Ground Zero director Tejas Vijay Deoskar on working with Emraan Hashmi: 'His films didn't do well at the box office but performed well on OTT; he has a lot of talent' - Exclusive

Ground Zero director Tejas Vijay Deoskar talks about his upcoming film

Following the success of his previous films like Chhatriwali and Bucket List, filmmaker Tejas Vijay Deoskar now steps into a more intense and action-packed narrative with Ground Zero.

The movie explores a compelling real-life encounter headed by the little-known but incredibly brave NND Dubey, an unsung hero whose tale profoundly affected Deoskar.

In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, the director discusses why he chose this topic, his collaboration with Emraan Hashmi, the change in audience viewing tastes, and his thoughts on industry trends like the nepotism controversy and growing expenses.

Experts from the Interview: 

Q: Congratulations for Ground Zero. So, why did you think of this project? What made you pick this subject?

A: The most important thing is that some stories fall into the category of unsung heroes. I heard about NND Dubey, and I felt that this is a man who did so much for our country, but nobody knows about him. The encounter he was part of had a huge impact on the nation, and I thought this is a story that should be told to the world. I was fortunate that nobody else had picked this subject.

Q: You've worked on films like Chhatriwali and Bucket List before, which are quite diverse from Ground Zero. How do you conceptualize such a variety of projects?

A: I enjoy doing a variety of subjects because it gives me a fresh start each time. I always begin with a new mindset, and every new subject gives me the energy to keep going. I feel there’s a lot to explore, and I believe in telling different kinds of stories rather than repeating the same type. Each project brings new lessons and challenges, and I try to make the most of it.

Q: How was it working with Emraan Hashmi, especially with such a hard-hitting subject like Ground Zero? Did you always have him in mind for the role?

A: Absolutely. Emraan has a lot of talent, and though some of his films didn't do well at the box office, they performed well on OTT. He is often underutilized, and I was lucky enough to offer him a role in this film that he was interested in. Working with him was a breeze—he’s a brilliant actor, very professional, and approachable. He puts his best into the work without the baggage of his stardom, and he’s always ready to collaborate.

Q: People are saying that Marathi directors are doing great in Bollywood. What are your thoughts on this?

A: I take pride in being a Marathi director, but from a larger perspective, it doesn’t matter where you come from. Cinema is universal, and it’s about the work, not the language or region. Directors from all backgrounds contribute to cinema, and if you look at the masters of cinema, we never questioned their regional background. We all come together to tell stories that connect with people, regardless of language.

Q: You're going to premiere Ground Zero in Srinagar. How excited are you about that, especially since it's the first film in over three decades?

A: I’m really excited to present this film in Srinagar. It feels like going back home because I spent a lot of time there during the shoot. The culture and emotions of the people there really resonate with me. It's an amazing feeling to show the film to the people I made it with.

Q: Do you think patriotism is currently the flavor of the season in films? We've seen a lot of spy movies and films based on patriotism lately.

A: I don’t think patriotism is just a passing trend; it should always be part of cinema. We have so many stories related to our country that need to be told. Patriotism is not just about saying “my country,” but truly feeling a connection to it. There will always be other genres, but the stories about our country and its people will never go out of fashion.

Q: Do you think the debate around nepotism has become excessive, especially when a movie doesn’t do well, and the actors involved are harshly targeted?

A: Yes, I understand what you're saying. The lens is definitely harsher nowadays. If you don’t perform well in a film, you’re criticized, whether you’re a star kid or not. The audience has so many content options now, and filmmakers need to do their best. If a film doesn’t perform, it’s not just about nepotism; it’s about how well the film resonates with the audience.

Q: There’s a growing concern about the rising entourage costs in films. What do you think about the increasing costs for makeup artists, etc., being higher than what a writer earns?

A: From my perspective, actors and their teams understand the financial aspects of the project. They are sensitive to the budget and work accordingly. Sometimes, a film has a bigger team, and that can put pressure on the budget. However, there are always ways to balance the costs, and it’s important that everyone involved works with the understanding that the film's success depends on the collective effort.

Q: Ground Zero is an action film. How was working on it different from making a film like Bucket List?

A: Ground Zero was a very hands-on process, especially with the action sequences. Action films require more technical attention, from execution to VFX, and it demands a lot of attention and effort. The creative process is still the same in terms of connecting with the audience, but with action films, there’s a lot more physical involvement in bringing those scenes to life.

Q: With so many films being released on OTT, do you think people are becoming more wary of stepping into theatres?

A: Yes, to some extent, I agree. People are exposed to a variety of content on digital platforms, and unless a film is specifically made for the theatre experience, people might prefer to watch it at home. However, OTT has opened new opportunities for filmmakers to tell smaller, impactful stories with a more limited budget, and that has its own set of advantages.

Q: You've worked with different stars, like Madhuri Dixit, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Rakul Preet Singh, and now Emraan Hashmi. How do their acting styles differ, and how does that affect your work as a director?

A: One common factor across all these actors is their professionalism. They prepare thoroughly for their scenes and bring their A-game to the set. They don’t miss any lines, and their dedication makes it easier for me as a director to focus on other aspects of the film. They are all wonderful to work with, and their preparation and commitment contribute a lot to the film’s success.

(Interview taken by Sarika Sharma)