The moment a film is announced to be directed Imtiaz Aliof course, it comes with a certain set of expectations. The filmmaker enjoys a legacy few can match. He has cultivated a loyal following since his debut film ‘Socha Na Tha’, followed by beloved titles like ‘Jab We Met’ and ‘Rockstar’ which have achieved cult status.As Imtiaz returns with his latest film ‘Main Vaapas Aunga’ which opens in theaters today, ETimes asked him in an exclusive interview if he feels any pressure to live up to the success of his previous work. The filmmaker, however, rejected the idea and opened up about the way he thinks about all new projects.He told us: “I have a feeling you’re going to come to the cinema to watch the film or to talk about it? My point is that films are made to be seen first and then talked about. I understand that it is difficult to come to the theaters and watch a movie, even for me, but is it worth it? I hope it’s worth watching. We tried to make such a movie. I don’t have the baggage of my previous films. I try to take the experience of my previous films, whenever I come as a fresh filmmaker and think, this film is good for the audience to watch and not to talk about.“When it was pointed out that most of his films are very rooted in their environment and whether this is a conscious creative choice, Imtiaz reflected on the observation and said, “Geographically, I think you mean it. My first film Socha Na Tha, when I was thinking, it wasn’t that rooted. We didn’t show the ethnicity of the characters. I don’t have an answer for me but it’s an interesting observation.“Recently, a story surfaced about a young woman who reportedly quit her job after being inspired by ‘Tamasha’ to pursue art. When asked if he ever found himself confused between what his heart desired and what logic dictated, Imtiaz admitted that such dilemmas have been constant in his life.“Always! Now that I look back, I feel that I always knew what was in my heart. Sometimes I pretended to weigh the options, but I was always like a boat going with the flow in my life. I always went with my interest. If the dilemma was there, half of it pretended to be a dilemma and half of it I decided to walk away from the many options that I assumed were easy dilemmas.”Imtiaz’s ‘Main Vaapas Aunga’ has already started receiving positive reviews as it hits the theaters. Movie protagonists Naseeruddin Shah, Diljit DosanjhSharvari and Vedang Raina in key roles.
