Jha, who has helmed socio-political films like “Gangaajal”, “Apaharan” and “Raajneeti”, feels it is difficult to direct a movie which is based in a territory he is not familiar with.
“My films are rooted here. So, somebody has to give me a script which I feel comfortable with. It’s difficult for me to write a script which is rooted elsewhere. Like, if there is a Hollywood kind of script rooted in India, I would definitely like to do it,” Jha told PTI.
The director says if the characters are sub-continental, then it becomes easier for him to guide his script, unlike if they are entirely set in America.
“If there’s an Indian story… Like the Hollywood film ‘Gandhi’, I could’ve done it. I did ‘Rajneeti’, which was as big as ‘Gandhi’ in terms of its scale. But to set a story in America? I don’t know that society,” he said.
“Even if I am living there, it’s difficult for me to suddenly guide my scripts, actors and prepare them. But if there are characters who are sub-continental, then I feel very comfortable with the story,” says the “Aarakshan” filmmaker.
Jha is ready with his directorial venture “Jai Gangaajal”, set to release on March 4. The film stars Priyanka Chopra as IPS officer Abha Mathur, who takes on some powerful and influential men in her district.
“Jai Gangaajal” will also mark the acting debut of Jha in the role of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Bhola Nath Singh.
The 64-year-old director said for a while he was talking to various DSPs for the character, and it was then the thought dawned on him that he could play it himself.
“I was looking for something more than what I usually had been doing, this was there on my mind, but when I started developing this character, I started feeling interested. I was talking to several DSPs as far as the character was concerned and I got so close to the nuances and everything, that I thought this probably is the opportunity to take a step and do something new,” he said.
Jha is open to acting in more films as he would like to now “expand” his horizon.
“If there are good (acting) opportunities, then why not. I’ve already explored the territory of acting with this one, now I would like to expand,” he said.
PTI