From Shool to this Friday's release, De Taali, National Award winning director Eshwar Niwas, better known as E Niwas, has come a long way.
"It has been a fun, uphill ride for me," says the director. "Some films worked, some didn't. But people have been very supportive of my work. The stress to deliver always plays on your mind, whether you make a good film or not. I have been fortunate enough to make the films that I wanted to make. I want to touch every genre that excites me as a filmmaker."
E Niwas was not very lucky with his previous film, the dismal flop, My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves. "Being a multiple track film, the screenplay and narrative should have been better. But I received a lot of phone calls appreciating Anthony."
Does he regret casting newcomer Nikhil Dwivedi? "The script required a new actor," he answers. "I don't regret casting Nikhil because he's a fantastic actor and did well."
But E Niwas does admit to his flawed decisions. "I wish I hadn't made Bardaasht. Sometimes, you make wrong decisions and you have to live with them. But I am not the kind, who sits back and mopes over what I've lost. I'd rather take failure as a learning experience and move on.
"But I don't regret Dum. I loved that film. I lived my fantasy of making a heroic, larger-than-life film through Dum," he adds.
E Niwas started his directorial career with Ram Gopal Varma, and still admires his mentor. "I have an excellent rapport with Ram Gopal Varma. I meet him everyday and seek his advice on many issues. My films are influenced by his style of working."
But that does not stop him from making digs at Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag in De Taali. "I sought his permission for this scene and he happily agreed," E Niwas laughs.
"De Taali is a fun, romantic comedy," he continues. "It is the story of three friends, who love each other to the extent that they will rescue their friends in their darkest hour. Today's generation will definitely react to De Taali. Youngsters will connect to this modern day film.
"The chemistry between Riteish, Aftab and Ayesha is the USP of De Taali," says the director, who is keeping his fingers crossed about De Taali's prospects. "Riteish and Aftab were apt for the role. Ayesha doesn't act; she is very natural and spontaneous in front of the camera. She has a promising future."
No director's portfolio seems to be complete without a film with Shah Rukh Khan, and E Niwas harbours similar dreams. "Shah Rukh was the online producer of My Name is Anthony Gonsalves. I want to work with him some day. I am scripting a romantic comedy for his company Red Chillies Entertainment but he will not star in it."
After De Taali, E Niwas will take up the psychological thriller, 90 Minutes, and a yet-untitled film with Shemaroo Entertainment.
