Aditya Nimbalkar’s Sector 36 is making waves. He grins like a proud parent whose child has got into the merit list, when you tell him that. The director grew up on a diet of classic Hindi films and world cinema, then got a chance to work with Vishal Bhardwaj as an AD for more than a decade, learning the ropes from his mentor. Some scenes of Sector 36, which is inspired by the Nithari killings, make your skin crawl. Deft acting by the lead actors Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal keeps you rooted to your couches. It’s not an easy film to make your debut with. It’s critical success means the world to the director. In a freewheeling interview, he talks about the debt he owes to his mentor Vishal Bharadwaj and his obsession with the late Irrfan Khan. Excerpts:

What drew you to direct Sector 36?

The script was brought to me by Maddock, who expressed interest in producing the film. Upon reading it,
I was immediately drawn to the narrative crafted by Bodhayan Roychaudhury.
I found the story not only engaging but also deeply fascinating, especially since it revolves around a case that has captivated the nation for years. Maddock is known for its exceptional track record in the industry and the opportunity to collaborate with such a respected production house was incredibly appealing. This combination of an intriguing script and the chance to work with Maddock is what sparked my enthusiasm and set our journey in motion.

How did you approach the research for this film?

Bodhayan conducted extensive research during the scriptwriting process, laying a solid foundation for the story. Once I came on board, I immersed myself in additional research, watching documentaries and reading numerous true crime books. I also explored interviews related to various cases, which enriched my understanding of the genre. As a true crime enthusiast, I’ve always found this subject captivating and my research has been an ongoing journey that continues to deepen my perspective and inform our project.

What was your experience like working with actors Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal?

Vikrant had already read the script before I joined the project, expressing a strong desire to play the character
of Prem. His preparation is impressive; he meticulously analyses every nuance of his role. As an actor, Vikrant is methodical and dedicated, always eager to discuss his character and collaborate with the entire team. He actively seeks input from me, the writer and the director of photography, blending our ideas with his own. This collaborative spirit makes the creative process enjoyable and dynamic. What I appreciate most about Vikrant is that
he is not a selfish actor; he genuinely values teamwork. Deepak Sir also engaged in some preparation with me. But he mentioned he prefers to work on his character independently before we refine it on the set. His contributions are substantial, bringing a wealth of experience and insight to the project.

Can you share your thoughts on the interrogation scene in the film?

The script included a pivotal scene that spanned about 11 pages, which presented a significant challenge. There was a real concern that it could become monotonous, dragging on for 10 to 15 minutes without engaging the audience. To tackle this, we focused on making every moment interesting. Collaborating closely with my actors and the director of photography, we meticulously worked through each nuance and beat of the scene. We dedicated two nights to shoot it, allowing Vikrant and Deepak the necessary time to delve into their characters and explore every detail. While we kept the structure tight, I encouraged the actors to improvise within the framework, enhancing their performances. The background score and sound design also played crucial roles in elevating the scene, underscoring the tension and emotions involved. One of the complexities of Vikrant’s character, Prem, is his confidence that he will be bailed out by his boss, coupled with a belief that he hasn’t done anything wrong. This psychotic behaviour reflects a disconnect from the gravity of his actions. We leaned into this aspect, exploring the nuances of his mindset to create a compelling and layered performance. Ultimately, it was
a true team effort, with everyone contributing to make this scene impactful.

How did your upbringing influence your love for cinema?

I’m a Maharashtrian boy from Pune. I completed my Mass Communications course in Mumbai. Growing up, I always enjoyed watching films. But it wasn’t until my college years that I realised my passion for filmmaking. During that time, I delved into serious and world cinema, which sparked a desire in me to direct my own film someday. As a child, I often watched classic Hindi films with my parents, which laid the groundwork for my love of storytelling. However, it was my exposure to world cinema that truly broadened my horizons. One film that had a profound impact on me was Maqbool. It inspired me to learn more about its creator and my aspiration grew to work with Vishal Bhardwaj one day. This journey of discovery and inspiration has shaped my path in the film industry.

What impact did Vishal Bhardwaj have on your career?

