Q&A WITH ANVITA DUTT

Writer-director Anvita Dutt believes in rewriting fairytales, ones that can be happy, or sad, but won’t need a man to rescue the princess

- Jigar Shah

Ever since Bulbbul released, writer-director Anvita Dutt is living on Zoom calls, albeit happily. A poster of Bimal Roy’s Bandini, antique wooden furniture, and her crisp sarees are three constants during her Zoom calls. According to Dutt, every script she writes has a supernatural element to it. Though the world is itching to step out and meet people, she is happy being home. And when asked about the story of Bulbbul, Dutt is quick to point out that the film has a lot more context than what is visible on the screen. She says that some fairytales may be happy, and some may be scary, but you need to stand up for yourself, and fight your own battles. No one else is going to fight them for you.

How are you taking all the praise coming your way?

The first feeling is that of relief. The second is that of gratitude. Despite being a first-time director, many people have put their faith in me, from Anushka and Karnesh Sharma, to the actors, to my department. They had immense belief in my script and my vision. The love that the film is receiving has reassured the makers and the crew that they bet on the right horse.

Was it always supposed to be a Netflix release? Did you ever think about the theatrical release?

Bulbbul was always supposed to be a Netflix Original, so the theatrical release never came into consideration. It is a dream for any director to have their film release in the theatres, but the Friday Fear of the box office is also legit. We did not have the pressure of the box office, but we did have the pressure of the audience liking the film. But, with all the praises coming our way, the team is happy that their hard work paid off.

You started off as a lyricist first, so was it tougher to get a break as a lyricist, or as a director?