As a filmmaker, Kabir Khan expertly navigates the intersection of politics and humanity, imbuing his work with meticulous research and a penchant for authenticity. “When I moved from documentaries to mainstream cinema, I tried to blend the two,” says Khan. “Talking about politics in mainstream cinema was taboo at the time. But I’m glad that in my first three films, producers gave me the opportunity to explore complex political situations. All three films had a political backdrop and the stories resonated with a wider audience.” For Khan, filmmaking is deeply personal. “I think a filmmaker ultimately makes the films he wants to watch,” he reflects. “You should make it for yourself, because you can never really know the other person. All you can trust is that people will find sincerity in it. Sometimes it’s a hit, sometimes it’s not.”
It is one of his most acclaimed works. Bajrangi Bhaijan (2015) exemplifies Khan’s talent for blending political themes with moving human stories that appeal to the masses.Bajrangi Bhaijan “The Fantasy was a very political film, but people saw the human relationships in it. That was its success,” Khan says proudly. Extensive research and attention to detail are at the heart of Khan’s filmmaking process. “Fiction is always rooted in something that already exists in the real world. I always bring in elements of the real world that catch my eye. That always helps. I’m committed to maintaining historical accuracy. I have to. For me, research is paramount.”
Navigating the complexities of historical accuracy is a challenge Khan is dedicated to. “Our country is not very good at archiving information properly,” he notes. “When I reach out to journalists, 83 For (2021), they didn’t have their own copy of the article. Rose opened up the archives to us, and that changed things. We have creative freedom, but not the facts. We can dramatize within that and create the story we want.” A stickler for detail, Khan emphasizes the importance of authenticity in every aspect of the film. “For example, when you see Roger Binny bowling, he rolls up his sleeves every time he bowls a ball, and then rolls them up again for the next ball,” he points out. “We tested 12 different fabrics to find one that does that. You have to go into that level of detail, otherwise people will say you’re not being faithful to the story, especially people who care deeply about it.”
For many years, Khan has been drawn to stories that blend scale, emotional depth and social relevance. “The reason I moved away from documentary filmmaking was because I wanted to explore larger than life stories,” he explains. Reflecting on his creative journey, Khan speaks of the importance of thorough preparation and a deep understanding of socio-political context. “I’ve never made a film and wished I’d made it differently. You have to be confident in what you’re making. You have to be convinced. You have to sit back and understand the socio-political context your film is in. Then, even if someone comes along later and tells you random facts about the situation the film is based on, I can always confidently say that I know every single detail and more.”
Continually exploring new narratives and challenging cinematic conventions, Khan’s films promise to provoke thought, evoke emotion and leave a lasting impact on audiences. Embracing the organic flow of storytelling, Khan understands the need for authenticity in each tale he crafts. “Every story, in a way, demands its own treatment. You have to go with it organically without resistance, or it would be disingenuous.”
Khan speaks about the importance of thorough preparation and a deep understanding of the socio-political context: “I have never made a film and wished I had made it differently. You have to be confident in what you are making. You have to be comfortable with it. You have to sit back and understand the socio-political context your film is set in. That way, even if someone comes to me later and tells me random facts about the situation my film is based on, I can always be confident that I understood every single detail.”
Continually exploring new narratives and challenging cinematic conventions, Khan’s films promise to provoke thought, evoke emotion and leave a lasting impact on audiences. Embracing the organic flow of storytelling, Khan understands the need for authenticity in each tale he crafts. “Every story, in a way, demands its own treatment. You have to go with it organically without resistance, or it would be disingenuous.”
This article originally appeared in the print edition of Harper’s Bazaar June-July 2024 issue.
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