‘Kedarnath has a lot of purity and heart’: Abhishek Kapoor

The last 12-odd months have been a roller-coaster ride for Abhishek Kapoor. His ambitious project Kedarnath, starring Sushant Singh Rajput and debutante Sara Ali Khan, not only changed hands but the writer-filmmaker also had to go back and forth on its release date. 

However, all that is now in the past as the tragic love story, set against the backdrop of the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, opens in cinemas on December 7. Even though its trailer and songs like Namoh Namoh and Sweetheart have garnered an encouraging response, Abhishek is not taking it easy when we meet him at his office. Ask him if he feels ‘ab manzil door nahin’ and Gattu, as he’s fondly called by his family and friends, says, “It’s not over till it’s over. I think I’ll be a little relaxed only after Kedarnath hits the marquee.” 

Over coffee and sandwiches, we talk about his pilgrimage, as he calls the making of his movie. Excerpts...

The way you have captured the flood sequence has become the trailer’s talking point. How did you go about it?

The devastation was massive, so we’re just trying to be as true to it as possible. We had to go through many processes like building a massive set, having water tanks coupled with live action and VFX. What we’re trying to achieve is pretty complex. So, we’re doing the best we can, while staying true to the story.

What was your inspiration for it? 

The inspiration is the real location’s imagery. It has to be true to its own geography. We’re not trying to imitate a western film, I’m making an Indian movie. When you go to 

Kedarnath and study about the floods and what happened, you realise that the topography of it is so mammoth. And it’s a real event. So, you study the history and follow what happened, in as much detail as you can and recreate it from scratch.

How did the idea of Kedarnath come about?

As a filmmaker, you’re always looking for a story to tell and my quest has been to not repeat myself. I want to enter a new world with every film. After my last movie, Fitoor (2016), I wanted to travel a bit. I decided to go to places where those people, for whom I want to make my movies, reside. When I went to Vaishno Devi, I noticed that devotees from all strata and various parts of the country go to pay obeisance to their God. Many of the porters who carried the pilgrims to the temple were Muslims. Bahut kamaal ka drishya tha, ki Hinduon ko unke dharmik sthaan par Musalmaan leke jaa rahe they. 

Today, when you see the divide being created in the name of religion and politics, elders tell you that 40-50 years ago, such things didn’t happen so much. You realise that love and humanity is still alive in Kedarnath. And I found that fascinating. Moreover, the 2013 Uttarakhand floods saw the loss of many lives. The idea of making this film is to bring a lot of healing, to who we are and also offer shraddhanjali to those who died or went missing. The maximum number of people were poor, and sadly, there was no value for their lives lost.

So, why a love story against the backdrop of Uttarakhand floods? 

If I make a film only about the event, I should make a documentary. But participation of the viewer needs a fictional plot. So, why not a love story? I chose the simplest and easiest route to take the viewers there.

In the interim, when the film ran into rough waters, what thoughts crossed your mind? 

Those were difficult times. I was halfway through the film but I had to do what I had to in order to secure it. It’s not easy to attempt a movie like this. The kind of location I went to shoot in, the kind of film I’m making and the story that I’m telling is my calling, it’s a pilgrimage of its own. Kedarnath has a lot of purity and heart. I’ve immense faith and love in Bholenath. Making this film has brought me closer to him. If I’m going through hard times, I know the force that Lord Shiva gave me while helming this movie, will see me through it.

Who was your support system at that time?

Halfway through the film, my wife (Pragya) was about five months pregnant. It was a tricky time and I had taken the film upon myself. So, I had to protect it. She was the one who supported me, came on board and did the entire production for me. In the bargain, I got a great producer. You realise that people have certain qualities and strengths, you didn’t know existed; and how you perform under stress is what defines you.

What has been the biggest takeaway for you from this experience?  

I learnt that one has to be prepared in life for any circumstances. Making a movie is not an easy task. I’m still going through the process as I haven’t finished the film yet. There will be time for introspection and retrospection. Right now, my focus is on taking the movie to theatres.

Was Sushant Singh Rajput your first choice? 

Yes. He suited the role perfectly. He has the mental and physical strength to play this part. Moreover, he brings a lot to the table as a performer as he has his own way of crafting his character. What’s also important is that he has managed to retain his innocence, which is important while essaying different characters.

Did you think of Sara Ali Khan because roping in a star kid creates some curiosity about the film?

I needed a fresh face as I was making a young love story. In the film, the girl’s role was quite strong, so I needed someone young and special. While an industry connection helps, that alone can’t be the criterion for casting. The person has to be the best for the role. Sara’s name kept popping up during various conversations. I got in touch with one of our common friends, designer Sandeep Khosla who introduced me to her. We met and I realised that she’s a bright girl who has a mind of her own. However, as she didn’t have any prior acting experience, she had to start from scratch. Also, as she was sharing screen space with actors like Sushant and others, she had to raise the game to that level. She has worked really hard and played her part with conviction.

You sued Sara’s agency for giving away the dates allotted for Kedarnath to Rohit Shetty’s Simmba. Her father Saif Ali Khan, too, met you to sort out the issue... 

It’s unfortunate that it happened. When we got into a bit of a problem, it seemed we had got delayed and Sara was concerned. When Rohit’s (Shetty) offer came about, I told him that she is great and he should consider her. He was like, ‘No, your film should come first’ and I told him that we’re both making movies. It didn’t matter to me whose film came first. And if he wanted to, he should work with her. Sara’s management agency assumed that I may not be able to pull through and they gave her dates away. I had no choice but to resolve the matter in court.

Kedarnath’s release date, too, saw many changes. Did you have to rush through your post-production to meet that deadline? 

I had many dates in mind, but we never took our foot off the pedal. Now with us hitting the marquee on December 7, it looks like we’re racing to meet the deadline, but the post-production has been at the same pace.

Have you thought what you’d like to make next?

I’ve not decided on anything yet. I’m still busy with the post-production. Right now, I’m focussing on completing the film and releasing it on December 7.