Filmmaker Vinay Shukla does not mince his words. His reflections come from a place of genuine honesty. “After spending two years largely by myself, promoting my film, it feels as though discussing my mental health now resembles a speech I’ve rehearsed rather than a fresh reflection,” he states candidly.
The genesis of the film ‘While We Watched’ started when Vinay found himself watching TV and the news, feeling increasingly disconnected from a country that seemed to be moving in a direction he didn’t support. Growing up, he was taught that all art should be political and that artists must understand the implications of their work. This awareness deeply shaped his perspective. He acknowledges, “The environment in which my generation of filmmakers thrived—especially during the rise of investigative journalism—provided us with a framework for understanding and engaging with political and social issues.” Unfortunately, that robust landscape, he laments, seems to be lacking today.
Vinay observed popular culture shifting over the past few years, and he felt an urgency to express his feelings through film. “I came to this project seeking relevance in a sea of apathy and despair,” he admits. For him, it was important to articulate his experiences and emotions, not just those of others. His protagonist, Ravish Kumar, became a focal point, a figure who has been fighting battles for years. “His eloquence allows him to articulate the larger conflicts of our time, making him an ideal figure to centre the narrative around.”
With a compelling protagonist like Ravish Kumar comes great responsibility: telling his story well while also sharing Vinay’s own. “I aimed to find a connection between our individual journeys, merging the macro issues with the micro experiences,” he explains. The film was fuelled by emotions—rage, dissatisfaction, inspiration. “Sometimes, these feelings are sparked by watching someone else’s work and thinking, ‘I can do better’ or ‘I want to create something like that.”
Citing an example, Vinay mentions, “The film ‘Matrix’ had a profound impact on filmmakers, inspiring new visions of storytelling. Similarly, films like ‘While We Watched’ can evoke a sense of collectivism and inspire others, allowing them to see their own struggles reflected in the narrative.”
In documentary filmmaking, capturing real-life events as they unfold is key. Unlike scripted reality shows, Vinay emphasizes, “Our process involves documenting genuine interactions. We may capture a fight between two individuals, followed by their reconciliation and evolving friendship.” Understanding the cause of the conflict, however, is crucial for storytelling.
To create a cohesive narrative, Vinay worked closely with his editor, Abhinav Tyagi. “We sifted through the footage and identified key moments in each character’s story, striving to understand how they interacted with each other and the overarching narrative.” This meticulous crafting ensures that the film resonates on multiple levels.
Vinay likens filmmaking to architecture. “Having a solid foundation doesn’t guarantee an aesthetically pleasing outcome,” he observes. The process requires time, rigour, and collaboration with a dedicated team. Many members of his crew have worked with him since his first film, providing continuity and a deep understanding of his vision.
Vinay mentioned his intentional decision to leave out Ravish Kumar’s whimsical, humorous side. “Humour requires its own timing and rhythm, and I was in an angry phase while making this film,” he explains. Though there are moments in the film that evoke laughter—often surprising him during screenings—the overall tone reflects urgency, restlessness, and anxiety.
The film also delves into the realities of journalism, capturing the struggles faced by those in the field. Vinay highlights, “People leave journalism for various reasons. Many pursue it as a job, facing challenges such as job insecurity, poor contracts, and lack of respect.” This revolving door in the industry is something the film captures poignantly, with cake-cutting ceremonies marking farewells as a metaphor for adulthood’s harsh realities.
Connecting with Ravish Kumar is complex, particularly as his professional life often bleeds into his personal space. “He was not just coasting; he was striving to stay afloat amid the demands of both spheres,” Vinay reflects. His responsibility as a filmmaker was to capture this delicate balance with dignity, ensuring that the portrayal remained nuanced rather than melodramatic. He acknowledges that focusing solely on Ravish Kumar required significant emotional investment. “I didn’t feel the need to feature more prominent figures—it demanded my full attention to authentically portray his life and work,” he explains.
He believes that public figures like Ravish Kumar are often seen as beacons of courage, but their personal struggles are rarely acknowledged. “There’s a perception that Ravish has a large team supporting him, but the reality is that his team has been falling apart for years,” he reveals. This film serves as a reminder that the well-being of those we admire is a shared responsibility.
Drawing on his experiences from his previous film about the Aam Aadmi Party, he remarks, “The closer I got to the individuals involved, the more I understood how isolated and vulnerable they often are, despite the public perception of strength and success.”
As for his filmmaking choices, Vinay feels fortunate to have had a supportive peer group that shaped his artistic journey. His family also provided a safety net, allowing him to pursue his passions without fear. “The initial projects I embarked on received positive responses, which built my confidence and strengthened my voice as a filmmaker.”
On the film’s influence on journalism and public opinion, he views it as one domino in a larger chain. “The impact it may have varies, but many journalists have expressed how meaningful the film is to them.”
In addition to the film, he is launching a board game titled ‘Bards of Bad Omen’, designed to simulate a newsroom experience for children and adults alike. “This multi-faceted approach—integrating various mediums like games, VR, and literature—allows us to tell stories in innovative ways.”
Despite the challenges ahead, he remains optimistic. “We are fortunate to have a strong core team dedicated to creating impactful narratives across different platforms.” Looking ahead, he is excited about future projects, including a significant launch early next year.
‘While We Watched’ will be screened this Saturday, September 28 at The Dogears Book Store, Margao.