Filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane recently shared his thoughts on the challenges of producing historical films in India, highlighting how self-censorship can stifle creativity. His remarks come amid the controversy surrounding the period drama ‘Chhaava’.In an interview with ANI, Motwane recognized the pressures faced by filmmakers dealing with historical narratives. “It’s a tough situation because self-censorship is something that weighs on your mind even before the project begins. You never know who you might offend, and this certainly impacts the creative process,” he stated.

Motwane’s observations are particularly relevant given the backlash against ‘Chhaava’, a historical drama featuring Vicky Kaushal. The film had to cut a traditional lezim dance sequence performed by Kaushal’s character, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, due to political objections.

In addition to discussing historical films, Motwane expressed interest in the trend of re-releasing films in theaters. He hopes to bring his 2018 film ‘Bhavesh Joshi Superhero’ back to the big screen, believing it resonates even more strongly today. “There’s an increasing trend of re-releases, and audiences love revisiting their favorites. I think ‘Bhavesh Joshi Superhero’ deserves another opportunity,” he remarked. The film, which tackles themes of corruption and social justice, initially received a lukewarm reception but has since gained a devoted following.

Motwane is known for his versatile body of work, which spans genres. His directorial efforts include the coming-of-age drama ‘Udaan’, the romantic film ‘Lootera’, the gritty web series ‘Sacred Games’, and his latest project, ‘Black Warrant’. His recent experiment, ‘CTRL’, explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and social media.

What motivates his creative choices? Excitement, he reveals. “If a story sparks my interest, I can devote months or even years to it. When I invest my energy, it has to be engaging. That’s my primary criterion,” he explained.

Discussing ‘CTRL’, which tackles the role of AI, Motwane shared his perspective on artificial intelligence in creative fields. “AI is a powerful asset. It can aid creative professionals, improve healthcare, and simplify lives. I support its positive usage,” he commented.

However, he raised concerns about potential misuse. “The challenge is that those with financial power—not the creatives—will dictate how AI is applied. Their focus is on profit, and when AI starts displacing jobs or spreading misinformation, that’s a significant issue,” he warned. “It’s essential to find a responsible way to integrate AI.”

Motwane’s debut film ‘Udaan’ is set to be showcased at the Red Lorry Film Festival, marking its 15th anniversary. Since its release in 2010, ‘Udaan’ has become one of India’s most cherished coming-of-age films, featuring Rajat Barmecha, Ronit Roy, and Ram Kapoor. “Your first film always holds a special place,” he reflected. “It’s incredible to see ‘Udaan’ still connecting with audiences after fifteen years, whether they’re watching it for the first time or revisiting it. I’m thrilled to share it with them.”

The Red Lorry Film Festival, hosted by BookMyShow, will have its second edition in Mumbai from March 21 to 23, 2025, and will for the first time expand to Hyderabad under the new label ‘Red Lorry Film Festival: Parallel Verse’, inviting more cinema enthusiasts to join the celebration.