Filmmaker Raaj Shaandilyaa is once again poised to strike the right chord with the audience, this time with his upcoming film “Vicky Aur Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video,” starring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri. The movie, a brilliant concoction of middle-class humor and small-town charm, is slated for release in October after being shot earlier this January.
The inception of this comedy-drama dates back seven years, when Shaandilyaa first put pen to paper, scripting a story centered around a couple’s private video going viral. “While working on ‘Dream Girl’ in 2019, I began to conceptualize my next project. Since Rajkummar was otherwise occupied, I decided to wrap up ‘Dream Girl 2’ first. Meanwhile, I kept refining the script, and eventually, we were ready to commence shooting,” Shaandilyaa reveals. Remarkably, Rao had green-lighted the idea even before the script was fully developed.
Shaandilyaa’s inspiration arose from the intriguing juxtaposition of comedy and tragedy inherent in people’s private lives becoming publicly exposed. He explains, “The premise was rooted in our society’s paradoxical nature—people are shy yet life flourishes ceaselessly. We inhabit an era where any video can gain viral notoriety within moments. So, I aimed to craft a film that resonated with the middle class, interwoven with humor, romance, and a hint of social commentary. Additionally, I sought to delve into the predicaments faced by everyday individuals, often becoming the butt of the joke. Our narrative also explores the perspectives of people from small towns grappling with such crises.”
Casting considerations were a crucial aspect for Shaandilyaa. “We explored numerous options for the female lead, including Nushrratt Bharuccha, Janhvi Kapoor, and Bhumi Pednekar, but Rajkummar had already paired with them on other projects. We also pondered casting Shraddha Kapoor, but she was busy working with Raj on ‘Stree 2.’ Eventually, we chanced upon Tripti Dimri. I had seen her previous work and recognized her talent,” Shaandilyaa recalls. After confirming Dimri for the role, Shaandilyaa wrote a distinctive character specifically with Mallika Sherawat in mind. “Mallika was taken aback by my offer. She enjoyed the script and expressed that she had been waiting for a character that was both robust and entertaining.
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Creating comedy is inherently challenging, fraught with the risk of inadvertently offending audiences. Shaandilyaa is acutely aware of this delicate balance. “Comedy isn’t just about making people laugh; it’s also about ensuring the humor doesn’t come at the expense of causing harm. I’m mindful that what I pen should be widely appreciated, without hurting sentiments,” he asserts. However, he acknowledges the impossibility of universally pleasing every viewer.
The script underwent years of meticulous updates and revisions, and the final product reflects a well-thought-out vision blending humor with poignant societal observations. Shaandilyaa’s mastery lies in addressing delicate social issues through the lens of comedy without diluting their gravity. “Our goal was to craft a narrative that not merely entertains but also provokes thought and empathy. We live in a world where digital privacy is a myth, and any mishap can instantaneously become public fodder. This is an exploration of how such an event impacts ordinary people, especially those from modest backgrounds,” says Shaandilyaa.
While the character roster boasts Rajkummar Rao’s proven versatility and Triptii Dimri’s refreshing talent, the inclusion of Mallika Sherawat adds an intriguing dimension to the film. Sherawat, renowned for her strong screen presence, was looking for a role that would allow her to break new ground. “Her enthusiasm was palpable. She wanted a role that was both substantial and enjoyable, and this film provides her with just that,” the director shares.
Despite the arduous journey to bring this narrative to life, Raaj Shaandilyaa remains buoyant and optimistic. “Comedy, by its very nature, carries the potential to offend, but as a filmmaker, I strive to tread that thin line with care. The aim is to entertain without ever crossing into disrespect. While it’s unrealistic to satisfy everyone, I am hopeful that the majority will appreciate the balance we have struck.”
As anticipation builds for the October release, Shaandilyaa and his team are gearing up for what they hope will be another success story, following the acclaim of his previous works. “Vicky Aur Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video” promises to be a heartwarming yet humorous ride, one that touches on the nuances of privacy in the digital age while keeping the audience in splits—a true testament to Shaandilyaa’s prowess in the comedy genre.
