The spy thriller can be a difficult genre to master. How did you go about choosing a script for the same for your directorial debut?
Yes, getting a spy thriller right can be a bit tricky, as too many forces come into play. However, as is the case with all movies, the script and story play a huge role. The way you tell the story, shoot the dramatic scenes, deliver the right message, everything goes a long way in coming up with a commercially viable, yet quality product. With Mission Majnu, there has been a continuous effort to weave a hardcore story with an emotional angle. Of course with VFX, songs etc, it translates into a complete package.
Patriotic films often run the risk of being overtly caricatured or nationalistic. How did you ensure to deliver the message subtly without any dramatic twists in Mission Majnu?
According to me, less is more when it comes to portraying patriotism on screen. Any over the top drama, if shown, stems from a place of underlying fear in order for the audience to like the film. In Mission Majnu too, we have ensured that the message is delivered with subtlety and the characters may be understated, but they look strong and resilient.
How did the idea of casting Siddharth and Rashmika come about considering that Rashmika is just one film old in the Hindi film industry?
Any decision to cast the lead pair in a film begins with an idea, an idea that these two actors would fit the role well. With fresh pairings, this is always a risk as it may or may not work. For Sidharth and Rashmika, both brought something new to the table and had an equally strong command over their skill sets. Since Rashmika plays a disabled woman on screen, she did workshops and learned to cook blindfolded. Siddharth, who plays an undercover detective, also had to take tailoring classes. Furthermore, the film is set in the 1970s, so unlike the traditional Bollywood ‘hero’ and ‘heroine’, most of the characters are dressed down, not over the top.
Mission Majnu is a commercial potboiler, so why did you opt for an OTT release?
Well, the reach of OTT is huge now as millions of people can watch the content simultaneously from any part of the world. Language, among other parameters, is no longer a barrier as you can watch and enjoy practically any show or movie, thanks to subtitles. Vis-a-vis Mission Majnu, the film is releasing in 190 countries, so this was the best way to reach out to a wider audience.
Mission Majnu is now streaming on Netflix.