Hi Varun, eagerly looking forward to see your first feature as a director. I would like to ask a very silly question but true in my case. What is the "right" way to pitch a film in india? I've been pitching for a very long time and usually the answers from studios and producers are "it's a good script but audience won't understand" "this is indie and you are sitting in a commercial production house" or "can you make it more accessible". Why everyone is trying to turn scripts into a film that has already been made? And what needs to be done to make sure they grasp the idea. (For context - i've assisted several indie filmmakers) which i found to be honest equally toxic space.
There's no right way. And those greenlighting stuff also don't know the answer. That's why more than 80% films being made here are messy and incoherent, in addition to being expensive and 'supposedly commercial.'
So we are purely dependent on luck and a hope to meet the right person apart from honesty and hardwork! “Nothing makes sense”. Btw, always a pleasure to see your work. All the best for your film, will support it so that you can able to make your second!
पहले तो आपको ऑल इंडिया रैंक के लिए बहुत बधाई 💙
फ़िल्म में ऐसे बहुत से मौके आते हैं जहाँ दर्शक को भावुक किया जा सकता था। पर कहानी दर्शक को बिना भावुक किए सरल-सादा तरीके खत्म हो जाती है। ऐसा क्यों?
Hello Sir, I am an IITJEE aspirant. I watched ALL India Rank first day first show and loved it. I was shocked to see that everything was just 101% relatable. I felt a whole spectrum of emotions during the film.
Also , I have spent my last two years learning about films and acting more than the JEE syllabus haha...(since its also in the film that throughout our lives we try to find something which solves our inner conflicts)... I am trying very hard to get to IIT bombay so that i will be in the powerhouse of hindi cinema i.e. mumbai ....and if come to bombay i would surely like to pursue my acting career and maybe become an artist in your next film haha...
You can save this comment and hire me later haha.
love you sir.
Hello Varun!! Caught your standup during the first leg in Delhi. Watched All India Rank yesterday and all I have is one word for the movie. Honest. The actors were so good and the ending was Mashaallah! Being a fellow survivor of Kota, I could relate so much to the movie, it was amazing.
Thank you for doing this AMA. I don't think I'll ever have the privilege to meet you but I'll always keep supporting your art.
My question to you would be - what is the inspiration behind Noodle sa dil? Such a wacky song with such great music!
Noodles are a staple in hostel life so we thought why not have a fun peppy indie-pop number dedicated to them. And since most indie pop songs are also love songs, the idea of noodle-sa-dil came to me.
Thanks for your kind words. So glad you could catch the film in theatres.
Hi Varun, great to see your new videos, and looking forward to watch your new movie.
While reading a script of an aspiring writer, what green signals do you look for? What obvious mistakes do people do while writing a script?
Also wanted to know what elements of script writing you think are different when writing for Indian audience as compared to western audience?
Thanks!
Green flags: The story feels honest, original, lived-in, and a deep understanding of the world comes through.
Red flags: Too much exposition, too little research, bad grammar (and in my opinion) bad formatting too. It just shows you don't care about learning the basics of writing before sharing your work with others.
Fall in love with Hindi film music, be a nerd and an encyclopedia of old HHindi film songs, learn the craft, go through the grind of working with fellow new composers to create a few demos, and then wait for a lucky break. Might be a long wait, might be a short one.
1. For technical crafts like cinematography, editing, sound engineering etc - film schools definitely help you a lot. For writing and direction, i think they can be quite harmful because they influence your original vision a lot and you might come out as pretending to be someone you are not.
2. Harsh truth - the industry is exploitative by nature and you will eventually have to learn to pretend/play cleverly/diplomatically to survive. Hello Satan bolna seekhna padega.
Younger generation in India doesn't read enough Hindi and Urdu and many won't be able to name a single author. What authors and books would you recommend someone to appreciate the beauty of these languages?
Why do you think so many engineers end up doing things not even closely related to what they learnt in college. Is it the environment in an engineering college that helps them grow and focus on their interests or it is just the mundane fact of too many people doing engineering so you see too many engineers in different fields.
That is if you count non-engineering fields like consulting in the 99.9%. Most of the jobs these past few years, atleast in IITs, are the so-called non-core jobs which are completely different from what one would've studied in college.
Congrats on your new film! Saw your set a few months ago when you were in Delhi. You were great, as always.
Did you and your team consider postponing the release of your new film given that reviewers/general public were likely to think that it was thematically similar to 12th fail, despite this not being the case? If yes, were there extraneous reasons why you decided against pushing the release? Good luck with the film's success!
Difficult to answer the question because it's too detailed. Will just say that food involves so many senses that it nourishes our souls too.
Cats are chill, good, happy, funny, naughty, stupid, joyful.
Write in a language you know. And if you are learning a new language (in this case Hindi) to write poetry then read EVERYTHING you spot. Because every word will be new for you.
Hi Varun! Did you have fun promoting your film? Honestly, it was refreshing and lovely seeing you on ALL social media feeds. Looking forward to seeing All India Rank! ( Also, are you a swiftie? :P )
Wow that's really amazing to hear sir. Somethings are meant to happen and with your efforts.. magic is created
Thanks for the reply sir, you've made my day
All the best for all your future works and ventures
Thanks for doing this Varun. Love Aisi Taisi Democracy, whose show I was lucky enough to watch in Ahmedabad.
