Cinema, Faith and Fearless Choices: In Conversation with Abhishek Kapoor

In an exclusive interview, Abhishek Kapoor, a 34-year-old Film Producer and Director and the founder of Clockwise Productions, speaks about his journey in the film industry and the vision that shapes his work. Having produced and directed films such as Pahadon Ki Goonj, Mukhawa, and Hanol, Kapoor continues to establish himself in the independent cinema space.

In this conversation, he discusses his creative process, the challenges of film production, the stories that inspire him, and his plans for the future. Abhishek, as a director and producer, you’ve been involved in the creation of films like Pahadon Ki Goonj, Mukhawa, and Hanol. Could you share the inspiration behind these stories and what drew you to bring them to life on the big screen? "It all began with Pahadon Ki Goonj. When the script was ready, it deeply resonated with my own journey of returning home after briefly living in Canada. After watching the rough cut in Dubai, I knew the film had something special. Shot entirely in Pauri, its natural beauty left a lasting impression on me.

During this time, my friend Vaibhav Rawat told me about Mukhawa, the village known as the home of Maa Ganga. Inspired by its spiritual and scenic beauty — and after witnessing the Doli ceremony and visiting Gangotri — we decided to create a documentary there. On our way back, we learned about Hanol and the Mahasu Devta temple, along with its unique traditions. Moved by the local stories, we chose to document Hanol as well. Creating both documentaries felt like a true blessing." At just 34, you are already making significant strides in the film industry with your company, Clockwise Productions. What challenges have you faced as a young producer and director, and how have you overcome them? "There were many challenges and criticisms when I pitched the idea of Clockwise Productions. People questioned my decision and advised me to take a steady 9–5 job and play it safe, but I always wanted to explore. There’s a running joke that my bags are always packed and my car is ready to go anywhere.

The risks I took to make Pahadon Ki Goonj, shot in Pauri, and the documentaries Mukhawa in Mukhawa and Hanol in Hanol, were worth it. My journey also took me from Canada back home, to watching the rough cut in Dubai, and earlier attending the International Film Festival of India in Goa in 2013, where I watched three films a day.

When I saw the rough cut of Pahadon Ki Goonj in Dubai, I felt at peace—I knew it would succeed. The appreciation, nominations, and laurels gave me confidence and strength. Today, those who once questioned me are discussing my upcoming projects. Financial concerns were always there, but for me, true success lies in audience appreciation. With their continued support, I will keep creating meaningful cinema." Your films often resonate with audiences due to their unique narratives and compelling characters. How do you approach the storytelling process, and what elements do you believe are essential for captivating your audience? "Whenever I decide to make a script, I sit with my team. We make sure the story, screenplay, and dialogues are solid, crisp, and worth watching. If you look at cinema today, films are crossing the 1000-crore mark because of detailed storytelling. At Clockwise Productions, we ensure our scripts connect with our cinema-goers, the characters are designed according to the story, and every scene is shot in a way that reflects our hard work.

The most costly thing in this world is “trust.” Through films like Pahadon Ki Goonj, I never want to break the trust of my audience. The two to three hours they give me should be completely worth it.

Most importantly, I don’t want to be stereotyped. If I make a serious film, I also want to explore romantic comedies, action-packed films, or full masala entertainers—but everything depends on a strong script, beautifully designed characters, and the right equipment to bring the vision to life." With three successful films under your belt, what are your future plans for Clockwise Productions? Are there any upcoming projects or genres you are excited to explore? "To aspiring filmmakers, I would say there are countless stories and characters around you—be a keen observer and work deeply on your screenplay. Presentation is everything. Extraordinary moments often come from ordinary situations, so keep your eyes, ears, and mind open. Learn the technical aspects of filmmaking—sound, camera, editing, VFX—because the biggest film school is a film set. Talent and hard work matter; contacts alone are not enough. Keep polishing your craft through every opportunity. If I’m giving an interview today, tomorrow it could be you.

With the blessings of Siya Ram, my team and I are moving forward. I’m receiving proposals from budding filmmakers and attending festivals in Kolkata and Bengaluru, connecting with artists and technicians. My next focus is Hanol, with posters released and the teaser ready for YouTube and festival submissions. Like every filmmaker, I also aspire to work in Mumbai, and I hope that dream materializes soon." Lastly, can you share any personal experiences or influences that have significantly impacted your career in film making? What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers hoping to follow in your footsteps? "I’m a ’90s kid who grew up watching the cinema of Yash Chopra, Aditya Chopra, Karan Johar, and Govind Nihalani, and listening to music by Anu Malik, Jatin-Lalit, and Kumar Sanu. Films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! shaped my love for storytelling, while Dil Chahta Hai and Hum Tum opened a new era of romantic comedies for me.

Rom-coms like When Harry Met Sally... and P.S. I Love You have deeply influenced me, but serious films such as Peepli Live, Arth, and Saaransh pushed me toward filmmaking. For me, genre doesn’t matter—a strong script is everything.

OTT platforms made me appreciate South Indian cinema, especially films like Anweshippin Kandethum, CBI 5: The Brain, and Meiyazhagan. I would love to work in South Indian cinema. My message to young filmmakers is simple: take risks and break barriers. OTT has opened doors for animation, documentaries, and web series. Even with today’s focus on VFX, strong stories and well-prepared actors remain the foundation. Keep learning, keep meeting people, and keep upgrading yourself—because the more you learn, the more you grow."