Onir is highly amused. After a 2 year journey ever since his debut film MY BROTHER NIKHIL released, he has been enjoying a roller coaster ride in this big and exciting world of Bollywood. Here he shares his journey so far and what really makes him surprised, frustrated and equally amused.
Below is the reproduction of a recently written blog by Onir which has received tremendous reception by his fans and surfers alike:
As I look back at how my first film "My Brother Nikhil" (released 25th march 2005) was received I feel kind of amused.
I remember my fear, anxiety and excitement the day the film got released. It had been a long journey to reach here. It was important for me to realize if the journey was worth making? Would my labor of love be accepted? Was this my mission in life? The response (critics and viewers who saw it) was overwhelming.... and I am still traveling the world with my film.
"What next?" was the obvious question. Another "My brother Nikhil"? ... That was the expectation, but I wanted to run away from that- break the mould.
Today when I look back and analyze.... Did I really try to run away? The answer is "No". It was not that I was flooded with films after MBN, the truth is a big NO. A few offers, mostly to do the kind of film I would never ever want to do. There was always this spoken / unspoken message whenever I met a producer/financier........ " lets make something "different" - "different" meaning not like MBN. Obviously I would not have liked to do another of the same Genre/style. but that is not what was being talked about. It was the subject that was being referred to. No big star(male) was really open to working with me, and I realize that the reason could be the fear of me coming to them with a similar subject.
So I put all the concepts that I had that which were in genre/ subject anywhere close to MBN in the cold storage, because though everyone loved MBN no one wanted to make their own MBN.
Then Came Bas EK Pal, which had a mixed reception from press, rejected by masses and suddenly I was flooded with producers calling me up to make films for them. Why? Is it that I have proved that I could make a film which was not primarily delving into Taboo areas? Had I moved up the ladder because I was dealing with "normal" issues? I don't know.
Today and I know for always MBN will remain to me the most special film, the most important event that changed my life. But I also know that the Love it received is like the affection of people who shed a tear or two at orphanages- donate some money.... but at the same time very few would be willing to adopt a child from there and make him/her his own. Nevertheless I treasure the affection in whichever form it came for my film.
But it makes me think of all those stories in the cold storage and wait for the day I can bring them out.... they are waiting for love....
After the release of my second film Bas Ek Pal (Sept 2006) I have been trying to start my next film. I have signed three films. Have a few more producers wanting to sign me up, but the wait to get to the shooting seems endless. I realize how much time I spend in doing things that I rather not do to get to utter the magic words...
Film making is increasingly becoming dependent not on the script you have but the star (not necessarily an actor) that you have. When you approach a producer/ a producer approaches you the script no longer seems vital. The question is which star can fit into the scheme of things.
I have had an upcoming actress comment "Onir this is too much of a performance oriented role for me, I will get stamped..."; another star(male) commented about his fear of working with me "Isn't he the sensitive type?". I feel like I am a character in a comedy...
I would perfectly accept if someone would have a genuine problem with the script and am open to discussion, but that anyway is never the issue.
Today the Hindi film industry is facing a crisis of sorts, we desperately need twenty fresh actors (male and female).
But who will make the move. People who can take the initiative and introduce new talents do not want to do so. the big banners, established directors and corporate houses are all running after the dates of the same set of actors.
I feel frustrated when constantly I am approached by new talent for being given a chance. Given a choice i would happily work with new comers.... but the big question is where will the finance come from.... and the even bigger question ... how will the film get distributed?
The success of "Bheja Fry", "Black Friday", "Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd" and "Metro" hopefully will open up the industry to look beyond the star system.... lets wait and watch!