‘Adventure was always my dream’: ‘Munjya’ director Aditya Sarpotdar on his web series ‘The Secret of the Shiledars,’ expanding universes, David Lynch, and more

In an exclusive interview with SCREEN, Sarpotdar discusses the making of Shiledars, the challenge of scaling an ambitious historical adventure for Indian audiences, and how modern technology helps bring the past to life. He also shares insights on the evolving landscape of Marathi cinema, audience expectations, his journey as a director, dream projects, favourite filmmakers, and more. Read edited excerpts below.

Q: The Secret of the Shiledars trailer looks good. What inspired you to take it up?

Aditya Sarpotdar: I’ve always wanted to create an adventure series or film, inspired by Indiana Jones, National Treasure, and The Da Vinci Code. Adventure remains an underexplored genre in India.

This project stemmed from Pratipashchandra, a well-researched Marathi novel by Dr Prakash Koyade, revolving around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Rajmudra. The depth of the subject made it ideal for a series rather than a film, and with Hotstar on board, we brought it to life.

Q: How much did films like Indiana Jones or National Treasure influence this show? What sets it apart?

Aditya Sarpotdar: While these films set a reference for the genre, I didn’t directly borrow from them. Shiledars is distinctly Indian. Unlike Western adventures about lost treasures in foreign lands, our story is deeply rooted in Maratha history. The Shiledars are depicted as the safekeepers of a treasure linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. By intertwining fictional elements with real historical events, the show remains deeply relatable and culturally rooted.

Q. Indian budgets can’t match Hollywood’s. How did you scale the show while staying true to your vision?

Aditya Sarpotdar: That’s a crucial question. It’s always a balancing act. When I read the book, I visualized a vast, expansive world. Given adventure’s limited track record in India, we worked within a defined budget, finalising six episodes with Hotstar. We chose key events from the book and sharpened the narrative. To maximize scale, we shot in real locations like the Badami Caves and Raigad Fort, using their inherent grandeur. Framing and cinematography enhanced the visual impact, ensuring the series looked cinematic despite budget constraints.

Q. With modern filmmaking tech advancing, which department faced the biggest challenge?

Aditya Sarpotdar: Tech has actually made things easier. Lightweight camera rigs, drones, and mobile setups helped us shoot dynamic action scenes in real locations.

One exciting aspect was using CGI and 3D technology to create clues and environments that actors interacted with. We even used AI, including Midjourney, to visualize inaccessible locations such as hidden tunnels and chambers with Maratha symbols. These AI-generated references guided our art directors in set creation.

Q: What’s the future of this show? Do you see this progressing into more seasons, or is it just a one-off season?

Aditya Sarpotdar: I see it evolving into a genre rather than just a single show. While I hope for a second season, my bigger goal is to inspire more adventure-based storytelling in India. Our history is filled with untold stories and folklore that can translate into treasure hunts or contemporary historical narratives. If this season does well, we have ideas for a bigger, better sequel.

Q. You’ve explored multiple genres—thriller, horror-comedy, musical, and now adventure. Which is your forte, and which is the toughest to make?

Aditya Sarpotdar: Adventure is a common thread in all my films, even when it’s not the primary genre. My characters are often on a journey of discovery, like in Munjya, where the protagonist enters a magical world despite it being a horror-comedy.

Comedy, however, is the toughest. With audiences constantly consuming humour online, surprising them is increasingly difficult. Making people laugh is an art.

Q: Horror has been booming worldwide. Why do you think audiences are drawn to it now more than ever?

Aditya Sarpotdar: Post-pandemic, audiences crave thrilling experiences. Horror delivers that adrenaline rush, even though they know it’s fiction.

Also, viewers today demand stronger storytelling. Horror works best when it blends compelling narratives with folklore or modern settings—like Tumbbad. If done well, it’s one of the most engaging genres.

Q: Is horror one of your favourite genres?

Aditya Sarpotdar: Absolutely. It’s my favorite to watch, though I haven’t made a pure horror film yet. Horror comedies require a balance—it can’t be too scary or too funny. I’d love to create a full-fledged horror film someday.