I had the privilege of working with Vishal sir for over a decade as an assistant director. I credit him with teaching
me nearly every aspect of filmmaking. From writing and directing actors to collaborating with the director of photography and other departments, he has been my mentor, guide and moment spent with him has been invaluable. One of the most significant lessons I learnt from Vishal sir is that there is no substitute for hard work. You can possess natural talent or genius but unless you put in the effort to hone and develop that talent, it remains ineffective. For ten years, I witnessed his relentless dedication; he would arrive at the office every day at 10:30 AM, consistently focused on his music, writing, directing or editing. His commitment to his craft has been a driving force behind his success. Vishal sir’s work ethic taught me to prioritise the process over the end result. It’s not about box office numbers or financial success; what matters is our commitment to the work itself. I was fortunate to be with him as an associate director on Pataakha and that experience solidified my understanding of the importance of hard work in this industry.

Has he seen Sector 36?

I was incredibly nervous during that screening; it was my first film. However, he gave me positive feedback and valuable suggestions, which I incorporated. It was
a relief to know he liked it.

Weren’t you supposed to direct films for Vishal Bhardwaj?

We had several projects in mind for collaboration. But unfortunately, many of them fell through, especially during the COVID period. Despite these setbacks, I made sure to stay in touch with Vishal sir. I remain hopeful that we can work together in the future as I greatly value his mentorship and vision.

Does your worldview align with Vishal Bhardwaj?

My worldview aligns closely with Vishal sir’s, which is why I spent over a decade working with him. I’m drawn to drama and action. But I prioritise the human element above all. Even his Shakespearean adaptations focus on relatable, authentic experiences and his comedies are grounded in reality. My work reflects a similar approach, emphasising genuine human emotions and connections.

What challenges have you faced in getting a film made?

One of the most significant realisations I’ve had in my career is that securing the opportunity to make a film is often more challenging than the actual filmmaking process. It might sound a bit strange but finding the right actor, producer and ensuring all the elements align can take a considerable amount of time. I’ve had several projects, around four or five, which got shelved. I know many friends who were senior assistant directors facing similar setbacks with their films. After these challenges, I worked on one or two projects before joining Vishal sir. This journey has taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance in the film industry.

Is there an actor you wish you could have directed?

One actor I had a deep desire to work with as a director was Irrfan Khan. While I had the privilege of working with him as an assistant director, directing him is something that, unfortunately, will never happen. Beyond that, there are many other actors I aspire to collaborate with. Stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, who every director in India admires. I would also love to work with Ranveer Singh and Vicky Kaushal. Additionally, there are incredibly talented actresses like Deepika Padukone and Konkona Sen Sharma, whose work I greatly respect. Collaborating with all of them would be a dream come true.

What did you learn from observing Irrfan Khan?

During my time working with Vishal sir, I had the opportunity to observe Irrfan Khan up close. He was truly an effortless actor. As an assistant director, I was accustomed to working with actors who meticulously prepared and often displayed intense focus. In contrast, Irrfan was completely relaxed and casual, yet the moment the camera started rolling, he would transform as if by magic. I found  his ability to switch on and off so fascinating. After a take, he would casually engage in conversation with his makeup artist or someone nearby, instantly returning to his relaxed demeanour. Watching him navigate this duality was incredible and left a lasting impression on me as an observer.

What do you value most in filmmaking?

For me, the best part of filmmaking is its collaborative nature. It’s not a one-man job; it involves hundreds of people coming together to create a single film. This collaborative spirit is what I value most, and I expect the same from my actors. They should thoroughly prepare for their characters and the overall project but also be open to collaboration. It’s important that they don’t become fixated on a singular vision of their character. Instead, I believe in fostering an environment where everything is open to discussion and collaboration. A willingness to listen and engage with others is something I particularly look for in my team.

Who are some directors that inspire you?

I admire a variety of directors, including Vasan Bala, Steven Spielberg, David Fincher, Gulzar, Sam Mendes,
and Akira Kurosawa. Each of them has unique storytelling techniques that I find inspiring.