Shoojit Sircar opens up on mental health as he pays tribute to Irrfan Khan; says, “He couldn’t battle it mentally”

Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, renowned for his distinctive storytelling and critically acclaimed films, shared insights into his latest project I Want To Talk, starring Abhishek Bachchan. In an interview with ETimes at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Sircar talked about the difficulties of adapting unconventional narratives for the screen, his casting process, and the personal experiences that inspire his stories. He also paid tribute to the late Irrfan Khan and discussed the creative decisions that shape his work.In a recent conversation about the reception of his film I Want to Talk, the director admitted that while the film had a slow start. He said, “The film may have had a slow start, but those who have watched it have sent me messages saying it’s a film to experience. The reviews are quite interesting. I want people to go in and experience this film. However, people have lost the habit of going to theaters, and that’s evident. I hope the film picks up. My PR and media team told me this is a film that will grow through word of mouth.”When asked about the inspiration behind the film, the director said, “There are many relatable aspects to this story—whether it’s the father-daughter dynamic, health issues, or my perspective on death. People who have been closely connected to hospitals and the healthcare system might relate to this film more deeply. Life sometimes throws uncertainties at us, leaving us wondering what tomorrow holds.”When asked how he would respond if doctors told him he had only 100 days to live, the director shared a deeply personal story. He recalled, “A friend of mine faced this situation but didn’t let it break him. When Irrfan was diagnosed with cancer, I spoke to him often. However, he couldn’t battle it mentally. My friend, on the other hand, didn’t surrender. I decided to make this film after Irrfan’s passing, for those who struggle mentally in such situations. It’s not about Irrfan specifically, but about anyone facing a mental health challenge. My friend was given 100 days but has now lived 10,842 days.”When asked why he chose Abhishek Bachchan for the role of Arjun Sen in I Want to Talk, the director explained, “Abhishek is a father, and I wanted someone who understands that dynamic in real life. He also fits the middle-aged look (35–40 years). Not everyone is willing to play a middle-aged character. Moreover, he was ready to embrace the role completely, including showing his physical imperfections.The filmmaker added, “One day, he told me, ‘It’s the second inning that I’m playing now,’ which made me feel good about his openness. There are also similarities between the real Arjun Sen and Abhishek—both are chatterboxes and a bit of a know-it-all.”When asked how Arjun's looks were decided for I Want to Talk, he said, “The film spans 10–12 years, so we had to work on different looks to reflect his journey, including his corporate and personal life. We show him as a father when his daughter is a kid and a teenager. Abhishek wanted to take it step by step, and we avoided using prosthetics. What you see in the film is mostly Abhishek with minimal makeup.”Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Shoojit Sircar praises Abhishek Bachchan’s performance in I Want To Talk; says, “I laughed every day and with every scene”

Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, renowned for his distinctive storytelling and critically acclaimed films, shared insights into his latest project I Want To Talk , starring Abhishek Bachchan. In an interview with ETimes at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Sircar talked about the difficulties of adapting unconventional narratives for the screen, his casting process, and the personal experiences that inspire his stories. He also paid tribute to the late Irrfan Khan and discussed the creative decisions that shape his work.

In a recent conversation about the reception of his film I Want to Talk , the director admitted that while the film had a slow start. He said, “The film may have had a slow start, but those who have watched it have sent me messages saying it’s a film to experience. The reviews are quite interesting.

I want people to go in and experience this film. However, people have lost the habit of going to theaters, and that’s evident. I hope the film picks up.

My PR and media team told me this is a film that will grow through word of mouth.” When asked about the inspiration behind the film, the director said, “There are many relatable aspects to this story—whether it’s the father-daughter dynamic, health issues, or my perspective on death. People who have been closely connected to hospitals and the healthcare system might relate to this film more deeply.

Life sometimes throws uncertainties at us, leaving us wondering what tomorrow holds.” When asked how he would respond if doctors told him he had only 100 days to live, the director shared a deeply personal story. He recalled, “A friend of mine faced this situation but didn’t let it break him.

When Irrfan was diagnosed with cancer, I spoke to him often. However, he couldn’t battle it mentally. My friend, on the other hand, didn’t surrender.

I decided to make this film after Irrfan’s passing, for those who struggle mentally in such situations. It’s not about Irrfan specifically, but about anyone facing a mental health challenge. My friend was given 100 days but has now lived 10,842 days.

” When asked why he chose Abhishek Bachchan for the role of Arjun Sen in I Want to Talk , the director explained, “Abhishek is a father, and I wanted someone who understands that dynamic in real life. He also fits the middle-aged look (35–40 years). Not everyone is willing to play a middle-aged character.

Moreover, he was ready to embrace the role completely, including showing his physical imperfections. The filmmaker added, “One day, he told me, ‘It’s the second inning that I’m playing now,’ which made me feel good about his openness. There are also similarities between the real Arjun Sen and Abhishek—both are chatterboxes and a bit of a know-it-all.

” When asked how Arjun's looks were decided for I Want to Talk , he said, “The film spans 10–12 years, so we had to work on different looks to reflect his journey, including his corporate and personal life. We show him as a father when his daughter is a kid and a teenager. Abhishek wanted to take it step by step, and we avoided using prosthetics.

What you see in the film is mostly Abhishek with minimal makeup.” Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Shoojit Sircar praises Abhishek Bachchan’s performance in I Want To Talk; says, “I laughed every day and with every scene” BOLLYWOOD NEWS - LIVE UPDATES Catch us for latest Bollywood News , New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection , New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi , Entertainment News , Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2024 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama..