The Architect of Emotion: How Sham Kaushal Redefined Bollywood Action
For decades, the pulse of Indian cinema has been dictated by its gravity-defying stunts and high-octane sequences. However, behind the camera, legendary action director Sham Kaushal has been quietly orchestrating a paradigm shift, moving the industry away from the spectacle-heavy tropes of the 1990s toward a more visceral, emotionally grounded style of storytelling.
In a recent, candid conversation, the veteran filmmaker—father to Bollywood stars Vicky and Sunny Kaushal—reflected on a storied career that spans acclaimed projects like Black Friday, Gangs of Wasseypur, Dangal, Padmaavat, and the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire.
The Art of Narrative-Driven Action
When asked about his departure from the wire-heavy action of the past, Kaushal emphasized that his approach is dictated by the script rather than personal flair. “Whatever I do, I first want to see it through the director’s vision,” he explained. “My goal is to deliver action that serves the story. It isn’t important how Sham Kaushal thinks; it is important what the narrative is.”
He argues that authentic action must reflect the specific psychology of a character. By treating each project as an “empty slate,” Kaushal ensures that every fight sequence is uniquely tailored to the film’s specific tone, ensuring that the physical struggle on screen feels like an extension of the character’s emotional journey.
Creative Collaborations: From Boyle to Bhansali
Kaushal credits his evolution as a technician to his collaborations with visionary directors who pushed his boundaries. Recounting his time with Danny Boyle on Slumdog Millionaire, Kaushal recalled being impressed by the director’s meticulous preparation. When presented with the challenging train sequence, Kaushal used a miniature model to map out the execution—a move that secured Boyle’s trust immediately.
Similarly, his work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela allowed him to marry his technical prowess with Bhansali’s penchant for poetic grandeur. “My principle is: if directors have faith in me, I want to make them feel so comfortable that they love shooting action,” he said, noting that he continues to view every set as a learning opportunity.
The Path Forward for Indian Cinema
As the global audience becomes increasingly familiar with Indian exports, Kaushal remains a staunch advocate for preserving the “Indianness” of local cinema. He believes the secret to international success lies not in mimicking Western sensibilities, but in digging deeper into India’s own rich history and culture.
“If we want to break into international cinema, we need to be more Indian in our thinking,” Kaushal asserted. He pointed out that recent Indian blockbusters—whether from the Hindi belt or the South—succeeded precisely because they were deeply rooted in indigenous storytelling.
By prioritizing cultural authenticity over derivative trends, Sham Kaushal believes Indian cinema is on the right track, proving that when action serves the heart of a story, it resonates far beyond borders.
