'FRIENDSHIP IS THE KEY TO MAKING A FILM

'Film shooting is a long process, and it is important to have a good bonding with the person you are going to spend six to eight months of your life.

Cinematographers often turn to direction as their next step in the Indian film industry.

But Avinash Arun Dhaware has a different story.

Before he could build his resume as cinematographer, he got an opportunity to direct a feature film -- Killa (2014), Critic Raja Sen hailed as a ‘a beautiful, beautiful film’.

Based on his childhood memories, Killa was an ode to the Konkan region in Maharashtra. It was awarded the Best Feature Film in Marathi at the National Film Awards.

Avinash is also the DoP (director of photography) behind the striking visuals of films like Drishyam, Masaan, Madaari, Hichki, Love Per Square Feet and Karwaan among others.

His next feature film Three Of Us, based on a script co-written by him, is already being acclaimed for its elegant storytelling.

The film stars Shefali Shah, Jaideep Ahlawat and Swanand Kirkire, and it premiered to glowing reviews at IFFI 2022. Like Killa, Three Of Us is also set in the Konkan region.

In a telephone interview with Avinash Arun Dhaware reveals, “My brain is always occupied with past experiences and images. When your feelings are strong, they turn into a story. And when the story comes, I feel it should be translated into a cinematic experience.”

‘This is the second generation of my family that has gotten education’

You started your FTII journey at age 16. Were you always inclined towards films? Getting in at such an age is uncommon because the institute accepts only graduates.

It happened because of my father. He used to watch a lot of films, one or two every week.