What's the good word?
Filmfare|April 2024
WORDSMITH VARUN GROVER RECENTLY TURNED DIRECTOR WITH ALL INDIA RANK. HE TAKES SUMAN SHARMA THROUGH THE TRANSITION
What's the good word?

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.

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This story is from the April 2024 edition of Filmfare.

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