Indian filmmakers have romanticized Mumbai for decades – as a dream factory, battleground of aspirations, or echo chamber of loneliness. Yet, director Ravi Udaywar argues the city’s screen presence has hit a wall, leaving creators scrambling for innovation.
Ahead of his romantic venture ‘Do Diwane Shehar Mein’, Udaywar opened up about the dilemma. ‘Mumbai is utterly spent for us filmmakers. Viewers know its every nook: streets, structures, seasides, locals. Repackaging familiarity innovatively is the hurdle, compounded by the city’s changing face and feel.’
His filmmaking philosophy shines through in details. ‘I obsess over aesthetics and ambiance. Defining tones, sentiments, and viewpoints sets the stage. Perceptible evolutions in visuals propel character arcs, turning decisions into a symphony of intent.’
Team synergy is key, he stressed. ‘Films thrive on collective input – shooters framing shots, designers curating looks, tech experts refining proximity. These nuances, plus evocative palettes, forge emotional resonance.’
For love stories, sound is supreme. ‘Tailored scores and motifs trace personal journeys, merging into a holistic emotional voyage revealed organically through the tale.’
Mumbai steals the spotlight in his latest. ‘It’s a co-protagonist, its throngs and hush dictating moods. We aimed to refresh its portrayal entirely.’
Featuring Siddhant Chaturvedi, Mrunal Thakur, Sandipta Dhar, and Aaysha Raza, the movie arrives in cinemas February 20, reimagining the urban icon.