Rajiv Rai discusses his return to filmmaking after a two-decade absence, highlighting the challenges and creative choices behind his new project, ‘Zora,’ and its sequel, ‘Zoravar.’ He took on various roles, from writing and directing to producing and distributing the film. He opted for a limited release strategy without advertising to reach a specific audience. ‘Zoravar’ is completed, and the films are interconnected yet can stand alone. He wanted to create a film with a limited budget, to test his skills. To achieve this, he embraced an extremely small budget, the smallest that can be dreamt of in Bollywood. He aimed to create a strong visual experience. The film was shot using basic equipment. He says this was a test of his skills. He collaborated with Rashid Rangrez, who brought expertise. He kept the production lean, with a modest budget for the cast. The goal was to tell a story and make every shot count. He aimed to set an example for the industry, and wanted to give opportunities to emerging talent. He embraced the hardships of low-budget filmmaking. The film is a suspenseful murder mystery. He wanted to create something different, honest, and out-of-the-box. His plan originated in 2018. While he acknowledges that established filmmakers can follow their vision, he believes that many others would benefit from adopting a budget-conscious approach. He intends to continue this approach regardless of the reception of ‘Zora.’
