Want to Make a Film in India? Here’s The Guide You Need

Real riots are ok, reel riots aren’t. Dosti is ok, Dostana isn’t. Do you have what it takes to make a film in India?

Real riots are fine, reel riots are not. Dosti is fine, Dostana is not. Do you have what it takes to be a filmmaker in India?

(Photo: The Quint)

“India mein sirf do dharam hai – ek cricket aur doosra cinema”. Cliched, but true. Cricket needs no explanation. But cinema is another matter altogether. We take our films so seriously that when acclaimed directors say things like, “All that you need to be a filmmaker is a camera”, then everybody with a DSLR sets out to do just that.

But it's not that easy. When you're making a film in India, there's plenty that you need to keep in mind. Some topics are strictly off-limits. Just stay away. Think of these as filters, or criteria of sort. If your film has any of these topics, then let's just say you'll have to wait a while before you can call yourself a filmmaker in India. But if you can pass these, then congratulations, you're ready to make a film!

History is one such topic. Sex and sexuality is another. From Padmavati to Udta Punjab, there are a number of films that have paid a heavy price for trying to explore these subjects. Learn from some of the problems our filmmakers have been through.

PS: If you’re taking note of the topics to avoid, then forget about it, because this guide changes everyday.

Video Editor: Kunal Mehra
Camera: Athar Rather