Actor and filmmaker Deepak Tijori, who is currently in talks for the recently released film Tippsy, gets candid with The Pioneer, sharing some deets about the concept, the challenges of bringing in
newbies, and more.
Subodhini Purohit
Deepak Tijori, the star who has always had a sneaky tendency to outdo the leading man with his supporting roles, be it as Balu in Aashiqui or Shekhar Malhotra in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander is currently in news for the recently released Tippsy.
“Recognising an underserved audience—women in cities who enjoy bachelorettes just as much as men—I set out to bring their experiences to light in metropolitan regions,” begins the star on a brighter note. Instead of a normal Bollywood wedding film, Tijori wanted to make an enjoyable thriller film inspired by classics like Khiladi and Khel Khel Mein. The idea came from thinking about the difficulties that girls endure at bachelorette parties, which led to the creation of Tipssy.
An abbreviation of Tanya, Iris, Pony, Selene, and Yami, where each letter embodies the essence of the main characters, the title captures their unique quirks and backgrounds. The title represents a sense of fun and adventure, which aligns with the bachelorette. Overall, “The title is catchy and profound, establishing the tone for the film’s themes of camaraderie, adventure, and urban nightlife exploration.”
Turning obstacles into triumphs, despite initial issues, the determined cast overcame them through rigorous workshops and assistance. “One of the primary hurdles we had was the women’s minimal experience in significant playing parts, which could impair their ability to handle complex situations and emotions. Kainaat, for instance, went above and beyond by employing Sunita Ji, a well-known instructor, to perfect her portrayal of a Haryanvi girl. Working directly with the actresses to increase their confidence and comfort in their roles was critical. Furthermore, utilising the freshness and genuineness of new faces proved advantageous. Highlighting their talents and personalities in advertising materials sparked audience interest and excitement, thanks to the team’s inventive marketing methods.”
Recognising the practical obstacles of working with newcomers, he revealed that they had scheduled an extensive pre-production period to do rehearsals and workshops. Throughout the production, “The actresses were given clear advice and support to ensure they understood the filmmaking process and their roles. Creating a supportive and collaborative environment on set was critical. Consider the probable challenges that these new actresses may confront in the production setting, encouragement of open communication and feedback resulted in a smoother production process. To address the need for character development, we scheduled sessions in which the actresses could discuss their characters’ motives, backgrounds, and relationships. Providing feedback and constructive criticism helped them improve their performances.”
In the film, each character has a backstory; some are resilient or peacemakers, complementing one another and filling the space of each and every emotion. Tanya emerges as the key figure, her complicated backstory turning her into a relatable heroine. Her journey from affluent heiress to encountering unforeseen obstacles explores themes of resilience and progress.
Deepak, as a filmmaker, was looking for spontaneity, and thus, he chose newcomers to bring out their personalities and experiences on screen through the portrayal of their characters. He says, “When casting actresses for the main characters, I focused on finding individuals who could authentically bring the characters to life on screen. I searched for spontaneity in their performances, avoiding actors with preconceived notions or dominant previous roles that could overwhelm the characters. Choosing newbies allowed them to fully embody the spirit of Tanya, Iris, Pony, and Selene, resulting in a true and unfettered portrayal of each character’s personality and experiences.”
The goal for Tippsy was to provide an engaging experience while still conveying an important message to the viewers. “This is a ‘Who did it?’ thriller about the hazards of nightlife and celebrations. The fundamental concept I want viewers to understand is ‘party hard, but be vigilant’. It underlines the significance of remaining cautious while drinking and partying, shedding emphasis on the dangers of being uninformed or influenced by others in such situations. By combining this cautionary story with an exciting thriller plot, my goal is to leave audiences entertained while also making them more aware of their surroundings in similar situations.”
Looking ahead, the Aashiqui star anticipates exciting advancements in the film industry, particularly in casting and storytelling. As technology and platforms become more accessible, he shares, “The industry is changing to be more inclusive and diverse. This transition is expected to open up additional chances for rising talent, encouraging new voices and viewpoints. Casting will prioritise authenticity, looking for actors that offer distinct attributes to their roles, regardless of background or experience. In storytelling, there will be an increasing desire for new storylines that question norms and appeal to a wide range of viewers. Filmmakers will explore new genres, styles, and forms, pushing boundaries and exploring unknown territory. The future of storytelling will be influenced by technological breakthroughs such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which provide immersive experiences that blur the barrier between fiction and reality. Overall, the film industry’s future seems optimistic, with a focus on originality, diversity, and the discovery of new storytelling routes that fascinate and engage audiences throughout the world.”