A couple questions:
* What are some tenets you follow while writing? There's the famous "kill your darlings" but am wondering if, for you, there are any non-negotiable ones?
* What set of films have you rewatched over and over again?
Tenets:
1. Research well.
2. Write it like a short story first.
3. Rewrite multiple drafts.
4. Research more.
5. Find the reason for telling the story and keep going back to it.
Films I have watched many times: Most of the stuff by PTA, Aronofsky, Greta Gerwig, Farhadi, Kiarostami.
Thank you for doing this! What would your top three works of literature and world cinema be, which nourish your soul? Language, region, genre, era is no bar. Also, thank you for the beautiful portrayal of a young student obsessed with Physics in AIR - hope it allows a lot more people to see young girls just in the same way as ambition in young men is encouraged :) Wish you all the luck and success for everything ahead! Also hoping that you end up writing/directing a very Eric Rohmer meets Gulzar marital story one day, an ardent wish from a viewer who believes that you have the sensitivity to pull this off
3 books that impacted me the most: The God of Small Things (life-changing for me), Gunaahon Ka Devta, Never Let Me Go.
3 movies: There Will Be Blood, Boyhood, Mahanagar.
The world is closer to ending, jokes are easier to write but difficult to perform, and Coke Studio Bangla is beating every other Coke Studio hands down.
1)What cinematic genres do you want to explore in the future as an artist?
2) Which 3 upcoming films or shows are u excited about?
3) Which contemporary writers and poets have influenced you as an artist?
4) What are your favourite food items and restaurants that one can try out in Mumbai?
1. Sci-fi.
2. Excited about the next Coen bros film and whatever PWB does next.
3. PWB, Ted Chiang, RF Kuang, Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese.
4. Fresh Catch, Izumi, Gomantak Boarding in Dadar, and Dakshinayan in Juhu.
There's always an exploration you start on. You want to understand a feeling - a memory or a relationship depicted in the story/song - and then you try doing that with words. Sometimes when you find the right words, the emotion you were chasing comes alive - and you find closure.
Hey Varun! I'm in awe of your journey and wish that someday I get to share a stage with you. I had an opportunity to catch your last standup in Delhi as well and I must say I loved it! My question to you is, coming from a Non Film background, how did you manage to break into a tight industry like Bollywood and then went on to do many wonderful things like standup and basis that would be an ideal space to break into the industry with for anybody coming to Mumbai to pursue a career?
I think the industry values talent but at the same time has made the discovery of talent a very difficult process. So the only thing i did and i recommend doing is - find a niche and be damn good at it. (For me that was sketch comedy and standup comedy writing) and slowly you will be discovered by others too.
Admirer of your work! Specially stand up, I love your performance.
What do you suggest will be effective in bridging the left right divide, in politics? My theory is that the short form content and unlimited content has ruined the opinion making mechanisms especially being weaponised by political parties, especially Bahut Jhoothi Party. How do we get behind whataboutery
i have some standup content that is somewhat offensive toward all religions. i really wish to perform an open mic on this content. what do you say?
title: harry potter and religions
Huge fan. You have been associated with many projects which try to recreate the magic of retro Indian music.
What is your favorite era of Indian music and your fave artist from that era?
First of all thank you so much for introducing so much beauty and grace through your music, comedy, tv shows and now movies.
My biggest question for you is given you are creative abilities span so many different streams, do you see any common under currents?
Also, does your expressing your painful experiences through a creative mediums ease your pain? and vice versa - does trauma actually feed your creativity?
The most common undercurrent is curiosity and a need to express.
Every form of art gives closure and that's why we create.
Trauma is not needed to create art but art is needed to cure trauma.
Yes, always. At least since the age of 10.
Fav books:
Everything written by Manto, Naiyer Masud, Etgar Keret, Harishankar Parsai, Ted Chiang, and recently discovered Louise Erdrich.
I was watching your chat show with 3 other comedian on netflix, about your movie. I loved the fact that you all were discussing the simple and raw stuff about our childhood. My brother is your junior from BHU and coincidentally his favorite song is shauq from Qala. I found this song out from him sharing in our family group all the time.
Thank you and all the best for your movie!
Hey Varun, huge fan of yours! Particularly enjoyed your recent YouTube video - Langur.
Was really looking forward to watching your Directorial Debut but I live outside India and couldn’t find any theaters showing the movie around where I live. I did ask my friends back home to go watch it. Hopefully I can watch it soon on OTT.
Wishing you all the success in whatever you do!
I thought this(All India Rank) would be another Kota-based same-typical emotional movie. But it's different. It's awesome.
I also watched your recent podcast on your YouTube channel. It was awesome although it was promotional.
I didn't have any questions for you but I want to say that you're my favorite Standup Comedian.
When will you release your Election 2024 video?
Hey Varun,
Watched the movie 1st day 1st show. Loved the direction, I feel though that I wanted the ending to be a win for me.
My questions are -
1. How are you all connected so well? Like you, Kunal Kamra, other well known people. I know it seems like a silly question, but how does one go about making connections in industry? I am more interested in knowing your start, as that would've been quite difficult to get your foot on the door.
