I Don’t need an Oscar...!

Says Paresh Mokashi, director of India's entry for the academy awards this year Harishchandra's factory. FYI caught up with him at the Osian cinefan fest

I Don't need an Oscar...!

Says Paresh Mokashi, director of India's entry for the academy awards this year Harishchandra's factory.u00a0FYI caught up with him at the Osian cinefan fest

What's an Oscar to you?
The expectations and taste of audience, film critics and juries differ from country to country. They may not appreciate my approach to filmmaking, but it doesn't mean my film is bad. Not all Oscar winners have done well in India, so it's a bit illogical to consider the award a test of creative competency.

Talking sense: Paresh Mokashi at the Osian CineFan Festival yesterday

So, you're saying you don't really care.u00a0
On the contrary, I am absolutely excited about it, because I want to know if my film is truly global or not, and whether an Oscar win will convert into a box-office hit or not.

Do you trust their judgment?
The selection or rejection depends upon a specific jury. If the first set is replaced by another, they will select a different film in all probability, which could be of a different language and genre. It doesn't necessarily mean that Oscar entries are the best films made in that year. It's all about subjective selection.
u00a0
Yours is the first feature film on the making of India's first feature film, a portrayal of the life of the grand-daddy of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke. Why did you remember him when others seem to have happily forgotten the old man?
I wouldn't have made a film on any other topic. Dada sold his property to make a film. Even though he was the son of a Sanskrit guru, he learned magic. When wives were confined at home, he asked his wife to roll the camera. Isn't this a story worth telling?

Did the financers share your opinion?
Some did, some didn't. Those who did wanted me to include 'stars', two songs, larger-than-life sets and everything else that I didn't want to. So, I rejected their demands.

A still from Harishchandra's Factory. For more stills and info, log on to www.harishchandrachifactory.com

Don't you think you've been rigid?u00a0
I have worked on this project for the last five years. I knew exactly how I wanted to make the film, who will play the lead roles and how the story will progress. My film is my baby, and I have exclusive parenting rights to it. Why should I add songs when they're not needed? What's more important a star or the character? And if someone can't understand that, I'd better not associate myself with them.

So you think financers are fools?
Absolutely not. They understand the market, and it's absolutely fair on their part to safeguard their interest. Plus, I was a new guy, so why would anyone back me? That's why I mortgaged my home in Mumbai to raise Rs 4 crore to make this film. But I'm happy I've made it my way. The narration is simple. No flashbacks, no grand sets and no item numbers.u00a0

How did your family react to your decision of selling your house?
They didn't object even once. If you have to do something, or you want to achieve something, you need to do away with things that aren't that important.

A house ain't important to you? Then what is?
I'm not a 'brand' guy. I wear khadi, walk in slippers and don't fine dine until I have to. I'm simple, as you see.u00a0

Doesn't the loan loom heavy?
Thankfully, I have paid it back. Now that I'm free, I should start earning soon. Abhi tak kuch nahi kamaya hai.

The comical treatment of your legendary character hasn't been well-received by critics. Would you clarify your stand?
Dada was a man of the moment. He didn't take problems seriously. Had that not been the case, he wouldn't have sold his property to make a film. If you can treat a subject effectively, in your way, you're successful. It's not necessary to make the audience come out sobbing after the end. Plus, comedy needs to be taken seriously and the negative bias towards this genre has to go.

Which Bollywood film, according to you, has treated its characters really well?
None that I can remember. Barring Vishal Bhardwaj's Kaminey, I haven't watched a single Hindi film in the last year and a half.

What's next?
I will be back to stage. I have to complete two plays Satyadas and Lakshyagrih.

Movies?
I am toying with three ideas an archaeological adventure in Hindi, a Marathi film on a poor farmer and a science fiction in English. And yes, the 'cool' sets are coming, too.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels