"I hope my book raises questions"

THE GOAN: Tell us more about your new book
KARAN ANSHUMAN: Kashmirnama is basically a political thriller and it is one of those high octane fast paced page turners which would appeal to readers who are looking for a little bit of an insight into what the Kashmir issue is and want a rivetting story on it. There's a lot of politics thrown in too.

The book first began as a screenplay. What prompted you to turn it into a book instead?
The book deals with a very sensitive topic and I wrote the screenplay at a time when civil liberties were very much intact as compared to how it is today. It was an apt kind of script to make a political point about. However things changed in 2014 as a lot of cut throat view points came in and you can see what is happening with films like Padmavati today which are so controversial. It gives you an idea of how crazy it would be if a sensitive topic like this was portrayed on the big screen. So, while the message is still intact I just thought of changing the medium.

But aren't you worried that people could still make a noise about the book instead?
I'm hoping there is a noise about it because people should be aware about this topic and it shouldn't be brushed under a carpet. I hope it raises some questions about who we are and what we are doing and how we are engaging with a problem that should be affecting all of us in a big way because it involves many citizens of our country and another. It's not about anhilating the enemy. It's a very complex issue. So I am trying to bring all that to the fore here.

What made you decide to choose Kashmir as your focus?
It's just a burning topic to talk about. It lends itself to different points of view which people feel strongly about as a subject. We all have our own thoughts and opinions about it but it's very important to corraborate this. There's so much more to learn when you are there in it rather than just having an opinion on it

You began with a film, then a web series and now a book. Are there any other mediums of storytelling that you want to tackle?
I like to tell stories and that is more important, it's not about the platform or the medium. If you see my work for instance Bangistan is about religion and I tried to get it out in a lighter way. As for Inside Edge, I am a cricket purist and I feel that the league format is diluting the game and this is what I tried to get across but I have also added in a lot of drama, glamour etc.

You've mentioned that while writing you are always wrecked with a lot of self doubt. Were there many moments like this?
There is always a lot of self doubt as you are working alone. It's a very lonely process but very interesting. There is no one to interfere with your vision. Doing a film is very different. You have to make sure that everyone is onboard and has a clear vision about the film. And while people go through many levels of checking their work, I just wrote the book and submitted it. I didn't get too many opinions about it.

Having previously been a film critic yourself, are you obsessed with reading reviews.
Reviewing films and making them are two very different jobs. As a film critic you put out your thoughts and opinions about the film. Making a film as I said is a very corraborative effort. So I am not obsessed. I still read the same reviews that I used to before

A lot has been speculated about the resemblance of characters in Inside Edge with real like people. How did you convince people that this wasn't true?
I did not need to convince poeple. I think the story and drama is important rather than depiction of reality and I don't think that there is any depiction of reality. It is a purely dramatised version of my imagination. It's not like any of this happened as far as I know. Also, many cricketers have watched it and complimented me about it.

You are also working on a new web series Mirzapur. How is that coming along?
Mirzapur is a crime drama. We have got a fantastic cast onboard. That's all I can say about it at the moment. (laughs)

So you believe that online is the way to go now?
I definitely prefer online as there is a lot more liberation. You don't have to follow a format or put in marketting things like songs etc. There is a lot more freedom to say what you want to say. Plus, there is a much smarter audience watching.

Are you working on any other projects?
I like doing things properly and finishing it before I tell the world about it. As for this book I hope people read it. This is something that I have always wanted to do and have finally finished it. I have attempted to write many books before this, but this is the first one that made it past the finish line. For me it is a huge moment,bigger than making a film. People who are reading novels are on the decline which is sad and I hope the trend will change. I have many book ideas and I hope to put it out someday.