Faissal Khan turns director

‘‘It takes more than skills to make a good movie’’

Faissal Khan whose breakthrough role came in Mela over two decades ago, is going his brother Aamir Khan’s way — he has directed a film called Faactory which will be hitting the screens early next month.

Interestingly, he too got into direction by default after the original director pulled out. “I am playing the lead in the film and the producers felt I was the right person to direct it when the original director found he did not have the time to do it. I am also returning to acting after a long time and the script really interested me,” he says.

Despite his family having filmmakers like his father Tahir Hussain and uncle Nassir Hussain, Faissal says direction is no cakewalk. “One has to learn the process. There is a certain kind of perseverance apart from the skill that is needed to make films. If you do not apply yourself at work and don’t hone your skills and craft, it doesn’t work,” he says.

Faactory has two main characters — Faissal and newcomer Roaaley Ryan. It is set inside a factory and hence the title. “It is a romantic thriller and has enough action and romantic moments with thrilling turns and twists,” says Faissal like a true-blue filmmaker.

“Faactory is the story of a person who falls in love and doesn’t know how to handle it. The character was so unpredictable that it was good fun playing it,” Faissal reveals.

He used his knowledge of theatrics to plan the shoots. “We did what is called ‘blocking’ in theatre. It is not just mugging up your lines but rehearsing the scenes with real props over a twomonth period, and I am happy that it has turned out to be the way I want it. I also sang a song in the film and it has turned out okay, the music and the BGM actually lifts the film too,” he adds.

Faissal screened the film for his family including Aamir Khan. “Aamir saw the film and I showed Mom too. She really liked it,” he shares.

“Direction is no cakewalk. One has to learn the process. There is a certain kind of perseverance apart from the skill that is needed to make films.” —Faissal Khan, actor