Jakkal, an investigative Marathi documentary won ‘The Best Investigative Film’ award at the 67th National Film Awards earlier this week. The movie directed by proclaimed Marathi producer and director Vivek Wagh is based on a true-crime incident that took place in Pune 40 years ago.
This was Vivek’s second National Award, ‘Shaala’ a Marathi film produced by him won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi in 2011. Metrolife caught up with Vivek to know more about his journey and the experience of making a true crime documentary.
What is the movie ‘Jakkal’ based on?
It’s a 72-minute-long documentary that’s based on a murder mystery from 40 years ago, that took place in Pune. It is an in-depth investigative documentary that digs deep into every nook and corner of the case. It’s basically an analysis of the case, depicting the true lives of all the people involved, from the victims to the police. Through the movie you get to see how a murder mystery like this was solved several decades ago without the help of google or CCTV cameras.
How long did it take to complete the documentary?
All the research and shooting combined, it took us a little over three years to complete the project. It wasn’t an easy task at all. We had to dig deep to find the people that were linked with the case and even if we found them, some of them were dead, some had moved countries and some were even dementia patients. We had to go through thick and thin to zero down all the details of the movie, which is why it took so long to complete the project. The Pune Police Department did help us a lot throughout this process.
What made you take up this project?
If you’re someone who grew up in Pune, the tales of this crime are something you always heard as a kid. It was the same for me, I was always very curious about the murder mystery and wanted to get to the bottom of it no matter what. As an adult when the opportunity arose to make a documentary based on the very incident, I knew I couldn’t let it go.
Where can people watch ‘Jakkal’?
The movie should be out on an OTT platform very soon. We are still in talks about which platform suits us best. However, it’s a shame that documentaries like these aren’t appreciated on the big screen today.
How was the experience of shifting from creating commercial movies to making a documentary?
It was a very thrilling experience. The process and mindset while making the two are completely different. While making a documentary you go into it blindly, you don’t know what the future holds for you, at the end, you can’t have an exact idea of what the movie will turn out like or what will happen to it once it’s out. But despite the uncertainties, it’s an extremely fulfilling experience. You go on a personal journey and see yourself grow as you work on a documentary.
Any exciting projects in the pipeline?
I’m currently working on two Marathi films, the production on that should start soon.
The pandemic messed with all our schedules and projects, but thankfully everything’s getting back to normal now. I’m excited to fully dive in and give my all to my future projects.