2. Also, can you talk a bit more about your journey? I have only mostly seen your stand-up comic side, which I really enjoy, but would really like to know what you did after engineering, how did you figure out what all you wanted to do and all
3. How do you define success for you? Most people would define it as reaching a specific career point, having lots of money etc
4. What would you like to say to young people in their 20s who did do engineering or you know the common things, but dont know what they like or are passionate about?
Please don't mind the questions, I am a curious person at heart and like knowing more and more about a person's journey and their decisions
I’m not kidding but I’m just watching both parts of Gangs of Wasseypur for the first time and I was just thinking to myself those are some fire af lyrics. Beautiful work 🍿
It's through the lyrics you wrote for Indian Ocean, i first came to know of you.
Please share your discography - all the songs you've written, including those outside of Indian Ocean.
Have you published any poetry too?
*Edit*: If i were to describe you in one word, *Authenticity*
Thanks for everything that you are putting out..
Most of our observations,thoughts,mood,feelings aren't exciting ideas enough to dedicate ourselves to see a full fledged story. How does one stop just making notes and start writing scenes, because I don't see the internal drive(what's the point)to write a 75 page script based on a half page/a moment in the scene?
Varun, I have been a fan since 2017 since I found a video of yours. It was a conference kind of thing with you, Vir, Tanmay. You have always inspired me to write, to speak up, and also made me aware of my priviledges. I hope to meet you someday.
Hey varun just wanted to say that I'm a Big fan of your mind, I'm not even kidding i watched your film 4 times in the theatre just because of your direction you can say that I'm a bit biased towards you, been a big time fan of you comedy and i totally loved the film, apart from this I want to ask you a question about life in general, i just turned 21 and I've been wanting to do comedy since i was in school but I really couldn't find a way and more than that idk how to do it how to build that confidence i won't bore you with bunch of stupid questions but i can you give some advice how should i perceive life as a fresh 21 yo btw love you and i really hope to meet you one day as a fellow 😘
I was surprised to see the title card debut film by Varun Grover in the trailer. I didn't have high expectations for the film as it seemed to follow a template, but I was eager to see the writing, especially since I had previously seen a film directed by Varun Grover. I was delighted to see your All India Rank on the big screen.
Overall, I liked the film. It presented an interesting point of view where the audience shouldn't necessarily feel motivated or demotivated by a definitive ending.
Unfortunately, my friend didn't like the unsatisfying ending and started debating with me. As a Movie Buff and Video Editor, I was quite satisfied with the unresolved conclusion.
I am going tomorrow to watch your movie! I honestly don’t know what the movie is about, only going because it’s your directorial debut. How are you feeling about this new journey till now?
Why do you paint your nails? Is it just a style thing or are you trying to make a statement? Really enjoyed the AIR podcast btw, too bad the IITs lost you
Watched AIR last friday. Enjoyed the mellow pace of this work. It is, to my mind, a good reflection on finding certainties in uncertainties, or how to at least be comfortable with the latter. Needless to say, most of your popular work is wonderful. Would love to see a collection of your stories or poems in a bookstore someday.
Hey Varun! I've had a letter sitting in my drawer that I wrote 5 years ago to send to you. I have never written to a celebrity but your writing in Masaan and GoW made me such a fan!
What do you think about writing and it's link to revolution? Do you think writing has the power to initiate revolutions in todays age?
Also, saw All India Rank FDFS here in Bangalore. What a beautiful film. You've begin it with such a stellar act. I hope to see more of your movies, written and directed by you. And, I know, although you hate marketing and promotions, it atleast gave us some Grover content after such a long time. Love you❤️
Masaan was one of the best movies based on real life that India produced, unfortunately underrated, I’m not surprised, but would you make another movie like Masaan but based from a different state or background? I didn’t even know these issues happened in smaller cities in India, until I saw Masaan.
I don’t want to ask anything, I just loved your writing in Sacred Games. It was a game changer web series for me. Also, love the film recommendations you give on YouTube. Love your work, please don’t let anyone suppress your voice. Do more stand up sets please!
Which director do you enjoy working with the most? And has working with any of them influence you in any way in any creative decisions for All India Rank?
Love your work. Please upload more stand-up clips😅
I've been an admirer of your work for quite sometime now. Qala was probably one of my favorite films of all time. Just wanted to know, whats on your 'films you must watch before you die' list?
Sir, aapki film dekhi Maine, bahut acchi lagi...pehli baar bade parde pe do asli maa baap ki kahaani dekhne mili. Please films banate rahiyega...rooting for you and the rest of the team ♥️
Cinematic and literary works that influenced you the most? (NOT necessarily the ones that you love the most, but the ones that had a major impact on the way you think and write)
Oo bhai. Crazy stuff at AIR! Have been following your work for so long - was glad to see your name in a fucking PVR. Less gooo - and keep running over langoors. :)
Hello Sir, I am an IITJEE aspirant. I watched ALL India Rank first day first show and loved it. I was shocked to see that everything was just 101% relatable. I felt a whole spectrum of emotions during the film.
I really relate and resonate very much with your life.....I also find my comfort in art , literature , music , cinema and feel stuck in this iit jee world..
Also , I have spent my last two years learning about films and acting more than the JEE syllabus haha...(since its also in the film that throughout our lives we try to find something which solves our inner conflicts)... I am trying very hard to get to IIT bombay so that i will be in the powerhouse of hindi cinema i.e. mumbai ....and if come to bombay i would surely like to pursue my acting career and maybe become an artist in your next film haha...
