Director Aakash A Kaushik Reflects on Film Comparisons

Director Aakash A Kaushik has addressed the ongoing comparisons between his film Udta Teer and Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar. Both films revolve around espionage, with Dhurandhar focusing on an Indian operative in Pakistan, while Udta Teer adopts a comedic approach, featuring Ayushmann Khurrana as a Pakistani character. The contrasting narratives have led audiences to liken the two films, with some referring to Udta Teer as a ‘reverse Dhurandhar’.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Kaushik shared that the playful banter regarding their films began long before the public discussions. He and Dhar, who are close friends, were developing their respective stories simultaneously. Kaushik noted that they often joked about their characters travelling in opposite directions, establishing a light-hearted connection between their projects.

Kaushik expressed that he does not mind the comparisons made by viewers. He conveyed his admiration for Dhurandhar, stating that it is natural for audiences to compare films within the same genre. He remarked, “I love Dhurandhar, and I think the comparison is obvious. If there is a spy movie, people will compare it.” His amicable relationship with Dhar allows him to view the comparisons positively.

Creating a Fictional Agency for Udta Teer

Kaushik revealed that the decision to create a fictional agency, the Counter Terrorism Squad (CTS), was a conscious choice to handle the sensitive subject matter surrounding espionage. He aimed to portray the narrative in a manner that would not negatively impact actual intelligence agencies. By establishing a fictional context, Kaushik sought to inject humour into the storyline without offending real organisations.

His upbringing also influenced this decision, as Kaushik spent considerable time in military cantonments due to his father’s connections with the armed forces. He articulated his deep respect for the Indian Army and stated that he was determined not to depict any agency unfavourably. Kaushik mentioned that several friends from the armed forces had viewed the film and expressed their enjoyment, reinforcing his belief in the film’s tasteful handling of the subject.

Despite the film being kept relatively low-profile prior to its release, Kaushik remained confident in its potential. He noted that private screenings had garnered positive feedback, which bolstered his assurance that audiences would appreciate the humour once they experienced the film. The subsequent positive reception has been gratifying for Kaushik, who has invested years in the development of his directorial debut.

Challenges Faced During Production of Udta Teer

Kaushik encountered various challenges while bringing Udta Teer to theatres, including delays stemming from the passing of actor Mukul Dev and extended visual effects work. Originally, the plan was to complete the film before Ayushmann Khurrana began shooting for another project, Thamma. However, the unforeseen delays necessitated adjustments to the timeline, ultimately affecting the film’s release schedule.

As a first-time director, Kaushik acknowledged that such setbacks could be disheartening. However, he described his feelings as more frustrated than scared, choosing to accept the circumstances rather than blame any individual for the delays. He stated, “It’s not that it was scary, but it was frustrating, of course. But those delays were no one’s fault.” His perspective allowed him to maintain faith in the film’s eventual success.

Kaushik concluded that he believed the film would resonate with audiences, regardless of its delayed release. He maintained that the timing would not diminish the film’s impact, stating, “Whenever the film arrives, it will do its job.” His optimism has been rewarded with positive audience feedback, confirming his belief in the project.

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