Neeraj Pandey on making a cinematic universe: Each story is very much a standalone, and we intend to keep it that way—exclusive!

Neeraj Pandey on making a cinematic universe: Each story is very much a standalone, and we intend to keep it that way—exclusive!

In an exclusive interview with one of the most distinguished filmmakers in the Indian film industry, Neeraj Pandey, the creative genius behind critically acclaimed films such as ‘Baby, ‘M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story’, ‘Special 26’, and many more, the director shared interesting insights about the success of his web series ‘Special Ops’, working with acting legends like Anupam Kher and Manoj Bajpayee, and also recalled the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, with whom he worked on a biopic. He also shared his views on making a cinematic universe with all his action films and much more. Excerpts from the interview:

How has the journey been from Special Ops 1, then 1.5, to now working on the next season?

The journey from Special Ops 1 to 1.5 and now onto the next season has been quite exciting. Currently, we have just completed filming for the upcoming season, and it is in the post-production phase. We anticipate another 4-5 months of post-work, intending to be ready in the second half of this year for Ops.

You have a special taste for films involving the armed forces and police officers. Is there any special inclination or inspiration behind it?

No, not really. It just so happens that some of the stories I’ve worked on fall within this genre, creating the impression of a specific taste. However, there isn’t a particular affinity for one genre or force. I have a love for stories across various genres, be it forces, music, or sports. The focus is more on investing in compelling narratives than on a specific genre.

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Do you have any plans to create a shared universe with characters from different projects, like Naam Shabana or Baby?

No, there are no plans for a shared universe. Each story is very much a standalone, and we intend to keep it that way.

You’ve worked with prominent actors like Akshay Kumar, Kay Kay Menon, and Manoj Bajpai. How was the association with them?

I consider myself blessed to have collaborated with remarkable actors such as Naseeruddin Bhai, Anupam Ji, Jimmy Shergil, Akshay Kumar, Manoj Bajpayee, and many others. It has been an incredible journey, and they’ve all been part of projects that hold special memories for us. Sushant, who was part of MS, is also someone I would like to mention. Overall, the making of these films and projects has been fantastic, and I hold these memories close to my heart.

Any special memory you would like to share about Sushant Singh Rajput since you mentioned him?

They are very personal, so let us leave it at that.

You’ve worked with a diverse range of actors. Who, in your opinion, are the director’s actors?

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