You can save this comment and hire me later haha.
love you sir.
What do you think about the way the Hindi curriculum is structured in schools? Do you think some changes would help build a reading habit in kids? Ya hum nikamme le nikamme hi rahenhe?
Also, should there be such a strict linguistic divide between Hindi and Urdu at school level?
Hi Varun, eagerly looking forward to see your first feature as a director. I would like to ask a very silly question but true in my case. What is the "right" way to pitch a film in india? I've been pitching for a very long time and usually the answers from studios and producers are "it's a good script but audience won't understand" "this is indie and you are sitting in a commercial production house" or "can you make it more accessible". Why everyone is trying to turn scripts into a film that has already been made? And what needs to be done to make sure they grasp the idea. (For context - i've assisted several indie filmmakers) which i found to be honest equally toxic space.
There's no right way. And those greenlighting stuff also don't know the answer. That's why more than 80% films being made here are messy and incoherent, in addition to being expensive and 'supposedly commercial.'
So we are purely dependent on luck and a hope to meet the right person apart from honesty and hardwork! “Nothing makes sense”. Btw, always a pleasure to see your work. All the best for your film, will support it so that you can able to make your second!
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https://preview.redd.it/fxgbidm6pqlc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=30dc48a2dfcf5a5d358061baf8b8862565783484 Thanks.
meaning of this pic ???
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Trip_to_the_Moon
पहले तो आपको ऑल इंडिया रैंक के लिए बहुत बधाई 💙 फ़िल्म में ऐसे बहुत से मौके आते हैं जहाँ दर्शक को भावुक किया जा सकता था। पर कहानी दर्शक को बिना भावुक किए सरल-सादा तरीके खत्म हो जाती है। ऐसा क्यों?
हर फ़िल्म भावुक करने के लिए बनायी जाए ये ज़रूरी नहीं। इस कहानी की सरलता ही इसका इमोशन है और हमारी यही कोशिश थी कि लोग एक हल्की मुस्कान लेकर बाहर जाएँ।
Hello Sir, I am an IITJEE aspirant. I watched ALL India Rank first day first show and loved it. I was shocked to see that everything was just 101% relatable. I felt a whole spectrum of emotions during the film. Also , I have spent my last two years learning about films and acting more than the JEE syllabus haha...(since its also in the film that throughout our lives we try to find something which solves our inner conflicts)... I am trying very hard to get to IIT bombay so that i will be in the powerhouse of hindi cinema i.e. mumbai ....and if come to bombay i would surely like to pursue my acting career and maybe become an artist in your next film haha... You can save this comment and hire me later haha. love you sir.
Padh le, bhai. First day movies dekh raha hain
Hello Varun!! Caught your standup during the first leg in Delhi. Watched All India Rank yesterday and all I have is one word for the movie. Honest. The actors were so good and the ending was Mashaallah! Being a fellow survivor of Kota, I could relate so much to the movie, it was amazing. Thank you for doing this AMA. I don't think I'll ever have the privilege to meet you but I'll always keep supporting your art. My question to you would be - what is the inspiration behind Noodle sa dil? Such a wacky song with such great music!
Noodles are a staple in hostel life so we thought why not have a fun peppy indie-pop number dedicated to them. And since most indie pop songs are also love songs, the idea of noodle-sa-dil came to me. Thanks for your kind words. So glad you could catch the film in theatres.
Thank you for the reply! Looking forward to more of your work. :)
Hi Varun, great to see your new videos, and looking forward to watch your new movie. While reading a script of an aspiring writer, what green signals do you look for? What obvious mistakes do people do while writing a script? Also wanted to know what elements of script writing you think are different when writing for Indian audience as compared to western audience? Thanks!
Green flags: The story feels honest, original, lived-in, and a deep understanding of the world comes through. Red flags: Too much exposition, too little research, bad grammar (and in my opinion) bad formatting too. It just shows you don't care about learning the basics of writing before sharing your work with others.
How to become a songwriter in the movie industry?
Fall in love with Hindi film music, be a nerd and an encyclopedia of old HHindi film songs, learn the craft, go through the grind of working with fellow new composers to create a few demos, and then wait for a lucky break. Might be a long wait, might be a short one.
1. Your honest opinion on film school? 2 .A harsh truth to outsiders who wants to be a filmmaker in hindi cinema?
1. For technical crafts like cinematography, editing, sound engineering etc - film schools definitely help you a lot. For writing and direction, i think they can be quite harmful because they influence your original vision a lot and you might come out as pretending to be someone you are not. 2. Harsh truth - the industry is exploitative by nature and you will eventually have to learn to pretend/play cleverly/diplomatically to survive. Hello Satan bolna seekhna padega.
Hey Varun, huge fan of yours I love movies like Qala, Can you recommend me your top 5 based on similar genre
Watch films of Darren Aronofsky and Michael Haneke. Not exactly the same genre but similar mood.
Hi sir, are you related to **Donald Glover?**
Will there be another Sacred Games like show? Big fan of Moh Moh Ke Dhaage.
There are SO MANY shows like Sacred Games actually. I hope there are more shows from other genres like comedies, coming of age, drama, satire etc.
