Hindi cinema suddenly can’t get enough of debutant directors. Every year multiple talents show up, and deliver a range of critical darlings and commercial hits. We are wondering what some of these bright sparks have been up to since their debut flicks. Here’s a lowdown.
Gauri Shinde
After delivering a new age mother’s tale in English Vinglish, Gauri Shinde’s next will tread the territory of young romance with Alia Bhatt spearheading the narrative. Apparently, she will get to romance not one, not two, but four men - Aditya Roy Kapur, Ali Zafar, Kunal Kapoor and Angad Bedi. The most interesting aspect of the film is that Shah Rukh Khan will be playing the guide, sort of a love guru, who shows the young petite girl how to go about love in life.
Ritesh Batra
Batra’s first film The Lunchbox, was a rare Indian film that genuinely amassed critical plaudits and big money abroad. Deservedly, he is leaping into the international arena with his next. Batra is adapting Julian Barnes’s Booker prize-winning novel The Sense of an Ending with writer Nick Payne. Featuring Jim Broadbent, Michelle Dockery and Charlotte Rampling, the film is currently in its post-production stage.
Kanu Behl
After premiering at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard segment in 2014, Behl’s debut film Titli travelled to festivals worldwide, garnering wide acclaim. While his first film was about a dysfunctional family, his next, titled Agra, is about a boy struggling to prove that the girl he loves, actually exists! A metaphorical tale to reveal the lurking secrets of the house, it will be a love story that will reflect our transitional times. And yes, expect the opposite mood of Titli.
Abhishek Varman
Tentatively titled Kalank, Abhishek Varman’s second film will be a period piece under his mentor Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions banner. Conceived by Karan’s father Yash Johar, the film will be a love story set in the turbulent times of the partition. Unlike the cross-cultural romance in 2 States, Varman’s next sounds like it’s coming from a director who is confident about diving in deep waters. Rumour has it that Salman Khan has been approached for it.
Anand Gandhi
Post his highly lauded philosophical discourse in Ship of Theseus, Anand Gandhi is working on two films simultaneously. The details are sketchy so far, but from what is known, the first one is a relationship drama featuring Sohum Shah from SoT with a budget of Rs 8 Crore, and the other may cost 10 Million dollars featuring an international cast, including Hugo Weaving of The Matrix trilogy, and the Lord of the Rings fame. Titled Bird in Eclipse, the film spans 30 years after World War II, and follows the fortunes and torment of the illicit son of a feudal lord, who is obsessed about finding a treasure hidden under a dilapidated estate.
Shashank Khaitan
Shashank Khaitan surprised everyone when he delivered a hit with Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, despite its many familiar sights and sounds. Varun Dhawan has confirmed his presence in his next, and if all goes well, Alia Bhatt may join the gang too. Yes, it will be under KJo’s banner.
Vinil Mathew
Vinil Mathew is known for pinning down the tender spots in relationships, in his ad films. His first film, Hasee Toh Phasee too had flashes of beauty despite being an unevenly finished product. His next will again be a romantic drama, a serious film with peppering of humour. Harshavardhan Kulkarni has written the film and the cast is yet to be finalised.
Anusha Rizvi
Journalist turned director Anusha Rizvi’s debut film Peepli Live was a very interesting, very farcical spin on Billy Wilder’s Ace In The Hole. Reports suggest that her second film will be based on Amitav Ghosh’s novel Sea of Poppies, and will be set against the backdrop of the opium trade during the British rule in India, during the nineteenth century. Titled Opium, it will be shot in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Anusha will share the director’s credit with her husband Mahmood Farooqui, who was embroiled in rape allegations last year.
Aamir Khan & Kiran Rao
Aamir Khan’s first directorial venture Taare Zameen Par, was adored by the critics and the masses alike. His wife Kiran Rao’s debut Dhobi Ghat, on the other hand, was an offbeat choice for a first film. Both haven’t made any announcements about their second films as directors yet. We are waiting.
Neeraj Ghaywan, who came from the stable of Anurag Kashyap and delivered Masaan to widespread praise last year, is still researching for his next and we’re eagerly waiting for him to find his big second idea.
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