Director ANUBHAV SINHA was in the Capital recently. He speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about how Ayushmann Khurrana came on board for Article 15

• What inspired you to make a film which prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth?

I read certain headlines that talked about the discrimination that were disturbing. These events compelled me to talk about it and attract the nation towards these. These headlines find a mention in the film as.

• Were there any challenges while making this film?

Actually, none. I didn’t find any during the making. Possibly the only challenge was when you try to make a movie on real issues, the general perception from the society is that it is not a comeerical film. But thankfully, the film did brilliantly at the BO. So even that percetion is damaged.

• How did you zero in on Ayushman Khurrana?

There is an interesting story behind this. I had met him for another film. I ended up telling him about Article 15 as well. Though I never saw him in this role in my head but he was so interested, so convinced about the project and pursued me and took the part away from me. However, while I had the script I didn’t have the cast in place that is why it was just lying around. Therefore, I was working on another project that I met Ayushman for.

• You have directed romantic films and serious one’s as well. How does this switch work?

Technically speaking there is a switch. But it didn’t happen like a switch for me. I have always made films that have attracted me at that point in my life. These stories happened at a certain stage, career and what was taking plac ein the world. There was no design behind doing these movies.

• Is it becoming tough to make meaningful cinema?

No, on the contrary it has become easier. When a film like Article 15 makes Rs 70 crore at the BO, it is a heartening find. The economics of films like these is very different. There might be films that make Rs 70 crore but made on a budget of Rs 55 crore. But Article 15 is made Rs 15 crore, these are better business ideas. Even the people have a wider palate. They are interested in knowing more about their country. They are more receptive about such movies.

• You recently wrapped up shooting for Thappad. Can you tell us about it?

The film is dedicated to the women on this country and hence it also releases on the eve of Women’s Day — March 6, 2020. It deals with gender bias and inequality.

• You were at Shiv Nadar School. What message do you have for the youth?

It is them who are going to change and improve the society. I try and made sure that my films engage with them. What they think is normal, is actually not. As long as they can process this information — this normal is incorret— they will bring about a change.

• What next?

Until last week I was busy with Thappad. But I have a few scripts that I am working on. I know which one to take up and move on to that sooner than later.

Article15 premieredon &Pictures on october 19 at 8 pm