<p>Director Ashish R Shukla, who impressed a section of the audience with the hard-hitting web series <em>Undekhi</em>, says that he won't engage with trolls as he wants his work to do the talking. </p>.<p>In an email interview with <em>DH</em>, he also opens up about his latest movie<em> Bahut Hua Sammaan</em> and says that he has no issue with the film releasing directly on Disney+ Hotstar, skipping the theatrical route, as each film has its destiny. </p>.<p>(Edited excerpts)</p>.<p><strong>What encouraged you to take up <em>Bahut Hua Samman</em>?</strong></p>.<p>The studio had asked me to make an action-comedy on the lines of Guy Richie's <em>Man from Uncle</em> and this sounded very exciting. However, given the budget, we thought of doing something like his first film <em>Lock Shock and Two Smoking Barrels</em>. I did not want the film to be only about a heist so we wrote a story that revolves around what happens after the heist. We also thought of making it a satire on political turmoil. </p>.<p><strong>What do you feel about it not releasing in theatres?</strong></p>.<p>Every film has its own destiny. Some smaller movies don't get a release at all. We at least got a credible platform (to showcase the film). In this industry, there is no place for disappointments. I believe in doing my job and moving on. </p>.<p><strong>Are there any differences between directing a film and working on a web series?</strong></p>.<p>A web series obviously gives you more time to explore the story and characters. The story arc is much bigger and divided into episodes. Each episode has to be treated as a three-act film. On the other hand, a movie needs to be engaging throughout. You might not be able to give closure to every character but the story has to make sense. </p>.<p><strong> How did you get interested in direction?</strong></p>.<p>I was inclined towards art since childhood. One day during my childhood I saw Salaam Bombay on Doordarshan and it changed my life. I had to rebel during my graduation to join an art school. </p>.<p>I eventually worked as an assistant director on a film. I soon had to take a sabbatical from filmmaking as I got married early. I took up a job with an ad agency. In 2006 I got fed up with the ad world and left my job and made my first short film. The rest is history. </p>.<p><strong>How do you deal with failure?</strong></p>.<p>I just start watching films and think that it is not my time. Moreover, I never get too excited or disappointed about things. . If something doesn't work, I simply move on to my next project. Once your work goes into the public domain, It's the audience that decides. </p>.<p><strong>How do you deal with trolls?</strong></p>.<p> I used to get very angry initially but now I'm away from such social platforms for peace. I will say whatever I want to say through my work. </p>.<p><strong> One professional goal you want to fulfill in the coming years?</strong></p>.<p>I'm hoping I don't work for the sake of working. I want to feel excited about whatever I do. Moreover, I want every story to be a new one<br /> </p>
<p>Director Ashish R Shukla, who impressed a section of the audience with the hard-hitting web series <em>Undekhi</em>, says that he won't engage with trolls as he wants his work to do the talking. </p>.<p>In an email interview with <em>DH</em>, he also opens up about his latest movie<em> Bahut Hua Sammaan</em> and says that he has no issue with the film releasing directly on Disney+ Hotstar, skipping the theatrical route, as each film has its destiny. </p>.<p>(Edited excerpts)</p>.<p><strong>What encouraged you to take up <em>Bahut Hua Samman</em>?</strong></p>.<p>The studio had asked me to make an action-comedy on the lines of Guy Richie's <em>Man from Uncle</em> and this sounded very exciting. However, given the budget, we thought of doing something like his first film <em>Lock Shock and Two Smoking Barrels</em>. I did not want the film to be only about a heist so we wrote a story that revolves around what happens after the heist. We also thought of making it a satire on political turmoil. </p>.<p><strong>What do you feel about it not releasing in theatres?</strong></p>.<p>Every film has its own destiny. Some smaller movies don't get a release at all. We at least got a credible platform (to showcase the film). In this industry, there is no place for disappointments. I believe in doing my job and moving on. </p>.<p><strong>Are there any differences between directing a film and working on a web series?</strong></p>.<p>A web series obviously gives you more time to explore the story and characters. The story arc is much bigger and divided into episodes. Each episode has to be treated as a three-act film. On the other hand, a movie needs to be engaging throughout. You might not be able to give closure to every character but the story has to make sense. </p>.<p><strong> How did you get interested in direction?</strong></p>.<p>I was inclined towards art since childhood. One day during my childhood I saw Salaam Bombay on Doordarshan and it changed my life. I had to rebel during my graduation to join an art school. </p>.<p>I eventually worked as an assistant director on a film. I soon had to take a sabbatical from filmmaking as I got married early. I took up a job with an ad agency. In 2006 I got fed up with the ad world and left my job and made my first short film. The rest is history. </p>.<p><strong>How do you deal with failure?</strong></p>.<p>I just start watching films and think that it is not my time. Moreover, I never get too excited or disappointed about things. . If something doesn't work, I simply move on to my next project. Once your work goes into the public domain, It's the audience that decides. </p>.<p><strong>How do you deal with trolls?</strong></p>.<p> I used to get very angry initially but now I'm away from such social platforms for peace. I will say whatever I want to say through my work. </p>.<p><strong> One professional goal you want to fulfill in the coming years?</strong></p>.<p>I'm hoping I don't work for the sake of working. I want to feel excited about whatever I do. Moreover, I want every story to be a new one<br /> </p>
