ENTERTAINMENT
Talvar is a movie allegedly based on the Noida double murder case of Aarushi Talwar and Hemraj Banjade. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film stars Irrfan Khan, Konkana Sen and Neeraj Kabi.
What inspired you to make a film on the Talwar case? Why call it Talvar (sword)?
The case is fascinating - in the sense that multiple investigations, a long-drawn trial, a verdict and a sentence have all transpired. And yet, there are many questions that still don’t have entirely convincing answers. The idea to explore this sense of unfinished-ness through a film, was un-passable. The title of the film alludes to a dialogue in the film that occurs at a very poignant moment in the film - the dialogue is referring to the sword in the hand of the statue of Lady Justice.
How did you go about the casting? Was Sanjay Dutt earlier supposed to play Irrfan's role?
Irrfan Khan was sent the first draft of the script even before my father was given a copy to read. As far as I know, he was the only actor approached to play the part he is playing in the film. And I had one meeting with him and he agreed to do the film.
Konkona seems relatively young to play the role of a mother.
Konkona is a mother in real life too, isn’t she? And this is me… whose mother played Rishi Kapoor’s mother in Kabhie Kabhie when she wasn’t even 40. So I guess that’s the sensibility I come from. When an actor is an accomplished performer, physicality and age are hardly a consideration during casting. At least for me.
Apparently Irrfan took some time before saying a yes?
Like I mentioned earlier, Irrfan and I had one meeting. At the end of that meeting Vishal ji called to inform me that he was on board. This was in June 2013. We started filming in June 2014. And Irrfan’s commitment to the film didn’t once waver through that lapse of 1 year.
Have you shown the film to your parents?
I showed the film to my father, on his birthday. We had a technical test screening of our festival print. My mother wanted to see an unsubtitled print, which I haven’t been able to complete before leaving for Toronto. So that I will do once we’re back.
People are talking about how uncannily similar are Avirook Sen's book Aarushi and Talvar. Comment.
I know a lot of people have read Avirook’s book. But I don’t know how many people have seen Talvar considering we haven’t had that many screenings. I would have a better perspective if I had read the book. My bad it came out at the time I was neck-deep in post-production of Talvar.
Vishal and his team researched on the film for a year-and-a-half. Do you find certain similarities/same trajectory between Talvar and the Sheena Bora case today? How?
Vishal ji went from completing Matru to prepping for Haider along with working on Talvar. I spent one and half years on the research to make sure Vishal ji had all the support he needed on the scripting process. You should ask Priti Shahani, my Co-Producer at Junglee Pictures –– we would often laugh as she would ask me random questions about the case during the shoot, to keep testing my knowledge of details. But you can’t make a film like this without having done your research. With reference to the Sheena Bora case, the obvious similarities that jump out are the unparalleled public and media attention. The posturing of theories and judgements before an investigation concludes and all facts have been covered comprehensively. And of course, the change in the investigating team mid-course.
When one is making a film based on a real-life story is it tough finding a balance between real-life and reel-life - how much to show and not?
If one sets out to make a realistic and authentic film on a real-life event, you have to be as true to the facts as possible. And when the facts are gruesome, you rely on your sensibility and sense of aesthetics to decide how much to show and how to show it. Films on real-life incidents have a large chance of falling into the trap of sensationalism. All of us on Talvar were constantly aware and guarding against doing precisely that.
In Talvar have you completely kept it as factual as the research as possible or taken cinematic liberties?
The facts and data have not been meddled with. Cinematic tools have been used to give characters more than one-dimension –– like a personal trajectory, and to enhance certain plot-points for a better screenplay graph.
While making the film were you emotional touched/moved at any point? Which scene affected you the most?
It is hugely draining to make a film on a real-life incident –– the responsibility of recording and recreating a historical occurrence weighs down quite a bit. And when the event is a violent one, it becomes even more difficult. Filming the murder sequences were very tough. From all perspectives. I tried to be as clinical as humanly possible during the shoot of the film.
Earlier were you supposed to make the film with PNC?
Mr Nandy had once told me - “We want to make all your films!” I gladly echoed his sentiment! We discussed 2-3 films in the seven years between Just Married and Talvar. I believe, every film charts it’s own journey, has it’s own destiny. And so does Talvar.
DNA TV Show: Why Election Commission changed Assembly by-elections' dates
Days after imposing fine on Anil Ambani, Sebi now issues Rs 130 crore demand notices to...
Thailand announces indefinite visa-free entry for Indian travellers
Meet daughter of billionaire, who studied in UK, now works in Rs 32770 crore Indian company as...
