‘Vadh 2’ director Jaspal Singh Sandhu on working with Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra says, 'Experience has its own charm'

Director Jaspal Singh Sandhu’s ‘Vadh 2’ has been receiving an interesting response from audiences, and the filmmaker admits that the love for the first part came with both motivation and a heightened sense of responsibility while making the sequel.

In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Sandhu opens up about the journey of ‘Vadh 2,’ working once again with powerhouse performers Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra, handling sensitive themes delicately, and the creative decisions that shaped the film.

Director Jaspal Singh Sandhu on making the sequel 'Vadh 2'

Speaking about how ‘Vadh 2’ came to him and the weight of carrying the story forward, Sandhu said, “Yes, there was motivation. One got a lot of love from the audience. At that time, the COVID period was going on.

But the movie was received very well on OTT and Netflix.”He revealed that a sequel was not part of the original plan. “So, then we thought that we could do it. I mean, this was not the initial thought. But we felt that there was a need to work with such actors again,” he shared. However, Sandhu was clear that the story had to live up to the original. “But it all depended. I mean, if I crack a story of that level, then only I will proceed further.

Otherwise, no.”The director explained how he took time to ensure the sequel did justice to its title and characters. “So, I took that my whole time. Started writing a proper sequel to 'Vadh'. And then I felt that that won't be justice. Let's give justice to the title. Let's keep the actors in the pivotal role. And I crack another story to make a special sequel.”Once the screenplay fell into place, the confidence followed.

“So, I started writing the screenplay. When the screenplay was completed, we were satisfied. That now we can move forward with it. So, yeah, motivation was there because of the love of the audience. And the responsibility was more. It was not pressure, but the responsibility was more. To make a good thing and give it to the audience.”

Director Jaspal Singh Sandhu on working with Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra

Talking about collaborating with seasoned performers like Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra, Sandhu said the experience had its own charm.

“Amazing. Because of 'Vadh', I already had faith in the sequel. But for a new story, I had to gain their faith. So that I can direct them. And if I gain their faith, then I get their full support. And when you get the support of such actors, then the magic happens.”He added that once trust is established, filmmaking becomes effortless. “So, yeah. Correct. It is a cakewalk. If their faith is gained before the story is told. So, that happened.”Asked whether working with experienced actors makes a director’s job easier, Sandhu stressed the importance of comfort and collaboration. “Whatever happens. There are not many factors. Sometimes, there are newcomers in our film. There are brilliant actors. So, yeah. Again, it is the responsibility of the combination of the two. So, they come out well.”Sharing his approach on set, he said, “But I think if you are comfortable with everyone.

Then there is no pressure on the set. So, I follow a strategy. I don't have readings. I sit with everyone individually. And I talk about their characters. So that they become confident with their characters.”

Vadh 2 is completely fictional

On the film’s narrative, which blends thriller elements with an emotional core, Sandhu clarified that the story is entirely fictional. “As such, it is a completely fictitious story. There is no relevance to any real incident happening anywhere.”

However, the love story between the central characters was something he deeply enjoyed exploring. “But the love between them. As a husband and wife. So, I thought it was explored.

As a platonic love story.”He elaborated, “They can't meet each other. But they have known each other for many years. And there is a soft corner developed. And that too in such circumstances. Where the roles are tested.” Referring to a key visual from the trailer, Sandhu added, “Then they can't see each other.

As you saw in the trailer. That they are like two walls. So, I enjoyed writing that scene a lot. I love writing that scene. And the execution is also good.

”Addressing the sensitive theme of casteism in the film, the director said it had to be handled with care. “It is a sensitive topic. I know. But it is the right topic.” He explained his perspective, saying, “You say that if you want to know about a society. That's how that society works.

Then you will see the movie of that society.”However, Sandhu clarified that the intent was never to generalize. “It is not about any particular person. It is about a character who is like that. So, it is a matter of the individual's thinking. It is not a matter of the society's thinking.”One of the striking moments in the film involves a dog licking blood, a scene that left an impact. Revealing that it was written later, Sandhu said, “The reason for that is that the first atrocity shown by Keshav is to kill harmless puppies for fun.

So, I thought that it would be great if the mother of the puppies got the first redemption.” He added, “So, it was a satisfaction for me as well. So, she gets the first redemption.

Her mother gets it. So, I wrote that almost on set.”Speaking about the jail sequences, Sandhu described the space as more than just a prison. “Jail is a location in the film. I have shown all the atrocities there. But it is a world.” He explained Neena Gupta’s character arc, saying, “She has aged after 28 years.

So, her atrocities are over. For her, it is a home.”Sharing memories from the set, Sandhu said the atmosphere was always positive. “Our set, where I work with my brother, is a very happy set. No one shouts at each other. Everyone keeps smiling.” Despite long working hours, he recalled, “It was fun, but there was no scope. But it was a very happy set.”

Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra's fan appeal

Finally, reacting to Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra urging audiences not to reveal spoilers, Sandhu said it was a heartfelt and unplanned gesture. “Actually, it was very impromptu. Nobody said anything. It was not planned.” He added, “When he saw the whole film, he fell in love with the film. I'm in love with this film. I'm very excited.”Praising their sincerity, Sandhu concluded, “That's why both of them are very excited. They are excited. When they do a piece, they do it honestly. And these two are known for their honesty.”