In an exclusive interview, director Aditya Nimbalkar opened up about his journey with "Sector 36," his directorial debut released on Netflix. He discussed working with talented actors Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal, the complexities of handling sensitive subject matter, and the challenges posed by censorship in the film industry.
Reflecting on the feedback since the film's release, Nimbalkar shared his sense of fulfillment. "I am quite happy. Most people liked the film, and I believe it’s doing well on Netflix as well. That’s a good sign for a debut," he stated, emphasizing how the positive reception has encouraged him in his new role as a director. The film’s themes and execution resonate with audiences, suggesting that he successfully captured the essence of the story.
Nimbalkar credited his collaboration with Maddock Films, expressing gratitude for their support throughout the filmmaking process. "The whole experience was enriching," he said. "We had a strong team and some close friends involved, which made it feel like a collaborative effort rather than just a job. While there are always normal logistical issues in filmmaking, the support I received from Maddock made it easier to focus on the creative aspects."
One of the standout moments in the film is an interrogation scene, which poses unique challenges for Nimbalkar. He elaborated, "It was a great scene on paper, but the challenge was making sure it didn’t come across as dull or monotonous. When you have one character dominating the dialogue, it can easily become tedious. That’s where my cinematographer Saurabh and I meticulously planned how to shoot it. We engaged the editor, sound designer, and background score composer in crafting an immersive experience."
Nimbalkar highlighted the remarkable talents of his actors. "I was fortunate to work with two brilliant actors," he noted. "Even Baharul Sir added tremendous depth to the scene. Vikrant did most of the talking, while Deepak, with his nuanced expressions, communicated so much without needing to say a word."Â
The director revealed how Vikrant Massey played a pivotal role in bringing him on board. "Honestly, I didn’t choose Vikrant; he chose me as a director," Nimbalkar explained. Massey had previously expressed interest in the script, leading to discussions about the film. "I told him, 'If you’re onboard as Prem, then I’m all in.' There was never any doubt about Vikrant’s talent; I knew he would bring something unique to the role."
Deepak Dobriyal’s casting as a corrupt police officer marked a significant shift from his typical comedic roles, and Nimbalkar was thrilled to work with such a versatile actor. "There's no question about trusting Deepak Sir. I’m just glad he trusted me in return," he said. "I felt a bit nervous because both actors had worked with some of the industry's best directors. For them to place their faith in me as a first-time director handling a heavy subject is something I truly appreciate."
Addressing the potential for controversy surrounding the film, Nimbalkar expressed confidence in the sensitivity of the portrayal. "I hope it doesn’t lead to controversy," he stated. "We haven’t shown anyone in a negative light. The film is designed to connect with the victims and their families, and I believe we handled the material with the utmost care." He added that his goal was to reflect the emotional journeys of the characters rather than focusing solely on physical violence.
He acknowledged that balancing the depiction of graphic content was a delicate task. "I knew this wouldn’t be palatable to everyone," Nimbalkar admitted. "Even with less gore than one might expect, some viewers still found it challenging to digest. But that’s fine; I aimed to create a thoughtful balance." He further explained that by employing sound design and emotional expressions, he hoped to convey the story's gravity without overwhelming the audience.
When asked about the likelihood of receiving clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had the film been released in theaters, Nimbalkar remained optimistic yet realistic. "I’d like to hope they would give it clearance, perhaps with some cuts," he said, though he recognized the challenges that might arise. "Honestly, I think it might not have gotten through without significant modifications. But there’s always hope, and I believe in the importance of telling this story."
As Nimbalkar embarks on his filmmaking career, his commitment to crafting compelling narratives, nurturing actor collaboration, and maintaining sensitivity toward challenging subjects showcases his potential to become a noteworthy voice in cinema. His debut with "Sector 36" sets a promising foundation for future projects, as he aims to explore and portray complex themes with nuance and care.
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