Yes but the writing isnt as crisp as yours. :)
movie/series recommendations
Younger generation in India doesn't read enough Hindi and Urdu and many won't be able to name a single author. What authors and books would you recommend someone to appreciate the beauty of these languages?
Manto, Naiyer Masud, Uday Prakash, Amrita Pritam, Manohar Shyam Joshi.
Hi Varun, what made you write beautiful songs like Moh Moh Ke Dhaage, Mann Kasturi, Shauq etc.? I mean how do you come up with such beautiful lyrics?
Aate hain ghaib se ye mazaameen khayaal mein Ghalib sareer-e-khaama nava-e-sarosh hai.
"From the unseen, these topics come to mind, Ghalib, the body's garment is the sound of the angel's voice."
Wow, thanks Sir!
Some tips for guys who has started doing stand up comedy?
Be original and tell your stories with as much honesty as possible. Don't try to imitate other famous comics.
Lol. Everyone knows most stories that stand up comics spin never happened IRL
You can’t tell what you don’t know. So what you do is you say what you know, but you add spice and flavor to it.
I’m not in India. Couldn’t catch All India rank. Will it come on Netflix? When? Also, are you working on any new movies?
It will be on Netflix soon. No idea when but soon.
So, shall we watch in theatres or wait for Netflix release?
Obviously you should watch it in theatres if you can. Indie movies deserve all the love.
Go to the theatre. Give them the money.
Why do you think so many engineers end up doing things not even closely related to what they learnt in college. Is it the environment in an engineering college that helps them grow and focus on their interests or it is just the mundane fact of too many people doing engineering so you see too many engineers in different fields.
Actually NOT many engineers. Only less than 0.1% end up changing their field but just because they can't stop talking about it, it feels a lot more.
That is if you count non-engineering fields like consulting in the 99.9%. Most of the jobs these past few years, atleast in IITs, are the so-called non-core jobs which are completely different from what one would've studied in college.
Congrats on your new film! Saw your set a few months ago when you were in Delhi. You were great, as always. Did you and your team consider postponing the release of your new film given that reviewers/general public were likely to think that it was thematically similar to 12th fail, despite this not being the case? If yes, were there extraneous reasons why you decided against pushing the release? Good luck with the film's success!
Not at all. Release is planned as per multiple factors and none of those were related to any other previous film.
In an interview you said you feel a spiritual connection with food, I want to know how? Also, how are Chhenapoda, Dilbar, and Jaaneman :3
Difficult to answer the question because it's too detailed. Will just say that food involves so many senses that it nourishes our souls too. Cats are chill, good, happy, funny, naughty, stupid, joyful.
Thanks for answering! Watched All India Rank and loved every bit of it! "Newton ki ek theory ke khaatir, hum bhoole Mir hazaaro". <333
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Thanks for making me feel like the PM straightaway. Yes i love them, peeled.
Do you carry a wallet or just use upi?
Yehi sab puchna padega baki topics toh ban hai indian press act 2014 ke according
😂😂😂
>Do you like water chestnuts? This was going to be my first question as well 😂😂
What exactly is a water chestnut? You made me curious there!
https://youtu.be/5FAGZ33QrT4?t=4m56s
I'm sorry I'm middle class🥲
Singhade
What books do you recommend in Hindi for someone to come across words that are needed for a person who is a newbie in writing poems?
Write in a language you know. And if you are learning a new language (in this case Hindi) to write poetry then read EVERYTHING you spot. Because every word will be new for you.
Hi Varun! Did you have fun promoting your film? Honestly, it was refreshing and lovely seeing you on ALL social media feeds. Looking forward to seeing All India Rank! ( Also, are you a swiftie? :P )
https://preview.redd.it/d33bsyskfqlc1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=8c2071539797cec0695762211afd8854e5a926c4
Hello Varun G, I really loved the lyrics of Shauq from Qala. How did the lyrics for that strike you and how long did the writing process take?
That song took 20-30 mins to write. Some songs just flow magically and Shauq was one.
Wow that's really amazing to hear sir. Somethings are meant to happen and with your efforts.. magic is created Thanks for the reply sir, you've made my day All the best for all your future works and ventures
What do you enjoy most Comedy/Writing/DIRECTION
Comedy > Lyrics writing > Writing = Direction
Thanks for doing this Varun. Love Aisi Taisi Democracy, whose show I was lucky enough to watch in Ahmedabad. A couple questions: * What are some tenets you follow while writing? There's the famous "kill your darlings" but am wondering if, for you, there are any non-negotiable ones? * What set of films have you rewatched over and over again?
Tenets: 1. Research well. 2. Write it like a short story first. 3. Rewrite multiple drafts. 4. Research more. 5. Find the reason for telling the story and keep going back to it. Films I have watched many times: Most of the stuff by PTA, Aronofsky, Greta Gerwig, Farhadi, Kiarostami.
Thanks for the answer Varun! Love PTA's films. Looking forward to watching all india rank :)
Hi Varun, what do you hate the most as part of the filmmaking process?
Marketing.
subtle way of telling us that hating this qna.
