Mumbai ends at a garbage dump

The film was in the making for quite long…
Yes,it took us two years to make it. In my opinion,if a film doesnt have a big budget,it should be completed in about six to eight months. That wasnt the case with Sankat City. Though in the end,the entire film was shot in just 30 days,there were many gaps in between schedules. With 18 characters and more than 60 locations,it was a huge stretch. It was difficult to raise money for the film.
One had to really convince financers that the film would be funny,fast-paced and would interest people. Once we got the money,it was smooth sailing. There were no problems with the cast and the crew. They had full faith in the script and went out of their way to make it happen. So even though the journey was difficult,the support of the cast and crew turned it into a fine example of collaborative film-making.

In what ways has Kundan Shah influenced you considering your collaboration with him?
Yes,I have written a few films for Kundan including Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa. Like everyone,I too have loved Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron which,in my opinion,is perhaps the only black comedy that India has produced. Since Sankat City is also in the same space as Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron,comparisons are to be expected. But the only influence that I can think of is that we both seem to like the same genre. I have no problem with people saying that I have been influenced by Kundan as long as they say that Sankat City is a good film.

One of the most arresting visuals in the film is the garbage dump. What was the idea behind it?
There is a story behind it. Six years ago,I had made a digital film about a hitman,Urf Professor which was also a dark comedy but it had a more comic thrill feel to it. My one regret about that film was that I wish I had included more of the city in it. For Sankat City,I was adamant that Mumbai will be a character in the film and not just a backdrop. I wanted to depict Mumbai with all its neuroses. I wanted to show the Mumbai I live ina city that is constantly on the move,with a pulse that throbs at all times.
I titled my first draft Hungame Mumbai Ishtyle,the second draft was Curry Town while Sankat City was the final draft. In all the three drafts,Mumbai played a big part. I have been living in the city for 19 years and wanted to present it with honesty.

So,do you think garbage is the honest feel of Mumbai?
Yes,in a way,the garbage epitomises the city. Lets face itMumbais boundary is a huge garbage dump. It ends at a garbage dump. So,I started from that visual and actually wrote the screenplay backwards. There is also symbolism involved in the depiction of garbage. Its as if the characters are in the dump and they are searching for their destiny.

What was the idea behind the Maharaja of the Garbage land?
Well,he is a crazy man,a lunatic. I wanted it to be surreal and absurd. The pretext was that people who work in a garbage yard can find a lot of strange things. So it wont be too far-fetched if the king of the garbage land finds an AK-47 in the filth. Maybe, a hitman threw it in the dump after finishing the job.

How did you shoot in the middle of a garbage mound?
I wont forget that shoot ever. We had our lunch amidst the heap of rubbish. It was hot and the stench was unbearable. Everyone had been given surgical masks which were discarded as we started shooting. We had to take extra precaution since the terrain was swampy. It was really out there but we managed fine.

Given that we have breakfast with RK Laxmans Common Man every day,why does Bollywood churn out such few satires and black comedies?
Youve raised a valid point. There are hardly any satires,farces or black comedies. I dont know the reason behind it. Maybe film-makers are scared to tackle the subject or feel it will create unnecessary controversies. It cannot be because people dont get the jokes because Ive seen Sankat City with the audience and they do get the dark,satirical humour quite well and react accordingly. So,it cannot be that the audience is not ready for it. I really dont know the reason but I think so too.

Name three of your favourite black comedy films.
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron and any film by Luis Bunuel.

Whats next?
Well,the comedy genre is close to my heart and I have a couple of scripts ready but in this industry its better to keep quiet till you take the last shot of the film. My fingers are crossed. Im also keen to get into the horror genre but I promise that my horror film will have a campy and comic feel to it. Id like to make funny films with a dark edge.

After the film,do people still confuse you with your snooker namesake?
Laughs I wouldnt know that. I hope not.