Vikas Yadav - I Mustered the Courage to Confess to My Father That I Didn’t Want to Be a Doctor; I Wanted to Be a Director (Director/ Writer)

I wasn't a cinephile during my childhood, not until my ninth grade... So, I planted the seed of telling stories through films in a corner of my heart.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

Coming from a middle-class family, choosing an unconventional career path is a daunting task. My father initially wanted me to become a doctor, but I had completed my secondary school in science and couldn't carry it forward. So, I mustered the courage to confess to my father that I didn't want to be a doctor; I wanted to be a director. His initial reaction was one of surprise, but I've been fortunate that my family, teachers, and elders have always had faith in my dreams and capabilities. Instead of further arguments, my father enrolled me in film school, and there's been no looking back since. That's how my filmmaking journey began.

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

I wasn't a cinephile during my childhood, not until my ninth grade. My realization of storytelling began with a school assignment, a fiction writing task where I received praise from the school principal for my story. It was during this time that I started writing my own fictional thoughts, and my interest slowly leaned toward reading stories and literature. However, my original dream was to become a doctor, so I set aside the idea of storytelling through films. I kept researching which medium of storytelling could reach a wider audience and found cinema. So, I planted the seed of telling stories through films in a corner of my heart, but it remained dormant until 2017.

3. You've participated in numerous film festivals with short films and short docu-fictions. Could you highlight one of your projects that received significant recognition or had a particularly impactful message?

I've been fortunate to participate in several film festivals, and two of my short films, 'Sapne' and 'Stapoo,' garnered various awards in their respective categories. Both films are very dear to me as they boosted my confidence in storytelling through cinema. They aimed to enlighten society on important issues. Additionally, my other short films have received nominations at various national film festivals.

4. You're currently working on your upcoming feature film, "The Lost Vagabonds." Can you provide a glimpse of the story or themes explored in the film, and what excites you the most about this project?

"The Lost Vagabonds" is my first feature-length film as a writer and creative director. The film has been completed, and we're currently exploring its release on an OTT platform. The film deals with the sensitive issue of drug consumption among the youth. It belongs to the genre of fantasy, thriller, and drama, and it might be one of the first films to explore this subject within this genre. My team and I are incredibly excited to see the audience's reactions.

5. Can you share any aspirations or goals you have as a writer and director in the Indian film industry, and how do you plan to continue evolving in this field?

After completing the production of "The Lost Vagabonds" in New Delhi, I shifted to Mumbai in search of better career opportunities. My aim is to grow as a writer and director, telling stories in both theatrical and web mediums. I'm currently working on a Bollywood film with a renowned director and cast, which is in the pre-production stage. My journey is focused on evolution and growth.

6. As an Assistant Director at ABC Motion Pictures Pvt. Ltd. and Watcho, what were your responsibilities, and how did these roles contribute to your growth as a filmmaker and writer?

Serving as an Assistant Director at both organizations played a pivotal role in shaping my filmmaking journey. I joined during the filming process and was assigned various tasks, from managing the set to supervising the script and guiding actors through their scenes. Before that, I also worked as an Assistant Director in New Delhi on an independent Hindi feature film during my last year of college, which is yet to be released. Overall, my roles as an assistant contributed to my growth.

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

I'm not particularly inclined toward the technical aspects of cinema; I'm more focused on storytelling. Nevertheless, I understand the importance of cinematography in enhancing storytelling. There are films by Argentine filmmaker Gasper Noe, whose unique cinematography styles enhance the narratives. I greatly admire this filmmaker. In contemporary Indian cinema, Sriram Raghavan's work intrigues me. Apart from these, the classic films of Indian cinema, such as those by Satyajit Ray, Guru Dutt, Bimal Roy, Vijay Anand, and Hrishikesh Mukherjee, have been my inspirations for filmmaking.

Bio-

With an unwavering vision to craft enthralling narratives that captivate audiences and create breathtaking cinematic visuals, Vikas Yadav is a promising talent in the world of film making. After graduating with a degree in B.Sc (Cinema), specializing in Direction and screenplay Writing, from the prestigious Asian Academy of Film and Television, Noida, [Vikas Yadav] embarked on an artistic journey that has already left a remarkable imprint.

Vikas found his calling in the realm of film making, quickly making his presence felt through a series of short films and docu-fictions. His creations not only participated in numerous film festivals but also clinched well-deserved awards, demonstrating his innate talent for storytelling.

In his pursuit of excellence, Vikas ventured into the world of feature films as an Assistant Director under the esteemed banner of Pennywise Films Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. The project, starring notable actors Anup Soni and Taranjit Kaur in leading roles, is highly anticipated and eagerly awaited by audiences.

The creative journey did not stop there. Vikas progressed to co-write and direct an independent feature film that is now gearing up for release on OTT platforms. His relentless dedication and commitment to cinematic artistry are evident in the projects he chooses to undertake.

Having relocated to the bustling hub of Mumbai, Vikas has extended his creative prowess to web series and films, enriching the world of entertainment with his innovative storytelling.

Parallel to his flourishing career in the film industry, Vikas actively contributes to the corporate sector. He recently spearheaded the production of several corporate training videos that are now accessible to a wide audience through official applications, marking the perfect blend of creativity and professionalism.

Not confined to a single realm of filmmaking, Vikas  has also lent his talents to various television commercials as a Production Assistant and Assistant Director, making his mark in the world of advertising.

In the world of cinema and storytelling, Vikas is a rising star, dedicated to creating magic on the silver screen and enriching the lives of viewers with mesmerizing tales that leave a lasting impact. With a vision that promises to redefine the cinematic experience,Vikas  is a name to watch out for in the exciting world of entertainment.

Interviewed and Edited by - Arunangshu Chatterjee