Rajeev Barnwal - Working With Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta in My Film Vadh Got Us Where We Are (Award Winning Bollywood Director & Screenwriter)

Currently, I am working on the second season of "Jehanabad of Love and War." Additionally, I am involved in the development of various film scripts, with hopes of bringing compelling stories to the screen in the near future. Evolution in the cinema and entertainment industry is an ongoing process, and I aim to remain committed to learning and growing as a filmmaker.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I come from Jharkhand, where I completed my schooling. Later, I moved to Delhi to pursue my undergraduate studies in Chemistry at Kirori Mal College. (It's interesting to note that it's the same college as Amitabh Bachchan's - I always mention that).

My father is a Mining engineer, and my mother is a homemaker. I spent my early life in small towns near coal mines, where various communities coexisted. This upbringing exposed me to different cultures and faiths from a young age.

After completing my graduation, I started working in Delhi. Initially, I worked in production houses to gain experience. Eventually, I moved to Mumbai to pursue my dream of being a part of the film industry. During my childhood, I was proficient in languages and actively participated in extracurricular activities. I even wrote and directed my own plays.

2. How and when did you realize your passion for creating films?

My passion for filmmaking dates back to my childhood. I vividly remember the first time I watched an Amitabh Bachchan movie in a theater during summer vacation. Seeing Amitji's image projected onto the film reel left me awestruck, and I realized the power of cinema. This sparked my regular habit of watching films on VHS cassettes over the weekends, exposing me to a wide range of movies, including popular English films like "Evil Dead" and the "Omen" series. However, I primarily grew up on a diet of popular Hindi cinema, including works by Yash Chopra, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Manmohan Desai, and classic Bollywood films.

I also had a penchant for reading Hindi literature, writing poetry, and crafting short stories from a young age. This love for storytelling fueled my desire to be a part of the film industry, and I even ventured into theater during my college years.

3. Lotpot Films, your production company, has ventured into various aspects of filmmaking, including short films, feature films, web series, and more. What inspired you to establish Lotpot Films, and how has the company evolved since its inception in 2018?

Lotpot Films was the brainchild of my partner, Simrat Kaur, who is a producer and the founder of Lotpot Films. She envisioned a production company where we could create our own content. We began with short films and gradually expanded into more extensive projects. In the future, we aspire to produce feature films and web series, all while nurturing and collaborating with emerging talents.

4. Could you discuss some of the projects you've worked on during your tenure at Sony Pictures Networks India? What are the unique aspects of developing web series, and how do you approach storytelling for digital platforms?

One of the notable web series I worked on during my tenure at Sony Pictures Networks India is "Jehanabad of Love and War," which was backed by Studio Next and aired on Sony Liv. I am currently involved in developing its second season.

Developing stories for digital platforms requires a different approach compared to traditional filmmaking. Web series offer a longer format, and, as our showrunner Sudhir Mishra emphasizes, we are still exploring the possibilities of this medium. There is no fixed formula, except that you must craft a story that captivates viewers over an extended period. From my experience, creating engaging and relatable characters is crucial. While action and crime genres dominate the OTT landscape, Sony Liv is known for its willingness to take risks in content creation, a commendable trait that is evident in their lineup.

As a creative, your ultimate goal is to tell a story with sincerity and conviction.

5. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful cinematographer? With your extensive experience, what advice would you offer to aspiring screenwriters and directors looking to establish themselves in the media and entertainment industry?

A successful cinematographer must possess a mastery of visual storytelling. It is their responsibility to interpret the director's vision through the camera lens, using lighting, mood, colors, and other elements within the constraints of production. A good cinematographer continuously studies the works of their predecessors, learning and drawing inspiration from them.

To aspiring screenwriters, I would say, write, rewrite, and rewrite until you believe your work is at its best. Never shy away from seeking feedback; it often enhances the script. A proficient writer, when adequately trained, can also transition into a successful director. Writing can sometimes become monotonous, but the key is to keep learning and pushing forward. Personally, I follow a practice of continually seeking inspiration from great directors and writers, striving to elevate my work to their level. Continuous learning is crucial.

Don't wait for opportunities; if you have an idea, write it, shoot it, and turn it into a film. Rely on your skills, read extensively to expand your knowledge, and, most importantly, observe the people around you—real-life characters serve as a rich source of inspiration.

6. You've worked with renowned actors like Sanjai Mishra and Neena Gupta in the film "Gwalior." Could you share your experience collaborating with such accomplished artists and how their involvement impacts your storytelling?

Working with Sanjai Mishra and Neena Gupta in my film "Vadh" was instrumental in our journey. They are exceptionally talented actors who bring a natural and nuanced dimension to their roles, making the director's job easier. They infuse the script with subtleties and depth that often go beyond what's written. Casting plays a pivotal role in filmmaking, and choosing the right actors can solve many challenges in the process.

7. Which film(s) do you appreciate the most for their cinematography, and why?

I have tremendous admiration for the work of Roger Deakins, renowned for his cinematography in films such as "1917," "No Country for Old Men," "Shawshank Redemption," and many more. His lighting techniques, camera movements, and visual storytelling are captivating. Of course, there are numerous exceptional cinematographers, and mentioning just one film wouldn't do justice to their talent.

8. Can you share any upcoming projects or goals you have as a filmmaker, and how do you plan to continue evolving in the cinema and entertainment industry?

Currently, I am working on the second season of "Jehanabad of Love and War." Additionally, I am involved in the development of various film scripts, with hopes of bringing compelling stories to the screen in the near future. Evolution in the cinema and entertainment industry is an ongoing process, and I aim to remain committed to learning and growing as a filmmaker.

Bio -

Rajeev Barnwal is an award-winning screenwriter and director who got this year’s Filmfare best debut director for his film Vadh and also accolades for his series on sony liv Jehanabad of love and war. He is passionate about his craft and creates stories that entertain and inspire.

Interviewed and Edited by -Arunangshu Chatterjee