Baby steps to big leap

All the films in this year’s most promising debut director nomination list celebrate experimentation doubled with all the finesse the big screen demands. While Ayan Mukerji’s Wake Up Sid is sweet and underplayed,Nandita Das’ Firaaq carries a strong social message,Sankat City is a small-budget caper film,Frozen,by Shivajee Chandrabhushan,brought back black-and-white cinema and Zoya Akhtar’s Luck By Chance is an entertainer.

Each film excelled in its own deserving way. Luck By Chance,Wake Up Sid and Sankat City raked in big bucks at the box office while Frozen and Firaaq brought home several international awards. But it’s recognition within Bollywood they all crave.

“The reason that I’m most excited about this award is that I know that the members of the jury are part of the industry. While we do look for popularity among the crowds,the fact that the people within the industry have nominated us is the most fulfilling thought,” adds Advani.

Each of these directors has managed to make a mark with their first baby but getting here was not an easy task. It’s always difficult to take the first step and getting a push is most difficult,even for the most deserving. “I did everything short of stealing money,in order to finance and release my film,” says Chandrabhushan,38-year-old director of Frozen.

Director of Wake Up Sid,Mukerji,agrees that his struggle was made easier because of his filmy background. To have such a big production house like Dharma to back you on your first project is a dream come true for most newcomers,“But at the end of it,you can’t force your audience to like the film,” he says.

Winning an award could make their next dream project easier for most of them. “If I do win,I’m going to get on that stage,go down on my knees and ask for money to make my next film,” adds Chandrabhushan.