Vidhu Vinod Chopra Shines at IFFI Unscripted

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 22:
Vidhu Vinod Chopra took centre stage at IFFI’s Kala Academy and transformed a simple conversation into a compelling masterclass in filmmaking. Unscripted, unfiltered, and entirely authentic, the celebrated filmmaker offered a rare, intimate look into his craft, his convictions, and the creative journey that has shaped some of India’s most enduring films.

The session, moderated by his long-time collaborator and acclaimed writer Abhijat Joshi, felt less like an interview and more like a candid walk through the memory lanes of Indian cinema. What began as a formal honouring quickly evolved into one of the most engaging conversations of the festival.

The afternoon commenced with Dr. Ajay Nagabhushan, MN, Joint Secretary (Films), and producer Ravi Kottarakkara extending a warm welcome to Chopra and Joshi. Dr. Ajay described Chopra as an unwavering light for aspiring filmmakers, while Ravi called Parinda a genuine “game-changer.” The audience echoed the sentiment.

A Filmmaker Who Creates From Within

Abhijat Joshi opened the discussion by reminiscing about his first meeting with Chopra on a crisp November morning—an encounter that eventually led to creative milestones like Lage Raho Munna Bhai and 3 Idiots. Naturally, he asked whether Chopra’s style had shifted from the fiery tone of Parinda to the introspective calmness of 12th Fail.

Chopra’s answer was disarmingly honest. “Every film reflects who I am at that point,” he explained. “I was angry when I made Parinda. You can see that violence. Today, I’m calmer.”

He went on to describe 12th Fail as his reaction to the corruption he observed around him. “If I can change even one per cent of the system, that’s enough,” he said—prompting a knowing nod from the many young civil-service aspirants in the hall.

The filmmaker also spoke emotionally about watching the newly restored version of 1942: A Love Story in 8K. “I couldn’t make that film today. I’m not the same person,” he admitted. It was a moment of artistic self-awareness rarely seen onstage.

Cinema Rooted in Conviction

Joshi highlighted Chopra’s reputation for uncompromising conviction, praising his commitment to artistic integrity over box-office expectations. Chopra supported this by recounting stories from the making of 1942: A Love Story, including a memorable mountain-ridge shot for which he insisted on using real birds. The restoration revived the moment vividly for him: “It came back like joy on a plate.”

Anecdotes That Lit Up The Hall

The session was punctuated with laughter as Chopra narrated incidents from his early filmmaking days. He recalled writing Khamosh in a cramped apartment where he loudly rehearsed scenes, prompting neighbours to believe he was possessed or preparing for an amateur play.

Another crowd favourite was the Jackie Shroff anecdote—during rehearsals, Shroff accidentally walked into the wrong flat and startled a woman who later told her friends the Bollywood star had appeared in her dreams. Only Chopra could recount such stories with equal humour and warmth.

Music, Magic, and Pancham Da

Chopra then spoke of his deep admiration for R.D. Burman, revealing that he fought to collaborate with the legendary composer for 1942: A Love Story. When the initial compositions didn’t match his vision, Chopra told Burman candidly, “I wanted the soul of S.D. Burman.” Weeks later, the melody that would become Kuch Na Kaho emerged. Chopra sang the tune onstage, drawing loud applause.

He also amused the audience with his National Award story—expecting cash, but instead receiving an eight-year postal bond. His reenactment of the exchange with L.K. Advani sent waves of laughter through the hall, though he made sure to acknowledge Advani’s later support for his Oscar journey.

Honouring the Voices Behind the Classics

A moving moment arrived when 92-year-old Kamna Chandra, writer of 1942: A Love Story and Chopra’s mother-in-law, joined the stage with producer Yogesh Ishwar. She spoke about writing the film’s dialogues and grew emotional as she described watching the restored version. “I felt like I’ve done something in life,” she said, leaving the audience touched.

Yogesh detailed the painstaking restoration work undertaken in Italy, completed frame by frame, with the sound reimagined from scratch. Chopra added that the film now finally appears “exactly as I had imagined.”

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, but for most attendees, the real magic had already unfolded. What Chopra delivered was more than a talk—it was a celebration of storytelling, memory, and creative honesty.

PNN Entertainment