Mumbai’s cinematic landscape is buzzing with excitement as the crime thriller ‘Mardani 3’ storms theaters, captivating audiences with its gripping narrative and stellar performances. Leading the pack is Rani Mukerji, but the spotlight is also shining brightly on director Abhiraj Minawala, whose deft handling of the franchise has earned widespread acclaim.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Minawala opened up about his deep-rooted association with Yash Raj Films, calling it nothing short of a film school. ‘Yash Raj Films isn’t just a production house for me; it’s my film school and family,’ he shared, reflecting on his debut with ‘Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year’ right after college. What started as a plan for a brief stint in the industry before formal acting training morphed into a thriving career, with films lining up one after another.
Joining the prestigious Mardani franchise was a milestone laced with responsibility. ‘When Adi sir (Aditya Chopra) offered me Mardani, it was huge,’ Minawala recounted. He acknowledged the legacy of Pradeep Sarkar, who helmed the first installment, and Gopi Puthran, writer of the original and director of the second. Paired with Mukerji’s powerhouse presence, the challenge was to honor the script and elevate the series.
Preparation was key. Intensive meetings with Mukerji and writer Ayush Gupta ensured every scene was meticulously planned. ‘We wanted pre-production to cover all bases so shooting could focus purely on performance and creativity,’ he explained. Mukerji’s vast experience proved invaluable, streamlining sets and saving resources. As ‘Mardani 3’ continues to dominate box offices, Minawala’s journey underscores how YRF nurtures talent, turning novices into industry stalwarts.