I found the film’s emphasis on the childhood of Pallavi, Vishal and Govind, and their evolving relationships with their families quite fascinating.
Sanjay: Childhood is the most important stage in all our lives. In other stages, we have a certain control. But when we are children, others control our lives. That’s why it’s important to be very careful when taking care of children. I have a ten-year-old daughter and I must talk to her with the same level of seriousness that I would have while discussing things with my producer. But most parents don’t take them seriously. We need to understand our children and spend time with them. That’s what Govind’s father repents not doing. In a way, he has contributed to the way Govind behaves. An elder must ensure the child is safe and has hope. In the film, we show three childhoods and how that contributes to why and who they become later.
Do you think Pallavi’s father too feels guilty thinking if he had been there for the younger Pallavi, she might’ve never met Govind?
Sanjay: Yes, absolutely. He is very guilty. We also felt that in his actions. He is kind of making up for what he didn’t do earlier.
What about the relationship between Vishal and his father? Do you think it would have changed at least now?
Sanjay: Vishal’s father is someone who asks too much from his son and it’s not every day you get to prove yourself. Maybe the day Pallavi landed the flight safely, he might have proved something to his father. But I think the appreciation might still be just momentary. Their relationship wouldn’t have changed. It’s only in movies that one incident would change a 60-70 year old person forever (laughs).
But would Vishal be a very different person today? Could he have started his own business?
Manu: His determination was clear in the climax itself. His support was what offered 50% confidence to Pallavi. So, he might have moved away and started his own business.
Sanjay: That sounds interesting. I think he may have moved away from his father’s clutches. Even in the film, you see hints of the transformation he goes through and how he begins to look at life and relationships differently. He looks at things more seriously.
Lastly, how do you think that one flying experience changed Pallavi
Sanjay: After that one flying experience and saving a lot of lives, when her father informs her that the verdict will be out soon, she doesn’t care. That’s why the last shot of the film is in the sky – she has gone beyond. What she does today or in the future and what her job would be are very peripheral to her. In the kind of space she is in, such petty things have ceased to bother her.