An Unconventional Storyteller Emerges
Avinash Arun, once a quiet boy from a little-known town of Talegaon near Pune, has now emerged as a filmmaker who finds resonance in the world of cinema through tales of personal truth and the essence of his own life experiences. No longer just an audience to the silver screen nor a mere narrator of other directors’ films, Arun has embraced his own introspection, forging a path in the Indian film industry with back-to-back successful narratives like Paatal Lok, School of Lies, and Three of Us that underline his new-found cinematic identity.
Chasing the Filmmaking Dream
Over a decade ago, Arun made his distinctive directorial debut with the Marathi film ‘Killa’, a coming-of-age story that clinched a National Award. Despite its accolades, it failed to produce the uproar one would expect from an award-winning maiden venture. Arun’s frustration grew when Marathi projects he pitched post-‘Killa’ were rejected by studios, reasoning that market trends swayed in favor of blockbusters like ‘Sairat’ rather than his “smaller” narrative-driven pieces. Such setbacks could waver confidence, but not for Arun, whose passion for film was embedded much deeper than the superficial recognition of the trade.
Roots That Grounded His Cinematic Passions
A familial setting devoid of any direct connection to the film and music industry made Arun’s prospects in arts seem far-fetched. Despite his mill worker family background, Arun’s father imparted a priceless love for cinema from an early age. After watching ‘Pardes’, a film by Subhash Ghai, Arun’s dream was to attend a film institute in Pune, the very city where Ghai himself studied.
Formative Years at FTII
Even before formal training, the aspirant found himself on the set of acclaimed Marathi director Sumitra Bhave, absorbing real-world film experience that no institution could provide. Eventually, after working on several films, Arun joined FTII, focusing on cinematography. This choice wasn’t delinked from reality; he acted upon a survival instinct, a means to fend off poverty and ensure a future within the film industry.
The Camera as a Lifeline
Working as a professional cinematographer after graduating, Arun embraced the craft wholeheartedly, using the camera as both an artistic and a practical tool. The camera, more than anything else, ensured his place in the cinematic world, becoming his most reliable companion. Despite the critical success of ‘Killa’, it was cinematography that sustained him, building trust and friendships within the industry—a quintessential testimony to his talent and determination.
From Lenses to Leadership
Arun’s pivot back to directing was propelled by the offer to helm ‘Paatal Lok’, a crime thriller series that garnered widespread acclaim. The success of the show validated his capabilities and led to his resolve to fully commit to directing. Arun acknowledges that over-the-top (OTT) platforms have liberated him as an artist, allowing him to make the films he yearns to create, without the constraints of traditional cinema.
The Continuous Learning Curve
A lifelong devotee to learning, Arun is now equipped with a newfound self-assuredness to explore scriptwriting thoroughly. Acknowledging his strength in reading people over books, he is now honing his craft in writing screenplays. His frugal and practical approach, honed from his FTII days, continues to guide his creative processes.
Embracing a Broad Creative Spectrum
As a testament to his diverse influences and aspirations, Arun is not restricted by genre or scale. He’s open to the idea of directing a quintessential commercial film if it challenges his artistic boundaries. His recent works manifest his ability to weave stories across different themes and styles, echoing the versatile craftsmanship of music maestro AR Rahman, who has been a significant influence in Arun’s creative life.
Avinash Arun’s story from Talegaon to ‘Three of Us’ exemplifies the evolution of a filmmaker, from an observant boy mesmerized by the magic of cinema to a confident director willing to paint his narrative canvas with every imaginable shade. The reticence of his past seems to only accentuate the deep and eloquent narratives that he now brings forth to his growing audience.