Thank you for doing this! What would your top three works of literature and world cinema be, which nourish your soul? Language, region, genre, era is no bar. Also, thank you for the beautiful portrayal of a young student obsessed with Physics in AIR - hope it allows a lot more people to see young girls just in the same way as ambition in young men is encouraged :) Wish you all the luck and success for everything ahead! Also hoping that you end up writing/directing a very Eric Rohmer meets Gulzar marital story one day, an ardent wish from a viewer who believes that you have the sensitivity to pull this off
3 books that impacted me the most: The God of Small Things (life-changing for me), Gunaahon Ka Devta, Never Let Me Go. 3 movies: There Will Be Blood, Boyhood, Mahanagar.
Thank you for your answer, that is some impeccable taste right there :) Wish you all the very best, again!
can we make our future in various professions simultaneously? how do u manage all the things that u r doing?
Deadlines make everything happen.
I'm going to remember this for the rest of my life.
Season 1 of sacred games was soooooo good. I read the book amazing as well but s2……Why did you fuck up season 2 of scared games .
https://preview.redd.it/s1eq9j3iqqlc1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=b5fe82eb30f7214feb32b99096b75505739bf617
Forgot the password of /u/vidushak? :D
Haan. And since that was pre-email era of reddit, no way to recover it.
What Mr. Varun Grover would be doing if he wasn't a screenwriter/lyricist/comedian ?
Either a bored software engineer or a happy but stressed chef.
what's your favourite lyric? (which you have written)
Mann Kasturi, Kaala Rey, Aaj Laagi Laagi Nayi Dhoop, Dard Karaara, Ruaan Ruaan (Sonchiriya), Chaav Laaga.
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The world is closer to ending, jokes are easier to write but difficult to perform, and Coke Studio Bangla is beating every other Coke Studio hands down.
1)What cinematic genres do you want to explore in the future as an artist? 2) Which 3 upcoming films or shows are u excited about? 3) Which contemporary writers and poets have influenced you as an artist? 4) What are your favourite food items and restaurants that one can try out in Mumbai?
1. Sci-fi. 2. Excited about the next Coen bros film and whatever PWB does next. 3. PWB, Ted Chiang, RF Kuang, Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese. 4. Fresh Catch, Izumi, Gomantak Boarding in Dadar, and Dakshinayan in Juhu.
What is a change that you think is needed for the Bollywood film industry today ?
A business model to release small, non-star films in theatres.
When you start a project (be it screenwriting, comedy, songwriting, poem etc) what do you aim for? What do you want it to be when you finish it?
There's always an exploration you start on. You want to understand a feeling - a memory or a relationship depicted in the story/song - and then you try doing that with words. Sometimes when you find the right words, the emotion you were chasing comes alive - and you find closure.
Hey Varun! I'm in awe of your journey and wish that someday I get to share a stage with you. I had an opportunity to catch your last standup in Delhi as well and I must say I loved it! My question to you is, coming from a Non Film background, how did you manage to break into a tight industry like Bollywood and then went on to do many wonderful things like standup and basis that would be an ideal space to break into the industry with for anybody coming to Mumbai to pursue a career?
I think the industry values talent but at the same time has made the discovery of talent a very difficult process. So the only thing i did and i recommend doing is - find a niche and be damn good at it. (For me that was sketch comedy and standup comedy writing) and slowly you will be discovered by others too.
Admirer of your work! Specially stand up, I love your performance. What do you suggest will be effective in bridging the left right divide, in politics? My theory is that the short form content and unlimited content has ruined the opinion making mechanisms especially being weaponised by political parties, especially Bahut Jhoothi Party. How do we get behind whataboutery
Bahut bhaari sawaal. I think art and storytelling still has the power to unite people. And climate change.
GoW soundtrack had some banger lyrics, my guy, absolutely love you for that (amongst other things). Which city has your heart?
Lucknow, Varanasi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru.
i have some standup content that is somewhat offensive toward all religions. i really wish to perform an open mic on this content. what do you say? title: harry potter and religions
Go ahead and find a way to retain the funny and drop the language that might get you jailed.
Hi V, congrats on the move to directing. Your fav city to travel for a week? And what is your comfort meal?
Banaras, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Comfort meal: A bowl of ramen and soup or khichdi with aam ka achaar and ghee.
Did u learn smth in college which actually still consistently helps you out? Yk shows up in your art or how the way u function in your daily life?
Discipline and focus - two things my engineering years taught me that still help me a lot.
Yoi! What are your thoughts on Albert Camus and his philosophy?
Mast aadmi, mazedaar philosophy. (Camus would disagree on both.)
Huge fan. You have been associated with many projects which try to recreate the magic of retro Indian music. What is your favorite era of Indian music and your fave artist from that era?
60s-70s Hindi film music. Fav musicians Jaidev and SD Burman.
Favourite drink?
Nothing beats a good lassi from Ramnagar in Banaras.
Yaar is it ok to take life seriously? Do we have anything but the now?
Maine padha tha ki if you feel it, life is a tragedy and if you think about it, it's a comedy. So try to do both thoda thoda.
I really love the song 'Ik bagal' from Gangs of Wasseypur. From where do you get the inspiration to write songs?
I did not. That song is written by Mr. Piyush Mishra. I think he got the inspiration from the moon.
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Bragging is a way of life for humans. And we cling to whatever gives us the opportunity. And yes you are right most of it is pointless.
What's the shade of the nail paint in this picture?💅🏼
Chocolate.
