Luv Ranjan is a popular Indian filmmaker, known for unique rom-coms, although he has balanced his filmography very well by trying different subjects and moving from one genre to another through his production ventures. In an exclusive interview with IHNS, Luv Ranjan not only talked about the difference between his directorial choices versus producing projects but also shared insights on his upcoming release slate.
Every filmmaker wants a specific style, and you clearly have one. Whenever we think of a unique, modern romantic comedy, your name immediately comes to mind. Does this come naturally to you?
I’m honestly telling you, I have no idea. When I started in this industry, it was not that I had decided that I wanted to be a filmmaker who would be known for unique romantic-comedy films. Sometimes it happens that you are not able to schedule your journey. You set out to do something and your journey takes shape. If my second film, Akash Vani, had done well at the box office, I might have moved more towards dramas. So now no one can tell when that journey will turn in which direction. It so happened that, you know, I eventually did romantic comedies and comedies and quirky comedies, and audiences loved them.
Today, we are talking about what is my signature in terms of rom-com and comedy. But if you ask me, was it intentional? It was not intentional. It wasn’t something that I decided in advance, that this is the path I’m going to take and this is the journey I’m going to take.
Of all the films you have directed, I think Akash Vani is the least appreciated and not talked about much. Do you think if the film had released today it would have been better accepted by the audience? Haven’t you thought about re-releasing it?
I would like to believe that. Yes, I never thought in his direction. But now that you say that, maybe I’ll consider that maybe we should think about re-releasing it.
There is a clear difference between the kind of films you direct and the kind of films you produce. How do you choose to get involved as a producer or director?
See, because before being a producer and director, I am a viewer. I like movies. And I like all kinds of movies. True, it is not that as an audience I only like comedy. I have grown up watching different types of cinema. I am a fan of different types of cinema and different genres. Now, the whole idea of being a creator is also about the fact that as a creator, you can venture into different fields. Why should we limit ourselves to making only the films I can make?
So, the fun is that I can produce films and be a part of films which are not entirely my cup of tea as a producer. But as long as they are favorites for me as an audience, as long as it is a film that I would like to watch, it is a film that I would like to make to the best of my ability.
Have you decided on your next directorial film?
I’m writing my next one. Hopefully, I will tell you soon.
What else can we expect from your production space after Slaughter 2?
We have just completed an action film with Ajay Devgan sir, which will release later this year. We have already announced this. We are starting Sourav Ganguly’s biopic soon in March. So that’s something on the slate that we’re working on.
