From the ghats of Varanasi in Masaan to the complex factory floors in Geeli Pucchi, director Neeraj Ghaywan has established himself as one of India’s most vital cinematic voices. His work, unflinching in its exploration of caste, gender, and social fault lines, is bound by a deep, unwavering empathy for its characters. We sat down with the acclaimed filmmaker to discuss his process, his purpose, and his perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of Indian independent cinema.
Spirit Media: Your films are celebrated for their authenticity. How do you approach telling stories that are so deeply rooted in specific social realities without sensationalizing them?
Neeraj Ghaywan : For me, authenticity begins with the intent. The goal is never to just show hardship; it’s to explore the humanity within that hardship. It comes from rigorous research, countless conversations, and treating the setting not as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing character. We strive to capture the dignity, the aspirations, and the small rebellions of everyday life. The camera’s job is to be an observer, not a judge—to be intimate without being intrusive.
Spirit Media: You’ve worked on independent features and large-scale streaming series like Made in Heaven. How do you maintain your distinct “indie” voice while working within a more commercial ecosystem?
Neeraj Ghaywan: I believe your “voice” is intrinsically tied to the stories you choose to tell. The platform might be bigger, the budget might be larger, but the core questions I ask remain the same. The streaming world offers a phenomenal canvas for long-form, nuanced storytelling that a two-hour film might not allow. The key is to collaborate with partners who respect that voice and to ensure that the commercial aspects serve the narrative, not the other way around. At the end of the day, a good story, told honestly, will find its audience anywhere.
“Cinema shouldn’t just be a mirror to society. It has to be a hammer—to shape, to question, to build empathy where there is none.”
Spirit Media: Finally, what advice would you give to a young, aspiring filmmaker in India today who feels their story is too “niche” to find support?
Neeraj Ghaywan: There is no such thing as “niche” anymore; there are only stories that haven’t found their tribe yet. My advice is simple: make your film. Start with a short film—it’s your most powerful calling card. Write a script that only you could have written. Technology has democratized the tools, so the old excuses of not having the right camera or a big budget are fading. Your unique perspective is your greatest asset. Don’t blunt it to fit in; sharpen it to stand out.