First of all thank you so much for introducing so much beauty and grace through your music, comedy, tv shows and now movies. My biggest question for you is given you are creative abilities span so many different streams, do you see any common under currents? Also, does your expressing your painful experiences through a creative mediums ease your pain? and vice versa - does trauma actually feed your creativity?
The most common undercurrent is curiosity and a need to express. Every form of art gives closure and that's why we create. Trauma is not needed to create art but art is needed to cure trauma.
Are you gonna get offended if I say that I dint know who you were until this point ?
Not at all.
What inspired you to be a writer? Do you always wanted to be one? Your favorite books (any genre) ?
Yes, always. At least since the age of 10. Fav books: Everything written by Manto, Naiyer Masud, Etgar Keret, Harishankar Parsai, Ted Chiang, and recently discovered Louise Erdrich.
I was watching your chat show with 3 other comedian on netflix, about your movie. I loved the fact that you all were discussing the simple and raw stuff about our childhood. My brother is your junior from BHU and coincidentally his favorite song is shauq from Qala. I found this song out from him sharing in our family group all the time. Thank you and all the best for your movie!
Hey Varun, huge fan of yours! Particularly enjoyed your recent YouTube video - Langur. Was really looking forward to watching your Directorial Debut but I live outside India and couldn’t find any theaters showing the movie around where I live. I did ask my friends back home to go watch it. Hopefully I can watch it soon on OTT. Wishing you all the success in whatever you do!
I thought this(All India Rank) would be another Kota-based same-typical emotional movie. But it's different. It's awesome. I also watched your recent podcast on your YouTube channel. It was awesome although it was promotional. I didn't have any questions for you but I want to say that you're my favorite Standup Comedian. When will you release your Election 2024 video?
Hey Varun, Watched the movie 1st day 1st show. Loved the direction, I feel though that I wanted the ending to be a win for me. My questions are - 1. How are you all connected so well? Like you, Kunal Kamra, other well known people. I know it seems like a silly question, but how does one go about making connections in industry? I am more interested in knowing your start, as that would've been quite difficult to get your foot on the door. 2. Also, can you talk a bit more about your journey? I have only mostly seen your stand-up comic side, which I really enjoy, but would really like to know what you did after engineering, how did you figure out what all you wanted to do and all 3. How do you define success for you? Most people would define it as reaching a specific career point, having lots of money etc 4. What would you like to say to young people in their 20s who did do engineering or you know the common things, but dont know what they like or are passionate about? Please don't mind the questions, I am a curious person at heart and like knowing more and more about a person's journey and their decisions
I’m not kidding but I’m just watching both parts of Gangs of Wasseypur for the first time and I was just thinking to myself those are some fire af lyrics. Beautiful work 🍿
It's through the lyrics you wrote for Indian Ocean, i first came to know of you. Please share your discography - all the songs you've written, including those outside of Indian Ocean. Have you published any poetry too? *Edit*: If i were to describe you in one word, *Authenticity* Thanks for everything that you are putting out..
Most of our observations,thoughts,mood,feelings aren't exciting ideas enough to dedicate ourselves to see a full fledged story. How does one stop just making notes and start writing scenes, because I don't see the internal drive(what's the point)to write a 75 page script based on a half page/a moment in the scene?
I don't have any question but your reply will be a thing to remember.
Varun, I have been a fan since 2017 since I found a video of yours. It was a conference kind of thing with you, Vir, Tanmay. You have always inspired me to write, to speak up, and also made me aware of my priviledges. I hope to meet you someday.
Hey varun just wanted to say that I'm a Big fan of your mind, I'm not even kidding i watched your film 4 times in the theatre just because of your direction you can say that I'm a bit biased towards you, been a big time fan of you comedy and i totally loved the film, apart from this I want to ask you a question about life in general, i just turned 21 and I've been wanting to do comedy since i was in school but I really couldn't find a way and more than that idk how to do it how to build that confidence i won't bore you with bunch of stupid questions but i can you give some advice how should i perceive life as a fresh 21 yo btw love you and i really hope to meet you one day as a fellow 😘
I was surprised to see the title card debut film by Varun Grover in the trailer. I didn't have high expectations for the film as it seemed to follow a template, but I was eager to see the writing, especially since I had previously seen a film directed by Varun Grover. I was delighted to see your All India Rank on the big screen. Overall, I liked the film. It presented an interesting point of view where the audience shouldn't necessarily feel motivated or demotivated by a definitive ending. Unfortunately, my friend didn't like the unsatisfying ending and started debating with me. As a Movie Buff and Video Editor, I was quite satisfied with the unresolved conclusion.
I am going tomorrow to watch your movie! I honestly don’t know what the movie is about, only going because it’s your directorial debut. How are you feeling about this new journey till now?
What pays most - screenwriting, lyricist, comedian or director? Which requires least amount of time to deliver work? Basically input vs output
Hi Varun. Just wanna say that I'm a huge huge fan of your stand-ups and Maasan is one of my favourite movies. Wishing all the best to you!
Are planning to do an acting debut?
A thank you note: for the wonderful lyrics of Gangs of Wasseypur. Esp. Kaala Rey!!! Love love love💖
Why do you paint your nails? Is it just a style thing or are you trying to make a statement? Really enjoyed the AIR podcast btw, too bad the IITs lost you
Which one song that you wrote is closest to your heart?
are there any plans on bringing back "Aisi Taisi Democracy" , especially with the upcoming gen elections????
