He started his journey as a spot-boy, became a cinematographer and after directing a couple of Marathi films, is now ready with his first Hindi film as a director. In this interview, Laxman Utekar talks about ‘Luka Chuppi’, shooting a film in a milieu he was not familiar with, the transition from being a DOP to a director and upcoming projects.
You are from Maharashtra. Was it difficult to make a film set in Uttar Pradesh, a state or a milieu you were not familiar with?
No, there was no such issue. James Cameron made a film like ‘Avatar’ which was set in a different world altogether. Yes, it was a challenge as I had never lived in Uttar Pradesh. I worked on developing the script with the writers for a year and a half. During that period, we visited Uttar Pradesh several times and acquainted ourselves with the culture and milieu of the place.
One of the earliest films you shot was ‘Blue’. The film had some amazing camerawork.
Yes, but unfortunately the film did not work. It was the most expensive film to have been made at that time. Shooting such a big film was quite a challenge for me as I was just starting out as a cinematographer. I think I am the only person who benefitted from the film (laughs).
How did the transition from being a DOP to a director happen?
As a cinematographer, your job is to translate the director’s vision onto the camera. If you have a story to tell, you look for ways to say it. That thought makes you want to become a director. I had not even thought of becoming a DOP. I started out as a spot boy. Then, I become a camera attendant and then, a camera assistant. I used to observe the DOPs and then, I thought I could also shoot films on my own.
You have not shot ‘Luka Chuppi’. Do you like to keep your duties as a cinematographer and a director separate?
I have shot my Marathi films myself but since we had a bigger canvas this time, I thought of focussing only on direction. Milind Jog is the director of photography on this film and he has shot the film beautifully.
Would you like to direct a Marathi film again?
Why not? Unfortunately, the Marathi films I made did not work but if a good script comes my way, I would love to make a Marathi film again.
Do you think there has been a positive change in the Marathi film industry in the last couple of years?
A few good films have been made but the general perception that Marathi cinema is doing very well is wrong. ‘Sairat’ was a blockbuster but after that a lot of films did not work. Every Friday, four or five films release in theatres and most of them sink without a trace. Releasing so many regional films together is not a good idea.
What are you doing next?
I will be shooting Amit Ravindernath Sharma’s next film featuring Ajay Devgn. I want to take a break from direction for a while.