satellite towns in mind. But when Imtiaz read the script,he told me that every detail of the surroundings described in the script matches with that of his hometown and he was right.”

However,what will be interesting to note is that having worked closely with both Bhansali and Kashyap—who probably make for two ends of a spectrum—how he brings their influences into his work.“Sanjay is extremely meticulous and involved in every aspect of filmmaking—from the structure of the music to the border of the actress’ sari. From him I learnt the importance of preparing for the film and keeping paperwork ready. Anurag on the other hand is spontaneous and fearless. I have learnt from him that it’s okay if not everything you think of works,” he says,referring to Dev.D as Kashyap’s most “patient work”.

Though Udaan is Kashyap’s first film as a producer,he allowed Motwane the space to take all the decisions on the creative front. “He would never come for the shoot and refused to see the rushes till the first cut was ready,” he points out.

Though being selected by Cannes means a lot to both

Motwane and Kashyap,the director intends to play down the festival tag when the film releases in July. “The film is made for regular Indian audiences most of whom may not be aware of most filmmakers who are being featured in Cannes. The festival circuit doesn’t matter to them.

In fact,it can backfire because often people presume that festival films are boring and artsy.”

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