Hansal Mehta Believes Good Storytelling Should Not Be Limited by Budgets
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Synopsis
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta advocates that budgets should not restrict the potential for exceptional storytelling in cinema. He emphasizes the importance of writing and preparation in creating authentic narratives, drawing from his own extensive experiences with projects like 'Scam 1992' and 'Shahid'.
Key Takeaways
- Budget constraints should not limit creativity.
- Writing and preparation are fundamental to good cinema.
- Long development cycles lead to authentic narratives.
- Successful films can be made on modest budgets.
- Diverse storytelling is essential for contemporary audiences.
Mumbai, March 28 (NationPress) Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, renowned for works such as Aligarh, Shahid, and Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, expressed that budget constraints should not hinder the creation of quality cinema.
At the recent FICCI BAF Awards in Mumbai, where the FICCI -EY Media and Entertainment report was unveiled, he highlighted the pivotal importance of writing and preparation in crafting compelling films.
Mehta stated, "Investing significant time in writing and the development phase ensures that the final product remains true to its source material. Preparation and development are essential components."
He cited his own projects as examples, revealing how he dedicated extensive time to the writing processes for these large-scale endeavors. For instance, Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story underwent over four and a half years of writing before production began, while Scoop started scripting even prior to the release of Scam 1992, taking nearly three years to come to fruition.
Mehta also mentioned that Paatal Lok 2 experienced a five-year development period. Despite these lengthy timelines, he affirmed that such commitment leads to the creation of genuine and impactful stories.
Discussing the issue of budget limitations, he reflected on his experience with Shahid, a film made on a limited budget that achieved multiple national accolades.
He remarked, "I have never believed that budget should be a barrier to storytelling. Since 2010, when we transitioned from celluloid films, the empowerment from the medium has enabled us to narrate diverse stories. Shahid was a lesson in that regard."
During a fireside chat at the event, Mehta further emphasized the diversity among modern audiences and the need for varied storytelling techniques.
