Haven’t quit directing films: Atharv Baluja

Director Atharv Baluja’s hiatus from movie-making is adding a new

direction

to his behind-the-camera skills. The electrical engineer from

Thapar University

, Patiala, who has directed Aiven Raula Pai Gaya (2012), Judge Singh LLB (2015), and

Dangar Doctor Jelly

(2017), makes it clear that he has not quit directing films. The work experience gained since the age of 23 has made him a mature picker of projects. Currently, he's 30.
‘NOT WRITTEN OFF YET’“It can never happen. All what’s being said is not true. Industry, right now, is full with good works/projects. I am waiting to create something different,” said Baluja, who maintains that post production, good direction and a hard-hitting storyline are prime aspects of any hit film. “Staying off-direction made me explore script writing and post production work, which I am doing in Mohali. It’s always important to take a long break as it helps to cut monotony.”
‘CAN’T DO FILMS BACK-TO-BACK’“You get to meet many people who say they are ready to pump in money. However, what matters is to stay calm and work on a good project. Since your name will be associated with it, you must ensure you working on a hit formula. I don’t want to be remembered as someone who gave series of flops. Direction work is complex, so is the polishing during post production. And as versatility is a key to success, a director should also know about editing and other works. All this helps in having right frames, avoid re-shoot etc."
LEARNING FROM MISTAKES“Giving error-free or flawless work is important, but I feel mistakes are your best teachers. There’s no issue in committing a mistake, for it enhances your work abilities. I have faltered on many occasions, but it made me focused and strong. There are some amazing directors in our industry. I remember when I was doing my first project, I was just 23. I faced a challenge to have things organized. I worked with stalwarts and people double my age. So, the questions were raised ‘is direction a joke or yeh ladka kya karega’, but then it was their opinion. Now I am 30 and these seven years made me learn a lot."
SMART CONTENT SET TRENDS"People are smart now. They will not watch a film unless they are convinced it’s going to be good. In my opinion making a comedy is toughest. So, filmmaker’s job is not just saying 'ready action or cut'. Rather, he has to study minds before getting on with the film. I try to focus on content. Also, with Punjabi films having an international appeal, the competition is stiffer. From creation, execution to release… each aspect is under close scrutiny. Earlier, Punjabi used to be a closed industry, but now it’s big."
SUBJECT-HUNTING“Even though I am off-direction, I am flooded with offers. However, I feel subject of the film can’t be searched as it can never be fixed. For me, it comes automatically through a dream, a situation etc. People ask me arey yaar saat saal me sirf teen films. And I tell them ki zabardasti I cannot do anything. So, I am in the middle of script writing, but it’s rough, maybe a compilation of my thought process. Like when I did my previous project, the idea came during my trip to the courtroom. I used to accompany my friend who was fighting a case. So, for full five months I got a first-hand experience of court’s work and functioning."