Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, who is known for his unique storytelling and critically acclaimed films, opened up about his latest project, I Want To Talk, starring Abhishek Bachchan. In a candid conversation with ETimes on the sidelines of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), he discussed the challenges of bringing unconventional narratives to the screen, his approach to casting, and the deeply personal inspirations behind his stories.He also reflected on the legacy of the late Irrfan Khan and shed light on his creative choices.
On I Want To Talk getting low response
The film may have had a slow start, but those who have watched it have sent me messages saying it’s a film to experience. The reviews are quite interesting. I want people to go in and experience this film. However, people have lost the habit of going to theaters, and that’s evident. I hope the film picks up. My PR and media team told me this is a film that will grow through word of mouth.
What prompted you to make this film?
There are many relatable aspects to this story—whether it’s the father-daughter dynamic, health issues, or my perspective on death. People who have been closely connected to hospitals and the healthcare system might relate to this film more deeply. Life sometimes throws uncertainties at us, leaving us wondering what tomorrow holds.
What would you do if doctors told you that you had only 100 days to live?
A friend of mine faced this situation but didn’t let it break him. When Irrfan was diagnosed with cancer, I spoke to him often. However, he couldn’t battle it mentally. My friend, on the other hand, didn’t surrender. I decided to make this film after Irrfan’s passing, for those who struggle mentally in such situations. It’s not about Irrfan specifically, but about anyone facing a mental health challenge. My friend was given 100 days but has now lived 10,842 days.
Has his family watched the film?
Yes, they’re emotional about it.
Why did you think of Abhishek Bachchan for the role of Arjun Sen?
Abhishek is a father, and I wanted someone who understands that dynamic in real life. He also fits the middle-aged look (35–40 years). Not everyone is willing to play a middle-aged character. Moreover, he was ready to embrace the role completely, including showing his physical imperfections.
One day, he told me, “It’s the second inning that I’m playing now,” which made me feel good about his openness. There are also similarities between the real Arjun Sen and Abhishek—both are chatterboxes and a bit of a know-it-all.
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How were Arjun’s looks decided?
The film spans 10–12 years, so we had to work on different looks to reflect his journey, including his corporate and personal life. We show him as a father when his daughter is a kid and a teenager. Abhishek wanted to take it step by step, and we avoided using prosthetics. What you see in the film is mostly Abhishek with minimal makeup.
How do you manage to tell the stories you want to tell?
There are film lovers who seek diverse stories, including my kind of cinema. I haven’t lost hope. I’m okay with people watching blockbuster films; I know my place and have no complaints. Some people choose to watch my films, and that keeps my hope alive. If I lose hope in my work, I’ll lose hope in life itself.
How do you define your cinema?
I am surrounded by grounded people—my wife, children, and producer Ronnie Lahiri. They don’t let me get caught up in vanity. My films reflect this normalcy and simplicity.
How do you use feedback?
Feedback helps. Observations from viewers allow me to refine my approach in future projects. Discussing reviews is important because filmmaking is an art form that grows through dialogue.
How much does commerce worry you?
Ronnie and I decided early on to self-produce our films without taking external funding. We ensure our budgets are reasonable, covering the base price. This approach keeps us tension-free. Overloading the budget creates problems, which we avoid. We’ve turned down offers with higher budgets when they didn’t align with the film we wanted to make.
Life without Irrfan
I’ve spoken a lot about Irrfan, but now my focus is on his son, Babil. I feel responsible for guiding him, giving him confidence, and supporting him. When I return from Goa, I plan to meet him and have a conversation.
What’s next?
I want to explore different genres—romance, science, and mythology. If I take on mythology, it would draw from the Vedas, Upanishads, or Mahabharat, but with a fresh perspective.