Suresh Triveni Embraces Long-Format Storytelling with 'Daldal'
Acclaimed filmmaker Suresh Triveni, known for his work on 'Tumhari Sulu' and 'Jalsa', has revealed that he was initially hesitant to venture into long-format storytelling with the series 'Daldal'. However, the profound depth of the characters ultimately captivated him, drawing him into the project.
From Reluctance to Fascination
In an interview with PTI, Triveni shared that when producer Vikram Malhotra first presented the material, he was reluctant due to the extensive workload involved in creating a series. "I was reluctant to get into the series purely because there is too much work in it," he admitted. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, provided ample time for development, leading to the formation of a dedicated writing team.
"As we started, I had not committed myself, but then as we began discussing, I got fascinated. The start off point was the book, but then from there we just took off, and then you just get sucked into it," Triveni explained, highlighting how the creative process evolved from Vish Dhamija's bestselling novel 'Bhendi Bazaar'.
Influences and Creative Freedom
Triveni cited the series 'Mindhunter' and the film 'Monster' as key influences, particularly in exploring the psychology of serial killers. "All of us are also consumers, before we are makers, we watch a lot of things and naturally get sucked into this world," he said. He emphasized that the series format offers greater freedom to delve deeper into characters compared to films, which excited him in understanding the mind behind violence.
The Making of 'Daldal'
The Amazon Prime Video original, which debuted on January 30, features Bhumi Pednekar as a cop hunting a serial killer in Mumbai. Developed by Triveni and directed by Amrit Raj Gupta, the crime-thriller underwent a rigorous four-year writing process with multiple drafts and at least six major revisions.
The seven-episode series was written by Priya Saggi, Rohan D'Souza, and Sreekanth Agneeswaran, with Hussain Haidry contributing as a dialogue writer. Triveni noted that they found an efficient director in Gupta and cast actors like Samara Tijori and Aditya Rawal through auditions.
Triveni's Role as a Showrunner
Describing himself as a "shepherd" in his first role as a showrunner, Triveni said he allowed the creative team room to breathe. "My job was to shepherd this entire journey... setting it up, being there in key sequences, and at the edit to have a bird's eye view," he explained, underscoring his collaborative approach.
Upcoming Projects and Industry Icons
Triveni is also anticipating the release of two OTT films: 'Subedar', an action-drama starring Anil Kapoor, and 'Maa Behen', a dark-comedy featuring Madhuri Dixit Nene, Triptii Dimri, and Ravi Kishan. He praised the dedication of Kapoor and Dixit Nene, stating, "There is a reason why they are who they are... If you show up, they just show up, and that's incredible, and unfortunately, that's a rarity in our times."
This journey from initial reluctance to full immersion in 'Daldal' marks a significant expansion of Triveni's creative horizons, blending his filmmaking expertise with the expansive possibilities of series storytelling.