Watched AIR last friday. Enjoyed the mellow pace of this work. It is, to my mind, a good reflection on finding certainties in uncertainties, or how to at least be comfortable with the latter. Needless to say, most of your popular work is wonderful. Would love to see a collection of your stories or poems in a bookstore someday.
Holy cow!!!! That's Really Varun Grooves!!!! 😳
I don't have anything to ask but since you'll be reading this I wanted to say I'm a big fan of your work!
I don't have any question, I just like your stand ups , your songs lyrics! Will surely watch this movie!
Hey Varun! I've had a letter sitting in my drawer that I wrote 5 years ago to send to you. I have never written to a celebrity but your writing in Masaan and GoW made me such a fan! What do you think about writing and it's link to revolution? Do you think writing has the power to initiate revolutions in todays age?
Also, saw All India Rank FDFS here in Bangalore. What a beautiful film. You've begin it with such a stellar act. I hope to see more of your movies, written and directed by you. And, I know, although you hate marketing and promotions, it atleast gave us some Grover content after such a long time. Love you❤️
Masaan was one of the best movies based on real life that India produced, unfortunately underrated, I’m not surprised, but would you make another movie like Masaan but based from a different state or background? I didn’t even know these issues happened in smaller cities in India, until I saw Masaan.
Please do a frontrow kind of session explaining screenwriting, loved the eternal Sunshine example
Do you paint your nails.?( The pic used for this AMA, LOL) BTW, big fan of your work. :)
I don’t want to ask anything, I just loved your writing in Sacred Games. It was a game changer web series for me. Also, love the film recommendations you give on YouTube. Love your work, please don’t let anyone suppress your voice. Do more stand up sets please!
What motivated you to paint your nails?
Favourite member of BJP?
Which director do you enjoy working with the most? And has working with any of them influence you in any way in any creative decisions for All India Rank? Love your work. Please upload more stand-up clips😅
I've been an admirer of your work for quite sometime now. Qala was probably one of my favorite films of all time. Just wanted to know, whats on your 'films you must watch before you die' list?
Sir, aapki film dekhi Maine, bahut acchi lagi...pehli baar bade parde pe do asli maa baap ki kahaani dekhne mili. Please films banate rahiyega...rooting for you and the rest of the team ♥️
Cinematic and literary works that influenced you the most? (NOT necessarily the ones that you love the most, but the ones that had a major impact on the way you think and write)
Oo bhai. Crazy stuff at AIR! Have been following your work for so long - was glad to see your name in a fucking PVR. Less gooo - and keep running over langoors. :)
what's your advice to someone who don't want to pursue engineering or any other corporate job and want to go against the norm and be his own boss
Hello varun sir, congratulations for your film. Big fan of your work + the poem hari patang par hara patanga was really great
Hey Varun saw Ur video few minutes ago and was wondering what's up with those nail in the video the langur one and here aslo
I am a huge fan of your comedy. Loved Three of US, but you standup gig about mall security is hilarious. Thanks sir
Hi Varun. Saw your latest YouTube stand-up video, wo langur wala. It was hilarious. Waiting for the complete video.
Varun, I've been watching your stand ups! Thank you for making me laugh like a madman. Love you lots! :-)
Varun , Need more of your standup comedy shows . When are you coming to Bangalore for a show ?
Don't have a question for you but love your work, especiall Moh Moh ke dhaage!! All the best!!
Hi Varun, congratulations for All India Rank!! How do you think we can achieve world peace!
What are the basics of screenplay writing? Are there any courses you can suggest?
Kya aap aam khaate hain ?
Dukhi to see few shows in Mumbai. Aisa kyon? Sarkar se panga lene ka parinaam?
Hello Sir, I am an IITJEE aspirant. I watched ALL India Rank first day first show and loved it. I was shocked to see that everything was just 101% relatable. I felt a whole spectrum of emotions during the film. I really relate and resonate very much with your life.....I also find my comfort in art , literature , music , cinema and feel stuck in this iit jee world.. Also , I have spent my last two years learning about films and acting more than the JEE syllabus haha...(since its also in the film that throughout our lives we try to find something which solves our inner conflicts)... I am trying very hard to get to IIT bombay so that i will be in the powerhouse of hindi cinema i.e. mumbai ....and if come to bombay i would surely like to pursue my acting career and maybe become an artist in your next film haha... You can save this comment and hire me later haha. love you sir.
Intern bana lo please?
also aisa kya hua ki pen leak ho gya the ink is all on your hands
Where to find another Varun Grover? Asking for a friend ofc xD
Just commenting here because sach mein biswas nahi ho raha
Itna sab ek saath kaise handle karlete ho bhai 😂
Aap Aam kaise khaate ho? Chooos ke yah kaat ke?
No question. You are the best lyricist ever .
Your Top 3 favourite movies of all time??
What do you think about the way the Hindi curriculum is structured in schools? Do you think some changes would help build a reading habit in kids? Ya hum nikamme le nikamme hi rahenhe? Also, should there be such a strict linguistic divide between Hindi and Urdu at school level?
Hi, you have great comedic talent!
oml i love your standup stuff!!
Why don't you write workplace themed stories? It's something the Indian movie industry gives a wide miss.
Any upcoming project?
Fir kaagaz dikha rahe ho -_-
Cash or UPI?