Short and sweet, but not sweet enough
Abhishek Banerjee is having a moment, and he’s not shy about admitting that he wishes it lasted longer. The actor, who recently collaborated with Vikramaditya Motwane on the much-anticipated Lust Stories 3, has revealed that the short format of the anthology left him craving a full-fledged project with the acclaimed director.
In a candid chat, Banerjee shared his thoughts on the experience, calling Motwane a “thorough professional” who knows his craft inside out. “He knows his job, cuts, the beats, and [he makes] it so easy,” the actor said, clearly impressed by the filmmaker’s approach. But the brevity of the format? Not his cup of chai. “I don’t like the small formats because when it starts to get fun, the film ends,” Banerjee admitted with a smile. “So, I would love to work with him on a full-fledged project.”
Trust is the secret sauce
What really stood out for Banerjee during the shoot was Motwane’s unique directorial style. Unlike many filmmakers who micromanage every frame, Motwane prefers to let his actors breathe. “He doesn’t really come and give directions. He trusts his actors,” Banerjee revealed, highlighting the creative freedom that made the experience so special.
This trust-based approach clearly resonated with the actor, who is known for his nuanced performances in projects like Paatal Lok and Stree. For Banerjee, working with a director who believes in his cast is a rare and precious thing. “Jamming with him on set was a blast,” he added, hinting at the chemistry that developed between actor and director during the shoot.
What’s next for Banerjee?
While Lust Stories 3 is set to drop soon, fans are already buzzing about what Banerjee will do next. The actor’s wish to collaborate with Motwane on a longer project has sparked speculation about potential future collaborations. Given Motwane’s track record with critically acclaimed films like Udaan and Lootera, a full-fledged project with Banerjee could be a match made in Bollywood heaven.
For now, Banerjee is soaking in the love for his work and hoping that the industry takes note of his desire for more substantial roles. “Short formats are fun, but they leave you hungry,” he said, summing up the sentiment of many actors who thrive on long-form storytelling. With his talent and Motwane’s vision, a longer collaboration might just be the blockbuster we didn’t know we needed.