'Writers Deserve More Recognition," says Mirzapur Director Gurmeet Singh

Writers are the ones who lay the foundation for a story that will eventually reach cinema audiences, but they often do not get the same praise as actors and directors.

Speaking to Rahul Varun on The Filmy Charcha Podcast, director of Mirzapur Gurmeet Singh talked about recognising the input of writers and how collaboration with them, actors and directors make a story special.

Singh spoke about feeling grateful for his work with production house Excel Entertainment, which he feels has always appreciated writers and made them a part of the marketing team for the projects they write.

According to him, writing is the foundation on which a film or series is built, with each department adding their skill to realise it on screen.

Everything from acting and direction to editing and production design helps bring the story to life.

Singh challenged the industry’s attitude towards writers, wondering why they were not celebrated as heavily at trailer premieres and other promotional events as actors and directors.

He questioned the industry’s desire to exclusively credit the writing to whoever puts words to the mouths of the characters.

With writers collaborating to create projects, they may be contributing in a variety of ways, such as constructing the characters and situations a script contains.

Singh’s comments highlight the importance of recognising the efforts of writers without compromising on the integrity of the work they produce.

For Singh, it is important that writers are given due credit for their work, as it represents the creative core on which a show or film is built.

Mirzapur is an example of a project that required the combined effort of all departments to create something as special as its multi-layered characters and connected stories.

The series sees Singh bringing out the best in the actors he works with, while his views on Pankaj Tripathi’s improvisation suggest that he feels collaboration can make a story resonate if performers are able to connect on a personal level with what they do.

However, he feels that such creative freedom should come as a result of trust, preparation and respect for the writing at the heart of a production.

Ultimately, Singh’s comments highlight an important aspect of filmmaking in that no single person can make a film or television show.

While an actor may breathe life into a character and a director may shape the lens through which the story is told, a writer lays the foundation on which all other departments build their own input.

And according to the Mirzapur director, giving writers the recognition they deserve is an important step in appreciating the work that goes into what any department does.