INTERVIEW with Ganesh Jagdishan

Q1. Can you tell us about your latest film project and the process you went through in bringing it to life?

My latest film is inspired by a real-life jailbreak I once read about in a newspaper. What struck me most was the detail that the prison was next to a river — that image became the seed of thought for this movie. From there, the question that guided me was always: “What if?”

What if a couple - one of them a lost, broken soul, crosses paths with three prisoners on the run? What if greed and temptation make the convicts stay in a house that promises certain danger, perhaps even death? That line of questioning helped me shape the story.

The anchor of the film is the antagonist, Major - a man with a split personality whose mind is a battlefield. Around him, I built the convicts’ backstories, their desires, and their follies. The result is a quirky, dark comedy-thriller where survival and madness intertwine.

Q2. What inspired you to become a filmmaker and pursue a career in the film industry?

Stories have always been my deepest inspiration. A powerful story can bring out the best and worst in people. Films and books have the ability to serve as an escape, yes, but more importantly, they can ignite the light within.

Growing up, movies like Rocky, Bicycle Thieves, The Apu Trilogy, and The Pursuit of Happyness showed me that cinema isn’t just entertainment - it has the power to change lives. Chaplin, for instance, could depict beauty and humour in the bleakest of circumstances. That paradox fascinated me.

Stories changed my life, and I knew cinema could change the lives of countless others. That’s why I chose film as my medium - to give people a reason to believe, a reason to live, and even a reason to fight through their struggles.

Q3. What challenges did you encounter during the filmmaking process and how did you overcome them?

As an independent filmmaker, challenges are endless: money, resources, the right skillset. I have made countless sacrifices to bring this story to the screen.

But what I find most poetic is how life mirrored mythology for me. Like Rama’s 14 years of exile in the Ramayana, I too had to step away from filmmaking for 14 years because life had other plans. Only after that long journey did the right people and energies come together for this film. That made the process all the more meaningful.

Q4. What was the most memorable moment for you during the production of your film? Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories?

The most unforgettable moment was during the pre-climax scene, where we explore Major’s multiple personality disorder and his backstory.

Though the premise of the scene was in the script, the emotional depth was built on the set. In the span of 3 hours, we re-scripted, rehearsed, and shot it. What came out of that impromptu process was cathartic - for the character, the actors, and even for me as a filmmaker. It felt like the story itself demanded that scene, and we simply followed the demand.

Q5. How do you approach storytelling in your films? What themes or messages do you try to convey?

For me, storytelling is not just about the plot. It’s about breathing life into characters, their journeys, and their inner conflicts. It is a responsibility, it is my chosen medium of inspiring and empowering.

My stories often highlight human struggles - weaknesses, strengths, follies, and triumphs. Through these characters, I want to hold up a mirror to life, but also leave the audience with something essential: hope.

Q6. What is your preferred genre of filmmaking and why? Are there any directors who influenced you?

I don’t confine myself to genres, because life itself has no genre. Every life contains comedy, tragedy, suspense, and romance in some measure. That’s what I try to bring into my films.

I’ve written stories across genres, from entertaining commercial cinema to deeply topical and art-driven films. My influences range from Satyajit Ray to Vittorio De Sica, from Chaplin to contemporary filmmakers who blur the lines between art and entertainment. Life is not black or white - it’s every shade of the rainbow and beyond. I want my films to reflect that.

Q7. How do you select your cast and crew? What qualities do you look for in collaborators?

Casting and crew selection always begin with the story. Characters dictate the actors we need, and auditions help us find the right fit.

I value collaborators who resonate with my frequency - the kind of filmmaking I want to bring into the world. Each film demands its own unique set of actors and technicians, but a few core team members will walk this journey with me, film after film.

Q8. How important are film festivals for independent filmmakers? What has been your experience?

For independent filmmakers, festivals are crucial. They are windows to the world - opportunities to showcase work, receive recognition, and connect with audiences and industry alike.

I’ve had the privilege of my short films being screened at prestigious festivals, including Cannes. Each experience reaffirms my belief that festivals are stepping stones, especially for filmmakers who are still building their voice

Q9. Can you tell us about any awards or recognition your films have received?

One of my short films was screened at Cannes years ago. That recognition gave the Project and me as a filmmaker a lot of weight and visibility. It reminded me that cinema, when it finds the right stage, can speak to the world.

Q10. How do you handle feedback and criticism of your films? How do you use it to improve your craft?

I welcome feedback and criticism because they sharpen the craft. Criticism lets me see my own work through a different lens and prevents complacency.

For example, after our first technical screening of Jail Waapsi, we actively incorporated the feedback into the edit. That re-tweaking elevated the film. For me, criticism is an invitation to grow.

Q11. What do you enjoy most about the filmmaking process? What do you find most challenging?

I enjoy everything from the first spark of an idea to the applause of the audience. Writing, pre-production, shooting, editing, screenings - each stage is fulfilling.

It feels like nurturing a seed into a plant, watching it flower, and finally offering its fruit to the audience. That sweetness makes every challenge worthwhile.

Q12. How do you approach distribution and reaching audiences? What strategies do you employ to reach a wider audience?

Since Jail Waapsi is our first feature-length film, festivals are our primary focus at this moment. Recognition at festivals strengthens our positioning with distributors, production houses, and industry stakeholders.

Beyond that, we are learning every single day, using each opportunity to improve the film’s marketability and build the value we bring to the table.

Q13. What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers who are just starting their journey in the film industry?

My only advice: follow your heart with absolute dedication. If you stay true to your flow, the answers will come.

Q14. Can you share your future plans and upcoming projects?

I’m a writer and a filmmaker. I’ve written many scripts over the years, and we have already chosen the next two to begin with. So you will definitely see a lot more from GJ’s House of Films soon.

This is also a good forum to share that I have over 15 scripts ready, and my team and I are now exploring collaborations with studios, production houses, and investors. We’re excited to bring these stories to life with the right partners.