Abhishek Banerjee: ‘I don’t like short formats’

Abhishek Banerjee in ‘Lust Stories 3’

For Abhishek Banerjee, the biggest drawback of doing anthology films is that they end just when the fun begins. The actor, who has collaborated with Vikramaditya Motwane on Lust Stories 3, says the experience only left him wanting more. Jamming with the filmmaker on set, he has emerged as a fan. Calling Motwane a "thorough professional", he says, "He knows his job, cuts, the beats, and [he makes] it so easy."

That said, the short format isn't his favourite. "I don't like the small formats because when it starts to get fun, the film ends. So, I would love to work with him on a full-fledged project," smiles Banerjee. What impressed him most was Motwane's faith in his actors. "He doesn't really come and give directions. He trusts his actors."

Abhishek Banerjee and Vikramaditya Motwwane

Ask Banerjee which director has shaped him the most, and the answer comes instantly: Amar Kaushik. The filmmaker cast him in Stree franchise, Bala (2019), Bhediya (2022), and "a small part in" the upcoming Mahavatar. "There is a camaraderie between Amar Kaushik and me. He has been my first director. It's always good to work with friends. Having said that, each director I have worked with after him - whether it's Raaj Shaandilyaa, Nikkhil Advani, Vikram sir, Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy, Sudeep Sharma, or Nikhil Bhatt - whatever I am today, it's because of all of them. I have nothing to do with it. I have become a disciple of directors."

Did you know:

Abhishek Banerjee first worked with Vikramaditya Motwane as a casting director on ‘Jubilee' (2023).