Mumbai: Director Aditya Sarpotdar’s recent release ‘Thama’, who started his career in Marathi cinema, has made a business of Rs 100 crore at the box office. The film is earning well even after 10 days of release. Now in a special conversation with Amar Ujala, Aditya Sarpotdar told how ‘Thama’ was not just a film for him, but a responsibility. He also talked about the horror-comedy universe of Maddock.
What was your reaction when you heard the story of ‘Thama’ for the first time?
I was shooting for ‘Munjya’ when Amar Kaushik told me the idea of ​​’Thama’. Hearing this, an exciting curiosity arose within me. I asked for his time and did research for about a year. While reading folktales and Puranas, I came to know many interesting things about Betal. It was written in many articles that Betal could be called India’s first vampire. Especially among the folk stories of Bengal, the stories of Betal and Kali Maa’s army shocked me. I realized that this is not a story of fear, but a story of divinity and sacrifice. From there the seed of ‘Thama’ was sown.
How challenging was it to be a part of the ‘Stree’ universe?
The best thing about ‘Stree’ universe is that here every director gets complete freedom. When I joined this universe during ‘Munjya’, Amar and Niren (writer) had already decided which film would come, when and how it would be connected. I also always find universe-based films attractive because the world of characters keeps expanding in them. Whereas when you have actors like Ayushmann, Rashmika and Paresh Rawal with you, it becomes easier to realize the idea. These actors don’t just act, they add life to the story.
The film has received mixed response from the audience. Some called it excellent while some called it weak. How do you see it?
I think this is part of the film. When viewers ask questions, understand that they are engaged. I myself like films that children and families can watch together. If I make a very scary film, children will already run away from the theatre. I remember when I showed the footage of ‘Thamaa’ to Ayushmann. He said that his daughter has never been so excited about a film before. This is the real reward for me. For me, horror means a balance of emotion and entertainment. Fear is effective only when there is emotion behind it. And this is the soul of ‘Thama’.
Many people also discussed about Rashmika’s Hindi. What would you say on this?
If a viewer feels that there is scope for improvement in an artist’s Hindi, then this opinion is justified. But it is also important to understand what is the language and background of the character? We had already decided in the script that Rashmika’s character comes from the South Indian part, so her dialect could not be kept in clear Hindi. Rashmika has worked very hard on her character and language. Sometimes criticism is one-sided, especially when an actress tries to do something different. Rashmika is very hardworking and intelligent.
How was the journey from Marathi cinema to Hindi’s 100 crore club?
This journey is both emotional and inspirational for me. I come from the fourth generation of Marathi cinema. The culture of films has been there in our house since childhood. My stories were always connected to my soil. ‘Munjya’ was derived from the folklore of Maharashtra and we did not think that it would become a pan India hit. But when people adopted it in Delhi, Punjab, Gujarat and South, then it was understood that folk tales do not belong to any one state. ‘Thama’ further strengthened that belief. For me, both the films joining the Rs 100 crore club is a proof of the love of the audience.
You did a Hindi film in 2017, then why was there such a long gap?
My first Hindi film was started in 2017, but it was not completed. That experience taught me that just making a film is not enough, it is important to complete it. So I returned back to Marathi cinema. The stories there gave me direction. Then came ‘Zombievli’, which was my first horror comedy. People loved it and interestingly, non-Marathi audiences also embraced it. Then ‘Kakuda’, ‘Munjya’ and now ‘Thama’. Every film strengthened the belief that pan India stories can be told while still connecting with the roots.
Do you feel pressure now after entering back to back Rs 100 crore club?
Numbers are not pressure for me, they are the love of the audience. After ‘Munjya’ the same feeling was repeated with ‘Thamaa’. Today, when people share scenes, make memes or discuss on social media, that is the biggest reward for me. For me, every viewer who buys a ticket and comes to watch the film is an honour. This is more important to me than any box office number.