MUDA case: Lokayukta police summon Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah for questioning on...
This city is 4000 years old, belongs to bronze age where 500 people lived, it is located in...
Kamala Harris has been the President of US before? Here's when and how
Meet son-in-law of billionaire whose net worth is Rs 38690 crore, he co-founded...
What is elimination inflammation diet that helped Vidya Balan lose weight?
Shah Rukh Khan feels breathless after quitting smoking: Know withdrawal symptoms, how to manage them
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal takes action on vendor for mislabelling mushrooms at Hyperpure warehouse
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance shares fell by 3%, loses Rs 50205 crore in one day due to...
IAF's MiG-29 crashes near Agra in Uttar Pradesh, pilot ejects safely, court of inquiry ordered
Driving Growth and Monetization at Zendesk: A Conversation with Darshit Thakkar
Can air pollution make you fat? Know how high AQI impact your health
Locanto Addresses Challenges and Innovations in Indian Education System
Nita Ambani stuns in floral co-ord set while Anant, Mukesh Ambani go casual in Dubai
Indian Railway to launch this 'SUPER APP', passengers can now..., know details here
Who is Rashmi Shukla, IPS officer whom EC removed as Maharashtra DGP?
This village in India allows men to have two wives, living under one roof due to…
AUS vs PAK, 1st ODI: Australia beat Pakistan by 2 wickets to take 1-0 lead in series
Singham Again’s sole aim is to entertain, it’s not Hindutva propaganda
Delhi pollution: 'Why firecracker ban was not implemented during Diwali,' SC asks police, govt
IPL 2025 mega auction likely to be held in Riyadh on these dates
Big update on Reliance Jio IPO as Mukesh Ambani eyes THIS date
EC reschedules UP, Punjab, Kerala bypolls from Nov 13 to...
Coldplay's Chris Martin falls through stage trap door while performing live in Australia
Meet man, who is rising star in Tata Group after Ratan Tata's death, now tasked with...
'Nice handwriting': Internet reacts to Elon Musk's physics homework from his college days
AIIMS INI CET 2025 admit card releasing today at aiimsexams.ac.in; when and how to download
Sustainability Meets Innovation via uPVC: Industry expert shares experience
Promoting innovation in engineering education
AP TET 2024 exam result declared at aptet.apcfss.in; steps to check
AI-Powered Development: Insights from industry leaders on transforming software engineering
Another BIG move by BSNL, now set to provide tough competition to Jio, Airtel, Vi by...
Uttarakhand Bus Accident: 36 dead after bus falls into gorge in Almora; rescue operations underway
Bigg Boss 18: Vivian D'Sena accuses Chahat Pandey of pooping on floor, latter loses her cool
One of India's best wicketkeepers set to retire after this season, won't play IPL too, he is...
Research shows awe-inspiring details about Black Holes, they can...
US Presidential Election 2024: Harris vs Trump goes down to the wire, say polls
AP TET 2024 exam result to be declared today on aptet.apcfss.in, when and how to check
Shampoo, tea, biscuits, oil to get costlier soon? FMCG firms caution price hike as...
Swiggy fined Rs 35000 for duping Hyderabad customer by doing THIS
Delhi pollution: Air quality in Delhi-NCR further deteriorates, AQI hits 'severe' level
Indian mission condemns attack on Hindu devotees at Canada temple by ‘anti-India’ elements
'Upar se leke neeche tak...': Bigg Boss 18's Kashish Kapoor, Eisha Singh get into ugly spat
Man grows 500 kg pumpkin, uses it as boat to sail 70 km, SEE PIC
Devotees at Banke Bihari Temple drink AC water believing it to be 'Charan Amrit'; WATCH viral video
Bank Holidays in November: Banks to remain closed for four days in THESE states, full list here
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3: Kartik Aaryan's mother struggles to get tickets, hilarious video goes viral
Mumbai Police arrest Maharashtra woman for hoax death threat to UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Kriti Sanon avoids posing with rumoured boyfriend Kabir Bahia at Mumbai airport, video goes viral
This is world's most expensive house, twice price of Mukesh Ambani's Antilia, it is located in...
SC to hear today Delhi govt's plea against vesting LG with power to appoint...
Viral video: Girl’s sizzling dance to ‘Taareefan’ song earns praise from netizens, watch
Watch: Elderly couple's heartwarming dance at Mohit Chauhan's Patna concert goes viral
This is India’s most expensive wedding card, made from real gold and silver, it costs Rs…