Writer, director Akshay Singh, known best for his work in films such as London Confidential, Mehsampur, Pinky Beauty Parlour, Baat Ban Gayi and Vikalp is delighted to be recognised for the BAFTA Breakthrough India initiative. Here, he talks about the OTT and how narratives are going to change in post-pandemic world. Excerpts:
Are your narratives being impacted by the pandemic?
A lot of people think that the pandemic has made things easier for writers because one has more exposure on OTT platforms. But, it is actually a double-edged sword. There is going to be a shift in the nature of fiction given the fact that everyone has ample time to go through their personal space. Since OTT is such a rage now, the reality of talent has suddenly shifted base.
Will we now see more cause-driven narratives?
On a personal level, I tend to avoid taking up socio-political causes in my writing. I talk about the common man and that is going to be a major shift. The common man is the hero now, simple ordinary lives are what people are interested in. Of course, there is a layer of strong drama, but dramaturgy now seems to have walked into spaces of the strange and the absurd. That also has a soothing effect on the audience.
What are your plans ahead?
After writing short films I aspire to write full length feature films. When I see the talent around me that has been selected for this exercise [BAFTA Breakthrough Initiative], it kind of reinforces my belief in my own tales. I know that what I am writing is making some kind of impact, somewhere in the world. It also helps us to jump two-three steps in finding access to producers.
