People have choices, so films making compromises don’t survive
| Date :06-May-2021 |
Sanjay Khanzode busy in shooting. (R) Poster of Khanzode’s Movie.
By Vikas Vaidya :
Sanjay Khanzode is from Akola in Vidarbha. He had gone to Mumbai about 30 years ago. He has done 25 films, 3,000 episodes, several documentaries for which he traveled abroad too. He has established himself in the department of photography in Hindi and Marathi film industry as well. Right now he is working as Director of Photography. During recently concluded National Film Festival Sanjay Khanzode worked as National Film Award Jury member which is a prestigious assignment. ‘The Hitavada’ caught up with Sanjay Khanzode about his experience as Jury Member, his views about overall film sector, about the prospects of Vidarbha in this industry.
Q: The general public is always curious about the happenings behind the silver screen, so my first question is the same. How are the National Film Award Jury members selected?
This is the only film award given by the Government of India and at the hands of President of India. A panel of experts working in the field of film is selected. Twenty-two of my 25 films have been released in Marathi and Hindi. The advertisement of Torex Cough Syrup with Jagjit Singh is still popular today. This experience of mine probably be the most appropriate for me to become the choice for becoming Jury Member.
Q: Films are sent for National Film Awards from all over India. So how does the Jury select films from all these films?
It is not possible for a single team to watch films in all languages, so the teams are divided into five panels viz East, West, North and South. South has two panels, with five jury members in each panel. I was a jury member in the West Panel and we had the responsibility of selecting films from three languages, namely Marathi, Gujarati and Konkani. General public has no idea about how the panels work. This lack of information gives birth to several doubts about the selection process. The panel consists of two members of that language whose responsibility is bestowed upon it and three members are from other languages. The secrecy about the jury members is maintained so well.
Q: When you review movies, obviously you have to watch them. All are not of the same quality. Are there some movies which test your patience?
The answer to this question can be 'no' or 'yes'. Every filmmaker, director tries to make his or her film of the best quality. But not all films are presented well because of lack of knowledge about the filmmaking process, lack of experience and ego about one’s own ignorance.
Q: Some movies made by Vidarbha producers figured in the festival. Can you tell us about the films of some of your Vidarbha producers and directors in the competition this year?
And where do Vidarbha fall short? The Marathi film industry got prominence in Kolhapur. But it is now settled in Mumbai and Pune. In the last two years, some big Hindi films have been shot in our hometown of Nagpur. Actors like Amitabh Bachchan had a month long stay in Nagpur for film shooting. We can say the outlook for Vidarbha is now turning positive. One should not get surprised if the number of film productions from Vidarbha witnesses rise. I must congratulate all the Vaidarbha producers, directors as despite limited resources, lack of atmosphere, they are doing exceedingly well. However, it is not an easy task to make a film without love of art, without the support of money. While sending entry to a prestigious competition like National Awards, one should keep in mind that one’s film is competing with films from all over India. To survive in such a competition, it is very important to keep a close eye on all the films that receive national awards every year.
Q: In order to survive in the national and international competition, it is necessary to change with the times. Technology has changed so fast that now filmmaking has become digital, you have witnessed the whole journey. What would you say about it?
Today, you can easily shoot with the camera in your phone. But in doing so, it will not be possible to maintain the expected quality of the film until we realise the difference between the cameras in the phone, and actual camera, the highend cameras we use for filmmaking. Unless we study the minute nuances, we will not be able to understand the whole process. The most important rule is no compromise for quality.
Q: Everyone agrees with ‘No compromise for quality in films’, but does it mean that those who do not have the support of money, the latest technology, should not make film?
Amateur films and commercial films are two different subjects and commercial films have different rules.Your movie goes on all platforms, on the internet, from theater, TV, OTT. General public watches your film, so it is the responsibility of the filmmakers to maintain the highest standards in all respects. When the viewer arrives at the multiplex, there are many choices available for him. Obviously he will make the best choice. Your films compete with the films made with the help of advanced technology so “I made films for less money or I didn’t have the technology” argument has no value in the commercial market. I would say in no uncertain terms that if you don't have the right financial support and technology to make a film, you shouldn’t enter commercial market.
Q: Which are the movie projects you are currently working on?
My Hindi film ‘Aa Bhi Ja O Piya' is ready for release. The release date was announced but the release has been postponed due to lockdown. The movie will be released soon. But a Hollywood movie is being prepared whose shooting was scheduled to start this month in Hyderabad, in USA. Apart from this, shooting of another Marathi film is also awaiting.