Mumbai has long been the beating heart of Indian cinema, a city immortalized on screen as the land of dreams, struggles, and solitude. From bustling streets to iconic seafronts, every corner has been captured countless times. But now, director Ravi Udaywar declares that the city has run out of fresh stories for filmmakers.
In an exclusive interview ahead of his upcoming romantic drama ‘Do Diwane Shehar Mein’, Udaywar shared his frustrations with Mumbai’s overexposure. ‘As a filmmaker, Mumbai is completely exhausted,’ he stated. ‘Audiences have seen it all – the lanes, buildings, beaches, local trains. The real challenge is reinventing these familiar spots in novel ways. The city’s geography and vibe have evolved, making it even harder to portray authentically on screen.’
Udaywar emphasized his meticulous approach to visuals. ‘I dive deep into the look and atmosphere. We decide the color palette, emotional tones, and camera perspective early on. When viewers sense shifts in colors and lighting, it propels the story’s emotions forward. Every choice is deliberate, like a grand exercise in creativity.’
He credited his entire team for the magic. ‘A film isn’t just the director’s vision; cinematographers, costume designers, and technicians shape it. What characters wear, where they live, how close the camera gets – these details make the narrative impactful. Colors deepen emotions profoundly.’
On romance, Udaywar highlighted music’s role. ‘Background and theme scores are crucial to evoke love. Each character has a unique emotional arc with tailored themes that weave into a complete journey, unfolding subtly within the story.’
In ‘Do Diwane Shehar Mein’, Mumbai emerges as a pivotal character. ‘It’s not mere backdrop; the city’s crowds, silences, and energy influence the protagonists’ feelings. We’ve strived to showcase Mumbai from a fresh angle.’
Starring Siddhant Chaturvedi, Mrunal Thakur, Sandipta Dhar, and Aaysha Raza, the film hits theaters on February 20, promising a revitalized take on the City of Dreams.