Q: Was Munjya always a part of the Stree universe, or was that decided later on?

Aditya Sarpotdar: Yes. Stree was set in Madhya Pradesh, Bhediya in the Northeast, and Munjya brought Maharashtra’s folklore into the mix. The idea was always to explore different regional tales within the same universe. Thankfully, Munjya was well received, allowing us to expand further.

‘Munjya’ movie poster

Q: Now that you’re making Thama, how will you ensure that this new film stands on its own but also feels like part of the universe?

Aditya Sarpotdar: Thama introduces Indian vampires, distinct from Western concepts, and creates an entirely new world with unique creatures and mythology. While it’s a standalone story, it will subtly connect to Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya, with these interconnections unfolding over time.

Q: Will there be any special appearances in Thama, like we saw in Stree 2?

Aditya Sarpotdar: Yes. That’s a surprise!

Q: How do you see the evolution of regional cinema and web series in India, especially Marathi content?

Aditya Sarpotdar: Regional cinema is evolving with technology, and young filmmakers are taking more risks. Marathi cinema is exploring diverse narratives, but its OTT presence remains limited. Unlike Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, where platforms invest in local content, Marathi struggles due to Maharashtra’s Hindi-dominated market. I hope this changes and Marathi content gets the platform it deserves. Meanwhile, in films, we’re seeing more variety—historicals, family dramas, comedies, and romances—which is encouraging.

Q: How do you balance creative vision with audience expectations?

Aditya Sarpotdar: I don’t create based on audience expectations because tastes constantly change. If we knew exactly what the audience wanted, every film would be a hit. Instead, I ask myself if I’d pay to watch it—if I would, chances are others will too. Not every film can be universally loved like Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. I make content that resonates with me, trusting there’s an audience that feels the same.

Q: Was there a moment in your career that made it all worth choosing this profession?

Aditya Sarpotdar: Every film feels worth it in the end. The process is full of uncertainty—will I complete it? Will it turn out as envisioned? Since I always try something new, I question whether I can pull it off. But after nearly two years of work, when I watch the final cut with my team, that moment makes it all worthwhile. If I still feel excited before the final sound mix, I know the film is ready.

Q: What inspired you to become a director, and who are some of your inspirations in filmmaking?

Aditya Sarpotdar: I grew up around films. My family has been in the business for four generations, and I spent much of my childhood at Alka Theaters in Pune. Filmmaking was a natural path for me. I started with corporate videos and ads, got hooked on directing, and made my first film at 22.
As for influences, Mani Ratnam is a favourite in India, while globally, I admire Steven Spielberg and Alfred Hitchcock. I find inspiration in any filmmaker whose work connects with audiences. The Shawshank Redemption by Frank Darabont remains one of the best films I’ve seen.

A still from ‘The Shawshank Redemption’

Q: We recently lost one of the best directors of his time, David Lynch. Do you have something to say about him

Aditya Sarpotdar: David Lynch was a master storyteller. He could do drama, explore dark spaces, and create thrillers like nobody else. We’ve truly lost a gem. But the legacy he’s left behind is vast and massive. His iconic films will continue to teach us. Despite his age, he made such contemporary and advanced films. He never felt like an outdated filmmaker. I hope we get to revisit his movies on the big screen someday as a tribute.

Q: If you could direct a dream project, what genre or story would it be?

Aditya Sarpotdar: I haven’t tried the war epic genre yet, but I would love to. The drama you can build on a war backdrop or battlefield excites me. It could be any period—historical, mythological, or contemporary. It could involve the Indian military or even the Mahabharata.

Q: What’s the last series or film you binge-watched and loved?

Aditya Sarpotdar: The last series I watched was Black Warrant. I loved it. Actually, I don’t watch just one series; I have this habit of watching two series parallelly—one episode from one, then an episode from the other.

So I was watching Black Warrant and The Day of the Jackal back-to-back. Both are outstanding and must-watch content. The performances in both are amazing. I totally recommend them.

Q: If you could describe The Secret of the Shiledars in three words, what would they be?

Aditya Sarpotdar: Entertaining, informative, and out-of-the-box.