Don't like rewatching my films, prefer looking forward, says director Sanjay Gupta

Sanjay Gupta's latest film 'Mumbai Saga' hit the screens on Friday

Director Sanjay Gupta says that he does not like rewatching his films as his style of filmmaking evolves after every project,

"I don't usually rewatch my films once I am done with them as we evolve with time. I would much rather look forward than back," he told DH in an exclusive interview.

Gupta began his career with the 1994 release Aatish, which had shades of the yesteryear classic Deewaar. He subsequently consolidated his standing in Bollywood with Jung and Khauff. It was, however, the 2002 release Kaante that proved to be a gamechanger for the director. The film featured an ensemble cast headlined by Amitabh Bachchan and emerged as a big hit while receiving rave reviews. The actioner had a distinct look and feel, which clicked with the masses.

Also read: 'Mumbai Saga' movie review: John Abraham-starrer hits the right notes

The writer-director wasn't able to capitalise on the positive response to Kaante as films such as Plan and Zinda did not live up to expectations. These films, however, helped him strengthen his bond with his actor Sanjay Dutt.

Gupta bounced back when he wrote the story of the gangster drama Shootout at Lokhandwala, which emerged as a big hit while impressing the masses. He received praise for the 2009 release Acid Factory, which featured Fardeen Khan and Irrfan Khan in the lead. Gupta continued his journey with Shootout at Wadala, which made a decent impact at the box office.

Kaabil proved to be another important release for the filmmaker as it emerged as a hit despite facing competition from the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Raees.

Gupta is hoping to score another hit with his latest movie Mumbai Saga, a film gangster drama in the same space as the Shootout series. The film has piqued the curiosity of fans as it has an ensemble cast headlined by John Abraham and Emraan Hashmi.

"I don't view directing a multi-starrer as a challenge. Most of the cast members are like my friends. I have even forged a rapport with Emraan, who is working with me for the first time," he adds.

Mumbai Saga, which hit the screens on March 19, is an actioner that revolves around the clash between a gangster and a daring cop. It has received favourable reviews due to the effective writing and intense performances. The buzz is that it might help Bollywood regain its mojo if it does well at the box office.