New Delhi: Kunal Kemmu has had an interesting career, progressing from child artist to lead actor and, now, director. He says his directors have been his teachers as he makes his directorial debut with the hilarious “Mdagaon Express”.
“I’ve learned from every director I’ve worked with since I was a child. I was subconsciously imbibing their process as both an actor and a creative mind. When it comes to comedy, I’ve worked with Priyadarshan, Rohit Shetty, Raj, and DK, all of whom have different approaches to storytelling. Priyan is great at putting together an ensemble and creating crazy energy. Rohit shoots comedies like big films, whereas Raj and DK are subtle, with throwaway lines, so all of these experiences have been inspirational.
However, I have not attempted to emulate it because doing so would result in a large number of Priyadarshans, among other things. Maybe it reflects in my style; I’m not sure.”
The actor adds that Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani approached him about directing the film. “They heard the script and invited me to join as director. I don’t think I would have had the courage to say that I wrote it, that I hope to act in it, and that I want to direct it. I’m glad they let me make it exactly how I imagined it and cast the people I wanted to work with.
Madgaon Express follows three friends, played by Pratik Gandhi, Divyenndu, and Avinash Tiwary, on their trip to Goa, which turns into a comedy of misadventures. Though Dil Chahta Hai was a coming-of-age story about three friends, it remains a cult classic and a source of inspiration for actors.
According to Divyenndu, “Dil Chahta Hai” changed everything in terms of narrative, but it is still on people’s bucket lists. The moment one saw that car with three friends, one wondered why I had never done this before. “This was the film that started it all.”
Kunal Kemmu adds that if there was a crossover between Dil Chahta Hai and Madgaon Express, it would be aptly named “Bachpan Ke Samne Mil Gaye Apne” (Dreams of Childhood Fulfilled Along With our own”.)
Goa has played an important role in several Hindi films, including Bombay To Goa, Go Goa Gone, Finding Fanny, and Dear Zindagi, to name a few.
Kunal considers Goa his lucky charm.” There have always been wonderful memories of Goa, whether at work or with family or friends. “Everything about Goa is positive.”
However, he admits that he can’t party as hard as he used to in Goa anymore.”I’m tired of listening to loud music; at this point, I prefer conversations. But Goa suits every mood for whatever stage one is at in life.”