Navarro, meanwhile, munches on a heavily chutney-ed samosa and laments the lack of speed. "In Mexican cinema, nothing can be taken for granted. Shooting is extremely expensive, so they have to make every minute count," he says, waiting for the next shot to be set up. "Cinema is for professionals, not people who learn filmmaking on the job."
Thankfully, he does enjoy both Bhardwaj's style and his films. "He's very collaborative. We get along quite well, and I think this film might have a very interesting look." The lighting is moody, ambient, realistic while somehow underscoring an emotional emphasis. There is a lot of improvisation and inputs come in at the director from all angles, Bhardwaj mulling over each before deciding his take.
The director is very pleased with Siddharth, and Takia is visibly an exceptional actress. Today, the sets are ruled by scenes involving her in high drama and extremely subtle, real moments. She rises to the occasion magnificently, eyes wide as she absorbs directions and aims to please. Bhardwaj's smile says it all, and Navarro is significantly impressed with the quality of Indian actors -- as well he should be, Blood Brothers also starring Pawan Malhotra and Bhardwaj favourite Pankaj Kapur.
The call for action is given; Ayesha throws a pointed comment at Siddharth, and the shot is wrapped. The assistant director beams, and congratulatory pats are passed around the monitor as the director watches the replay for the second time. "Very good," agrees Bhardwaj, then looks at Navarro. "I think we can do better," says the cinematographer. Bhardwaj breaks into a grin. This is his kinda job.
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