Nikhil Mehrotra solidified his reputation through his relatable scripts, co-creating impactful stories like Dangal, Chhichhore, Panga, and Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl. His latest project, the romantic sports film Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, follows a married couple bonded by cricket, featuring the talents of Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor, and has captivated audiences with its emotional depth.
Surpassing Rs 30 crores at the box office, the film has quietly emerged as a success story. Viewers have lauded the on-screen chemistry between Kapoor and Rao, as well as the authentic slice-of-life narrative. In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Nikhil reflects on the creative process behind this project and his personal evolution as a storyteller in the entertainment realm.
Here are the excerpts:
Nikhil, you’ve had a remarkable journey as a writer with films like Dangal, Chhichhore, and Gunjan Saxena. Can you share a bit about your journey into screenwriting and how it all started?
In my school days, I was always fascinated by films and leaned more towards watching movies than cartoons. My journey in writing began in advertising as a copywriter, where my focus was on crafting short narratives for brands. It was during this time that Nitesh Tiwari, my senior at the agency, presented me with an opportunity to work on additional screenplay and dialogues for Bhootnath Returns—an opportunity I eagerly embraced, sparking my venture into writing for films.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Mr and Mrs Mahi? What motivated you to write this story?
Initially, when working on Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, the concept of a story revolving around cricket and a couple didn’t initially excite me. However, as the idea evolved into a narrative about our blind pursuit of success and fame, I found the concept more compelling and relevant to today’s era. As I delved into the character development, particularly focusing on Mahendra and Mahima, I aimed to create complex yet relatable individuals who embody real-life struggles, insecurities, aspirations, and dreams.
What kind of research did you do to portray the sports aspects accurately in Mr and Mrs Mahi?
The sports elements in the story were heavily influenced by Sharon’s cricket expertise, with invaluable input from coaches like Abhishek Nair and Vikrant. Pairing this with my observations of couple dynamics over the years, I found unique story opportunities within the sports context. Thorough research and a deep understanding of each sport’s nuances allowed us to integrate these elements seamlessly into our narrative, presenting not just challenges but also abundant storytelling opportunities.
Regarding cricket research for Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, I relied on existing knowledge combined with insights from our coaches to grasp the technicalities of the game. As the structure of the story took shape, specific questions were posed to enhance the authenticity of scenes, ensuring that cricket intricacies intertwined harmoniously with the narrative.
Do you have any rituals or habits that help you get into the creative zone for writing?
The writing process is often intense, centered around preserving the core concept throughout the narrative’s development. I strive to maintain this concept-driven approach by building characters and the story world from this central idea—a process I view as a continuous feedback loop. Rituals like morning walks and the discipline of daily writing, regardless of setbacks, play a crucial role in my creative process, guiding me to stay focused and committed to the task at hand.
How do you handle writer’s block when it strikes?
Dealing with writer’s block can be frustrating; I have my moments of frustration and even tears. However, I’ve learned to let it be and allow my mind to wander freely without pressure. It’s during these idle moments when unexpected ideas strike, helping me overcome writer’s block.
You’ve worked on a variety of genres. How do you adapt your writing style to suit different kinds of films, from sports dramas to thrillers and biopics?
Staying actively engaged in reading about writing and various subjects is a practice I consistently follow. By immersing myself in different worlds and writing styles, I stay updated and informed. This continuous learning process helps me adapt naturally when it comes time to write, without the need to force an idea.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Reflecting on memorable moments, receiving messages of appreciation from viewers after projects like Dangal, Chhichhore, Gunjan Saxena, and even Mr. & Mrs. Mahi stand out. These messages from strangers expressing gratitude for the impact of these films on their lives are deeply rewarding and memorable, reminding me of the significance of storytelling.
What do you think makes a screenplay stand out in today’s film industry?
When it comes to screenplay writing, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to making it stand out. I believe in staying true to the world, story, and characters created. Whether the narrative is grounded in reality or dives into a world of fantasy with eccentric characters, the screenplay should authentically reflect the essence of that world for it to resonate with the audience.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects you’re working on?
Looking ahead, most of my upcoming projects are still in the speculative phase, undergoing pitches and early writing stages. I remain hopeful that these projects will progress and eventually materialize into full-fledged films for audiences to enjoy.
What advice would you give to aspiring screenwriters who want to make their mark in the film industry?
For aspiring screenwriters, my suggestion is to prioritize honesty—to the story, to yourself, and to the ideas you work with. If you believe in an idea, embrace it wholeheartedly; similarly, if doubt creeps in, acknowledge it and be willing to rework. Authenticity and organic storytelling have been key for me, guiding my writing process. I encourage writers to keep evolving and experimenting, as growth is vital for creative development.
Name a writer or filmmaker who inspires you?
Reflecting on influential filmmakers, Aaron Sorkin stands out as a notable figure in the industry, hailed for his exemplary work. Icons like Salim-Javed have been original mavericks, emphasizing the importance of crafting compelling narratives beyond just dialogue. Learning from master storytellers like David Fincher, Steven Spielberg, Yash Chopra, and emerging talents like Denis Villeneuve has been instrumental in shaping my approach to storytelling.
A genre you haven’t written for yet but would love to explore?
In terms of genre preference, I am particularly drawn to spy thrillers, a genre I have explored in my writing endeavors. As for my favorite film of all time, it’s a tough choice, considering how many movies I hold dear. Films like Seven, American Gangster, Satya, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Good Will Hunting, Up, Soul, Shawshank Redemption, and Cinema Paradiso are more than just movies to me—they are like old friends that provide comfort and inspiration, especially during tough times.
What do you hope for the audience to take away from Mr and Mrs Mahi?
In crafting Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, my core intention was to highlight the joy found in the process itself, urging audiences to embrace each moment and step of the journey without fixating solely on the final outcome. I hope viewers take away this essence of enjoying the process from the film.
How do you ensure that the sports sequences are both authentic and engaging for the audience?
As for ensuring that sports sequences resonate authentically and engage the audience, it comes down to a blend of thorough research, understanding the intricacies of the sport, identifying key story beats, and executing the sequences effectively. Authenticity and engagement stem from a meticulous blend of research, creativity, and execution to bring sports moments to life on screen.
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