INTERVIEWS

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We can see a spark of Gandhian Philosophy in Parviz Batada's short film “JAWAAB LA-JAWAAB”. The spreading of a universal idealism is a wonderful effort in this 15-minutes film. It reflects the rich artistic and social motto of the film director. To get the glimpse of this art behind the film, we decided to talk to Parviz Batada.

CULT CRITIC - Parviz, what was the initial inspiration to make a film on Gandhi?

Parviz: In the childhood, I had heard this story on the humorous nature of Mahatma Gandhi. After finishing the basic course of filmmaking few years back at AHMEDABAD MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION with the coordinator Ms. Malti Mehta, with a view to participate in the Diamond Jubilee Arts International film Festival organized by our community in the honor of our religious leader His Highness the Agakhan IV for completing his 60 years of Imamat, this film was made.

CULT CRITIC - What would you say is the main story and point of the film? Gandhi's simplistic philosophy or anything more?

Parviz: Exhibiting the simplicity of Gandhi with his sense of humor in his reply of travelling by the middle class when almost all the leaders used to travel by the higher class.

CULT CRITIC - You use flashbacks in the film. How come you decided upon using flashbacks instead of a more a linier storyline? What is your thought behind it? 

Parviz: It is essential to make the viewers aware about the main story line either by voice over commentary or by dramatic situation that delivers the dialogues and takes the film audience to the main story. According to me, back flash is more effective way in order to depict the same.

CULT CRITIC -  Would you please tell us how did you start your filmmaking journey? 

Parviz: Since my childhood, I have been very much fond of films as I am of an opinion that audio visual is the most powerful tool to tell a story to the crowd more interestingly. Though, being an insurance & investment advisor by profession, I had never thought in the past that I would be a filmmaker in future.

CULT CRITIC - JAWAAB LA-JAWAAB has some astonishing film editing. As a film director, what do you look for in a film editor for your movies? What are the top qualities of a great film editor? 

Parviz: Film has been edited by Ms. Dhara Shah who was a faculty during my course of Film Production and Management at AMA, Ahmedabad. She is a freelance editor with more than 25 years of experience in film editing, working with organizations like Doordarshan, DECU-ISRO, EMMRC, and many other well-known filmmakers.

Time and rhythm are two major editorial concerns. A good film will have graph that takes audience through ups & downs, fast & slow sequences and that’s the responsibility of a good film editor. Ms. Dhara,understanding and accepting her responsibility, had remained present during whole indoor as well as outdoor shooting of the film so that she could justify the editing portion of the film very well.

CULT CRITIC -Tell us a bit about your future. What are your upcoming projects?  

Parviz: In near future, there is no planning of any project. But, after some time, if sufficient funds are made available, a Gujarati feature film with “A” Certificate for 18+ audience is planned that would be enjoyed and remembered for years by the peoples.

CULT CRITIC - What message would you like to deliver for the indie filmmakers of this time?

Parviz: If you are really passionate for the project you have decided in your mind, and your intention is good, don’t worry about how it would be achieved. Just let the people know about your dream and the whole universe will come forward to help you in every way and you will see the task being possible.

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