Two years after Munjya became a surprise blockbuster and strengthened the horror-comedy universe following Stree and Bhediya, director Aditya Sarpotdar has opened up about the film`s future. While fans continue to demand a sequel, the filmmaker says he would rather wait than compromise on quality. At the same time, Sarpotdar is fully focused on his next ambitious project, Shakti Shalini.
Aditya Sarpotdar on Munjya 2
In an exclusive chat with Variety India, the director said, “I get a lot of messages about it, and it`s good to know people want to watch it. But that`s the point. I can`t disappoint them with something that`s mediocre. I would rather not make it than deliver something that`s not up to the standard.”
He added that he is waiting for the right script and shared, “I`m okay with being asked maybe 10 years later, ‘Why didn`t you make it?’ But until I feel that my script matches a certain level of quality and is something totally new and beyond people`s expectations, I will not make it.”
Aditya Sarpotdar on Shakti Shalini
The filmmaker is currently focused on Aneet Padda`s Shakti Shalini. The project has become an obsession for him. Expressing his excitement, Aditya said, “Right now, the focus is around Shakti Shalini.”
He further revealed that the film has already wrapped production and entered post-production. “Yeah, we wrapped up the shoot and are now into post-production. It was a massive shoot, so the whole planning and execution had to be done meticulously. So now we are back in the edit room. Right now, what I really want to focus on and get right is Shakti Shalini. That`s the big game,” he added.
Talking about working with young talents like Aneet and Vishal, the filmmaker said, “It is very inspiring and liberating to work with young talent. Aneet and Vishal are talented actors, and they bring so much to the table without any fear of being judged or failing. They go at it wholeheartedly, and it`s a lot of fun to work with them.”
Talking about Shakti Shalini, the latest chapter in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe sees Padda in a double role — as an ordinary woman-turned-protector, Shakti, and as the evil spirit, Shalini. The story revolves around the vengeful ghost, who punishes men after being betrayed and brutally killed, and her eventual face-off with Shakti.