In the tapestry of Indian cinema, few threads are as vibrant and enduring as the storytelling prowess of Varun Grover. With Leach narrative stroke, Grover weaves a rich mosaic of emotions, characters, and societal reflections, captivating audiences with his ability to evoke laughter, provoke thought, and stir the soul. Presenting excerpts from a heart-to-heart talk with the talented writer and director.
GENESIS OF A FILMMAKER
Grover's foray into the realm of filmmaking began with All India Rank. He wrote the script for it in 2014. It is a poignant exploration of the trials and the tribulations faced by aspirants in the competitive world of entrance exams. It was a project that marked not only the culmination of his writing prowess but also the inception of his directorial ambitions. "I owe a debt of gratitude to Jaideep Sahni, whose encouragement propelled me to take the directorial reins," Grover acknowledges, reflecting on the pivotal role played by his mentor in shaping his artistic trajectory. "Jaideep Sahni sent the script of All India Rank in jest to Sriram Raghavan. Sriram liked the script so much that he produced the film," reveals Varun. Yet, the transition from writer to director was not without its challenges, as Grover grappled with self-doubt and apprehension. "I was just a writer who had penned Gangs of Wasseypur and Masaan. I lacked the confidence to step into the director's chair," he admits. Immersing himself in the intricacies of direction, editing, sound design and visual effects, he sought guidance from industry stalwarts like Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap, honing his craft with each passing day.
ORIGINS OF A WORDSMITH
This story is from the April 2024 edition of Filmfare.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2024 edition of Filmfare.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Breaking free
NIKKHIL ADVANI'S MAKING WAVES WITH HIS OTT DEBUT, FREEDOM AT MIDNIGHT. HE TALKS ABOUT ITS GENESIS, HIS ASSOCIATION WITH KARAN JOHAR, AND WHAT'S REAL STARDOM WITH SRIJITA SEN
DECK THE HALLS
Chris Evans and Dwayne Johnson join Tanzim Pardiwalla over a video call about their forthcoming Christmas film, Red One, possible Bollywood crossovers and their love for India
Class Act
NEHA DHUPIA SHARES THE SECRET OF JUGGLING MOTHERHOOD AND CAREER WHILE STAYING RELEVANT WITH FARHANA FAROOK
Deep end of the Ocean
Cancer survivor Mahima Chaudhary tells Farhana Farook that playing a similar person in The Signature proved cathartic for her
DESTINY'S WILD CHILD
ALAYA F CAUGHT IN A CONVERSATION WITH JITESH PILLAAI
SEOUL CONNECTION
Director Hwang Dong Hyuk and lead actors Lee Jung Jae and Wi Ha Joon of Squid Game fame talk about the global phenomenon with Tanzim Pardiwalla
"Smita was a victim.not a villain"
Manya Patil-Seth tells Farhana Farook why her late sister Smita Patil was a tragic contradiction – a pioneer of an actor but a prey of emotions
Best of Shatrughan Sinha's Rapid fire
With democracy facing a near-death situation in most of India's neighbouring countries, what, according to you, is the reason why Indian democracy is still standing strong in the current times? Gaurav Pant, New Delhi
THE RISE AND RISE OF PUSHPA 2
When Allu Arjun went to Patna around a month ago to showcase the trailer of Pushpa 2, naysayers mocked the move, stating that he's making a mistake about taking a Telugu film there. Guess what, the actor had the last laugh.
girl, uninterrupted
Fatima Sana Shaikh is so candid and forthright you don't believe she's a star.