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Entertainment


Films have become formulaic, working in digital medium more exciting: Karan Anshuman

Films have become formulaic, working in digital medium more  exciting: Karan Anshuman

By Rajesh Ahuja


New Delhi, Nov 4 (UNI) As an increasing number of web series dot the entertainment space in the country, filmmaker Karan Anshuman feels that working on the digital medium is more exciting compared to films which he said have become 'formulaic'.

Karan, who is helming the upcoming web series 'Mirzapur ' which airs on Amazon from November 16, says that the digital medium is here to stay.

Digital is here to stay. The longer format of a series is here to stay. Films have become formulaic, their characters' journeys predictable in their two hour length. Filmmakers are enjoying expressing themselves in this new form of cinema. Fresh stories, original ways of telling them. It's very exciting!.'

Talking to UNI, the filmmaker, who has earlier helmed the Emmy nominated web series, said that in the coming years, the series being produced in the digital medium would have a better entertainment value compared to films.

'I think the web series aired on the digital medium are going to be lot more consistent and overall, have better entertainment value than films in the near future. We have to compete with the best in the world, not just other local shows. The Emmy nomination for Inside Edge is a great initial validation of our effort,' Karan said.

He said the reason for an increasing number of filmmakers venturing into the digital medium was because the digital space offers the same impact as cinema given the sheer number of the audience and the accessibility of programming.

'For filmmakers, the only goal is to reach as large an audience as possible regardless of the medium. The digital medium also gave us a lot of freedom to express ourselves vis-a-vis language, depiction of action, etc. The visuals you will see are unique to an Indian production,' he said.

Talking about his upcoming series 'Mirzapur ', Karan, when asked whether it was a series on the line of films like 'Gangs of Wasseypur', said 'Mirzapur ' was completely different from 'Gangs of Wasseypur'.

Mirzapur is set is current times, and is about real people with real aspirations and ambitions. Its world, however, is amped up to a reflect a hyperreal setting for the series.

Films like 'Gangs of Wasseypur' and 'Once upon a time in Mumbai ' are very different. They are set in a period, with over the top characters in more ordinary circumstances, Karan said.

'Also, as a series, Mirzapur has a lot more time for character development. There is no point of a comparison just because of the genre and location because that's all there is in common. We don't go about comparing all romcoms set in Mumbai, do we? Our story is completely original and distinct,'the filmmaker said.

On the reason for choosing actors like Ali Fazal , Pankaj Tripathi and Rocha Chadha rather than the mainstream actors, he said, 'Our only goal was to cast good actors. If they happened to be a known/famous personality, that was just a bonus. Everyone had to audition, there were several trials.

'You can't hustle your way as an actor in this demanding format. You have to be really good with your craft, and can't cruise through on your looks. You will be caught out, ' he said.

Asked about his future projects, Karan said, 'Right now, I'm having a blast telling original stories in digital. As a creator/showrunner it is hugely satisfying helming multiple projects while developing new ones. Having said that, there are a couple film subjects I've been thinking about and would like to make.'

Among his upcoming project is the cinematic adaptation of his book 'kashmirnama'.

Talking about the project, he said, 'Kashmirnama is a highly relevant political thriller that is being developed as a series. It is based on my first book. The adaptation process is a challenge - how does one translate thoughts into visuals? I'm working with another writer on it. I'm relishing the prospect of going on floors with it. Rare is the author who directs his own book. '

Asked for his wish list of actors that he wants to work with, Karan said, 'there is a long list of actors that I want to work with.. But for now I'd say Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, and Alia Bhatt who are some our finest.'

Produced by Excel Entertainment., 'Mirzapur' stars Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Vikrant Massey, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rasika Dugal, Harshita Gaur, Divyendu Sharma and Kulbhushan Kharbanda in key roles.

It is Amazon Prime Video’s third fiction Indian Original after 'Inside edge' and 'Breathe'.

UNI AR NY 1518

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