Exclusive! Sumeet Vyas On Raat Jawaan Hai Casting, "In Web Series, You Don't Have To Run After A Big Star"

Raat Jawaan Hai: Summet Vyas is undoubtedly one of the most talented actors we have in Bollywood and OTT. He has directed a series titled Raat Jawaan Hai which stars Barun Sobti, Anjali Anand, and Priya Bapat in the lead roles. The show revolves around three friends who are new parents.

Filmibeat recently interacted with Sumeet Vyas and spoke to him about the show, casting, working with kids and more...

When we heard the title Raat Jawaan Hai, we thought this would be a romantic or an erotic series. But, when we watched the trailer it surprised us as this talks about new parents. So, how did you get this title?

Our writer, Khyati has kept this title, Raat Jawaan Hai and we all got excited. In fact, because of this title during casting a couple of people got nervous; they were like 'you guys are making this web series Raat Jawaan Hai, we don't know what you will make?' Then we had to explain them that it is about early parenting (laughs), and has nothing to do with erotica. It is anything but erotic.

On the trailer, a lot of people have commented that this series looks very relatable. So, when you read the script did you also find it relatable as you have directed this after Ved was born?

Yes, absolutely! It was very relatable, I was going through this phase of life exactly, so it was a lot of first time experience that came into play. In fact, me, our producer, writer, sound designer, costume designer, Barun Sobti; we are all parents to young kids, so there was a lot that we could relate to.

A-list Bollywood stars are doing OTT projects as well. Of course, Barun, Anjali and Priya are fantastic actors. But, while casting was there in mind anywhere that maybe you could have approached any Bollywood A-lister for the series?

No, not really, because it could take away from the topic. Also, we don't think like that. You know sometimes when you cast very heavy it becomes about this person playing the part, so it is that much harder for you to imagine that person in the part. Like when Aamir Khan plays Laal Singh Chaddha, you are looking at Aamir Khan playing the character. In web series, you get this liberty that you don't have to run after a big star to get people's attention. In fact, if we look at the past 10 years, 8 out of 10 shows that worked didn't feature any film star barring The Family Man or Sacred Games. There were no stars in Panchayat, Gullak, Permanent Roomate, or Made In Heaven. When Mirzapur came, none of them were movie stars, now they have become stars. So, none of these shows became a hit because there was a movie star. The script was good, people liked it, and related to it.

How difficult was it to direct kids?

It is the hardest thing that I have ever done. Me, my producer, and writer, all three of us were very sensitive about kids. We didn't want to over work them; we planned our schedules based on their sleep schedules, so that their sleep, their schooling, and their life don't get disturbed. We didn't want to do that which made our task even harder. It is very difficult to shoot with kids. You have to have a silent set, and on set there 200 people. So, 200 people have to maintain pin drop silence.

You are a fantastic actor, so you didn't think of casting yourself in the show?

No. I have actually directed many theatre plays and a couple of ad campaigns. But, I don't like to do both of them together. There are actors who act and direct, but I think I am not capable of doing that. So, when I am directing, I just want to direct. I don't think I love myself enough to act and direct in the same thing (laughs).

Raat Jawaan Hai Release Date

Raat Jawaan Hai is slated to premiere on Sony LIV on 11th October 2024. While OTT is mostly filled with murder mysteries and gangster dramas, it is refreshing to see a slice-of-life series which will deal with something very relatable. In fact, many people on the trailer have commented that this looks like a very relatable show.