Vinay's the master of spices

Vinay Shukla, is back with ���������Mirch���������. The film-maker talks about gender equality, genuine companionship and more.
There seems to be a long gap between ���������Godmother��������� and ���������Mirch���������, your next release?
The gap was not of my own volition. Few projects did not take off for one or the other reason. But, I am glad that I am back with ���������Mirch��������� ��������� a film after my own heart.
You���������ve said that this film deals with gender equality. On a personal level, do you personally believe that men and women are equal?
I absolutely believe that what is right for men, cannot be wrong for women. In regard to ability and competence, women are no less, if not better. Besides being the breadwinner, men also
used their physical might to suppress women.
So, is it a boon or a bane to have women in power positions, be it at home or at work or in a relationship?
A relationship is congenial only when the two partners share mutual respect and equal power. Regardless of the context, compatibility is lost when either of the two begins to assert more power.
Any relationship or marriage tends to get boring after a certain point in time. Is straying a normal option under such circumstances?
In today���������s urbanscape, an honest answer would be, yes. However, if the couple gives each other enough space and respects its individuality ��������� exchange ideas, share viewpoints: become in the true sense companions ��������� then the chances are averted.
Coming to your film, you���������ve said, ���������The basic premise is what happens when a woman is caught red-handed with her lover and how she still manages to get away scot-free.��������� What made you choose such a premise?
The sheer wit with which the women characters get away. I value wit as an intellectual weapon that, if used creatively and positively, can salvage even a seemingly impossible situation.
The common belief is that it���������s in the nature of men to stray but when a woman does the same, her character comes under the scanner. Your views...
By virtue of being breadwinners, men gave themselves the license to please themselves as they chose. They treated women as their subordinates; and subordinates cannot enjoy the same privileges. Men created an edifice of religious and moral strictures to justify their ways, and to restrict women���������s behaviour.
���������Mirch��������� has been screened at the MAMI festival, in New Jersey and it has won the popular choice award at the New York Film Festival. What kind of response are you expecting in India?
Overwhelming. Those who watch it, will be pleasantly surprised at its unique layered narrative, its visual quality, and the sensuality that the women actors bring to their characters. And above all, the statement that the film seeks to make through the use of wit and humour.
Who would be your target audience?
All sections of the audience above the age of 18.
You have a stellar cast which is more performance-driven than starry. Was that a conscious decision?
Yes.
In this age of big starcasts, what would draw the audience to watch your film?
Its genre. It is the first erotic film of India; and its respected starcast.
Finally, what���������s next post-���������Mirch���������?
An intense, but subtle love story against the backdrop of caste and power politics set in the northern parts of the country.
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