Achieving immortality through good cinema – The Navhind Times

Danuska Da Gama I NT BUZZ

Miransha Naik looks like a teenage boy studying in college, or perhaps the more clichd guy who is enjoying his life. Looks are deceptive, but, on a serious note he is thoroughly enjoying his life, doing what he is most passionate about: making films and is very successful at it.

Juze had its world premiere at the Hong Kong international film festival and will soon have the European premiere at Karlovy Vary Film Festival which will be held from June 30 to July 8, 2017 in Czech Republic. An India-France-Netherlands co-production, the film reveals harsh social undercurrents in Goa, set around exploited migrant workers and their abusive employer cum land lord.

For Miransha, it is teamwork which is paying off and much more, for it is a Konkani film thats getting worldwide exposure. It was in November 2015 that Miransha while talking to NT BUZZ had said: Oddly we are of the belief that the only way for Konkani cinema or projects like this to be financially and commercially viable is to have a strong international (universal) appeal. It is vital for films to do good business outside India so that we do not have to compromise on quality for the sake of money.

Excerpts from an interview

Q: Youve been globetrotting various international film festivals with your debut film Juze. From the time you conceptualised the film until now, can you describe the various feelings, exciting parts and milestones of this journey for us.

Though there are lots of different feelings and exciting parts right from writing, to shooting to finally seeing the film on the big screen, the one Id like to share is when we were sitting among the audience in Hong Kong and hearing them clap for you after watching the film. Most of the filmmakers achieve that but I bet to each and everyone it is the most memorable one as the Hong Kong Film Festival is considered to be among the top 10 globally.

Q: How important was it for you to make this film; more so because its an unconventional story that is so different from the Goa perceived?

When I decided to make the movie I wasnt really thinking of anything and thats the integrity of this film. I just wanted to tell a story which excited me and was very sure it would be interesting for others too.

Q: Im sure the glory surrounded with Juze wont fade off so soon. But for a filmmaker who has a benchmark set now, whats next?

I already have my next script ready, which was part of the Three Rivers script lab in Italy last year. Its about a forced marriage where the husband cant get over the fact that his wife is not a virgin. There are a few producers who are trying to push the project and if all goes according to the plan, we will start shooting early October.

Q: Youve been described by some of your actors, as a one of a kind of a film director, whose thought process and vision is exceptional. What is it like when youre on the set? What do you look for?

I have made two short films Ram and Shezari before the feature film Juze. After every shoot, when I sit back and think about the times I have spent on the set, most of the times I feel very proud but at the same time theres slight guilt too. Proud, because I end up delivering a decent product and guilt is because I become this very cruel, selfish and a very insensitive person to each and everything, except the film. But, Ive always been blessed with a great team, especially the actors, who worked long hours in difficult conditions, got physically hurt and still gave me the shots I wanted for the film.

Q: What is your philosophy in life that influences your work or is a reflection of what you deeply believe in? How do you try to subvert, rebel or deliberately showcase something?

The sole purpose of filmmaking for me is to tell an engaging story. I never ever deliberately incorporate anything even in a single scene at the cost of flow of the film. If the philosophy I believe in belongs in the screenplay, the plot or the characters will make its own way for it.

Q: How have your roots influenced your art?

They say most of the good stories come from your personal experience and observations. All the stories Ive written have come from my surroundings. Even the happiest of the places would have darkest dramas hidden. I like to capture the entertainment, which are not always laughs and happy endings.

Q: While majority of an audience goes to watch a film for entertainment, there are also those who prefer serious, parallel cinema. As a film director what kind of films do you wish to make and how would you like to engage the audience differently?

As I said before entertainment for me is not only comedy or thriller or a beautiful love story. As far as you have the audience hooked to the story and the characters long after theyve left the cinema halls, the filmmaker has achieved immortality. Thats the kind of cinema I like and would prefer to make.

As a film director, if given a choice what would you prefer freedom or respect?

Freedom!

Q: And why?

The one who doesnt have freedom wont have respect and artists have to have respect.

Q: What makes a great film for you? Any particular qualities that make a film better for you?

The one loved by the audience. Not every film is made for the masses. Even if you have a niche market, the audiences still have to like your film. A good story acted well makes it better, while the rest is a bonus.

Q: Also, what is it that you like and dislike most about Indian cinema and the same about world cinema?

Though I prefer serious kind of cinema, I also enjoy Bollywood very much. Every now and then there are good commercial films made in Bollywood, which I dont miss out watching. As for parallel cinema, India is doing really well especially in last few years. Unfortunately for me thats not the case with America. They used to make movies, now they make McDonalds. Very rarely you get to see a good movie coming out from Hollywood studios but when it comes to a technically rich film, I dont think theres any match to them.

One nation, which has been consistently making good films, is Iran, and Im a big fan of Iranian cinema. On the other hand Europe is home for art house cinema.

Q: Lets go back to the choice of you becoming a film maker how easy or difficult was it when you decided on the choice of career?

My love for watching movies and the urge to tell stories got me into filmmaking. Its a constant struggle but when I see a millionaire, businessman, or any professional head I never envy them.

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Achieving immortality through good cinema - The Navhind Times