Indian-Canadian Filmmaker Aashish Chanana Discusses His Filmmaking for Obsessions

Long story, short… I designed and invented India’s first electric car when I was in high school. And I was awarded the prestigious, President’s Gold Medal for the invention, followed by multiple scholarships at the Loughborough College, UK, Toyota in Japan, and Columbia University in the U.S. Then, I took a 360 turn as I was offered to play the main lead in a Bollywood film! It didn’t take me long to decide that this is where my heart is and as they say, the rest is history. 🙂

indieactivity: How would you describe your work as a director?
Aashish Chanana (AC): Passion, dedication, the excitement and the total gratification of creativity. It’s a form of art that consumes me unconditionally.

How did you get into directing?
Aashish Chanana (AC): May not sound too modest or maybe even a bit risky – while I worked as an actor, time and again, I would feel I could direct the shots better and always had suggestions which I kept to myself. All the creativity and visual explorations were just building up inside me till I took the plunge and directed my first film – the responses were overwhelming; way better than I had expected. That was the beginning and honestly, never looked back since!

How do you choose a project to direct?
Aashish Chanana (AC): With my heart – the subject matter needs to bother me or fascinate me in some way. I indulge myself in every aspect of filmmaking – especially working on the post and specialty visual effects, which could take a year or more after the shoot is done. This is what happened with my new feature, OBSESSIONS. So, if I am going to invest anywhere between 1 to 2 years of my life, it better be a project that would keep me motivated and energized throughout.

Do you often take courses to increase your craft?
Aashish Chanana (AC): Every film I work on is a ‘learning’ and an ‘evolving’ process for me – I am learning everyday – even from life!

What books do you read?
Aashish Chanana (AC): I haven’t read a book of late, but I watch movies or documentaries. I do enjoy various kinds of books – if fiction then, maybe Robert Ludlum.

why would you choose an actor, writer, or producer? What do you look for?
Aashish Chanana (AC): Character, positive energy, motivation and the fire he/she has within.

when you are offered a project, what things do you put in place to deliver a good job?
Aashish Chanana (AC): The exact same as I look in others – Positive energy, motivation and the fire to prove it again and again!

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briefly explain your latest work?
Aashish Chanana (AC): Just like the title of my film – OBSESSIONS – the film is about love, and I totally feel that ‘real’ love is ‘real’ only if we are obsessed and can’t do without each other. It’s a fun film which literally holds you and you won’t get up for your popcorn once you start watching – so get them and everything that you need before you start! And trust me, you will love it. Don’t miss the end as there’s a surprise waiting for you!

Explain the key challenges on your last film?
AC: The biggest challenge was that we decided to shoot during ‘COVID’ – it took a while and then we all knew what we should and should not do. Everyone was sitting at home for months, so we all put in 200%. Being a die-hard optimist, I believe you give it your best – no hurdle, whatsoever, can stop you.

What ‘thing/situation’ helps you during production?
AC: I am a dreamer when it comes to making films – and seeing what you have imagined or dreamt of is the biggest motivation for me to get up and make it all happen. Even though it didn’t end there; after we shot for less than a month to wrap the filming, I invested a full year working on the post and visual effects of the film. I see it as a canvas and go over and over every frame to make it look ‘gorgeous’ just like a painter would.

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Explain a creative choice you took on the set of a recent production?
AC: My recent feature, AFREEN, was an overall challenging experience. It’s a timely film about the roots of terror and the price of revenge. An unconventional and gripping story: that of a young former refugee, brutalized years ago in the Iraq War, who seeks revenge on the West by joining a local ISIS terror cell that’s planning a major urban massacre. One of my most difficult projects to date. In short there were way too many obstacles that I would have to fight with on a daily basis but, at the end of the day, it would probably be my most favorite film which has won 65 Awards which is so overwhelming and so gratifying at the same time.

How do you advise directors to find projects?
AC: Whatever touches your heart and whatever you believe in are the only kind of projects you should invest your energy in.

How can filmmakers finance their projects?
AC: That’s always the hardest and most challenging part of making a film and there are no shortcuts, but what really helps is being optimistic and keeping your ‘fire’ burning – plus – believing in yourself.

What do you want from an actor during a production?
AC: Positive energy, the dedication to give your 100% to the project. I should be able to see and feel the ‘fire’ in him/her.

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How do you prefer to work with a producer during a production?
AC: I’m way too involved with my work, the subject and the goals I have for the day – so it doesn’t really matter as long as he/she is equally invested and wants to be part of that creation.

What do you think a female director can do to get into the film industry?
AC: Exactly what I mentioned above – they have certain strengths we don’t and we have certain, that they may or may not have. In today’s world we are as good or bad – I don’t see any difference. It’s all about how ‘motivated’ he or she is and if or not he or she can invest 100% at the least in the work that we do.

Who is your favorite director?
AC: Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay and Sylvester Stallone.

Why?
AC: I’m a huge fan of Stallone – for the connection and the impact his stories have with the underdog. Michael for being the most stylish in the way he moves his cameras and Spielberg for just being so ironically magnanimous!

Go behind the scene on Obsessions directed by Aashish Chanana

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What advice would you give male/female directors around the world?
AC: Follow your heart and believe in yourself.

Briefly write about your career?
AC: I started my career as an actor in Bollywood, till I indulged into production and direction. I also set up a post- production studio and worked on multiple films – specializing in visual effects and animation. I have produced way over 2500 hours of content, maybe more. In 2008, I was invited to the Oscars at an event where I was humbled by the opportunity to represent India in Visual Effects and Animation.

2013 brought an invitation from the Canadian government to set up Media Factory International in Vancouver, BC where I shot my first Canadian feature, AFREEN, which won 65 Awards and Nominations including National Awards. My recent feature, OBSESSIONS has accumulated 52 Nominations and awards, to date. And I am totally stoked about my next big feature, EMILY which is based on Human-Trafficking.

Currently, my film OBSESSIONS is on all major VOD and cable platforms in the U.S. and Canada and I’m working on a sequel! Audiences will understand because there are a few unanswered questions and surprises by the end of the film. I’m really looking forward to audience feedback.

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