Tigmanshu Dhulia on playing the waiting game: ‘When you go against the tide, there will be problems’

Tigmanshu Dhulia, a veteran filmmaker known for his work on critically acclaimed films such as Paan Singh Tomar and Bandit Queen, has returned to the genre of dacoit narratives with his latest film Ghamasaan. The Hindi-language action drama, set in the Bundelkhand region, explores the dynamic between a police officer and a notorious bandit, and marks a return to familiar themes for Dhulia. The film, completed in 2023, will premiere on the Zee5 streaming platform after initially debuting at the Mumbai Film Festival in 2024. Dhulia's journey into the world of dacoits began earlier than many might expect. In 1994, he served as a casting director for Bandit Queen, the biographical film about Phoolan Devi, directed by Shekhar Kapur. His later work, Paan Singh Tomar (2012), earned critical acclaim and showcased his ability to bring real-life stories to the screen. Now, Ghamasaan continues this exploration, though with a distinct approach. Unlike Paan Singh Tomar, which focused primarily on the life of a fugitive athlete turned rebel, Ghamasaan balances the perspectives of both the hunter and the hunted. The film stars Pratik Gandhi as the leader of a special task force tracking the bandit Maharaj, played by Arshad Warsi. Supporting roles include Rajpal Yadav and Ishita Dutta. Dhulia's screenplay, based on a story by Piiyush Singh and Ram Yash Singh, draws inspiration from a real-life dacoit. Structured similarly to a Western, a genre he admires, Ghamasaan reflects his deep appreciation for the visual style and narrative structure of classic American westerns. Dhulia revealed during an extensive interview that the project was brought to him by producer Piiyush Singh shortly before the onset of the pandemic. While it was not his original concept, he found the subject compelling, particularly given his interest in exploring the unique landscape of Bundelkhand. He noted that the terrain differs significantly from the more lush Chambal region, characterized instead by arid conditions and limited water resources. Throughout his career, Dhulia has navigated numerous challenges, including delays and conflicts with producers. After earning a degree in theatre from the National School of Drama, he worked as an assistant to various filmmakers and contributed to television productions. His feature film debut, Haasil (2003), launched the careers of actors Irrfan Khan and Jimmy Shergill. His collaboration with Irrfan continued through several projects, including Charas, Paan Singh Tomar, and Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster Returns. Dhulia's recent work includes the film Yaara, which premiered on Zee5, and several streaming series such as Criminal Justice, Out of Love, The Great Indian Murder, and Garmi. Beyond directing, he has also appeared in various films and television shows, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Reflecting on his experiences, Dhulia emphasized the importance of perseverance in filmmaking, noting that going against industry trends often leads to difficulties. Despite these hurdles, he remains committed to storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences and continues to push creative boundaries within the constraints of the film industry.