Story Beyond Grades: Mikhil Musale’s Vision for Growth
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It was time for a one-to-one and informal chat with Mihil Musale. We at The School Post had a rendezvous at the Library of Club o7, Shella where the editorial team including Dhaara Dhanesha and pictures by Hiren Raval,sat down to get into the insight of a film maker who grew up in Ahmedabad and went on to win a National Award for his debut film Wrong Side Raju (Gujarati). His other notable hindi films are Made in China (cast- Rajkumar Rao, Mouni Roy, Boman Irani and Paresh Rawal in main roles) and Sajni Shinde Ka Viral Video (released on Netflix)
He is a filmmaker whose life story is as interesting as the movies he creates. As a student, he was curious and creative, with a special love for art. Although he started his career in electrical engineering, his passion for storytelling led him to the world of cinema. Mikhil’s journey shows how he combined his technical skills with his creative ideas to make movies uniquely. His engineering background helps him add precision and innovation to his work, while his artistic side fills his films with emotion and meaning.
We share below the excerpts from the chat with the director:
His outlook on education and personal growth
He resists the traditional grading system in schools, viewing it as a barrier to creativity and self-discovery. Musale believes students should be encouraged to explore diverse career paths rather than conform to societal pressures or follow the crowd-herd mentality.
Learning To Take Failures
Mikhil Musale believes that failures are an essential part of a student’s growth and learning journey. Instead of stigmatizing setbacks, he advocates for viewing them as opportunities for self-discovery, resilience, and innovation. According to him, failures are not the end but stepping stones to understanding one’s strengths and passions.
Musale emphasizes that education should encourage students to experiment, take risks, and learn from their mistakes without the fear of judgment. By normalizing failures, students can break free from the pressure to conform and explore their true potential, fostering a mindset of creativity and perseverance.
On Support from Teachers & Parents to Students
Mikhil emphasises the vital role of parents and teachers in nurturing a student’s individuality and supporting diverse career aspirations. He believes that true growth begins when students are encouraged to step away from traditional norms and pursue paths aligned with their passions and talents.
Academic Pressure Led Him To The World Of Film Making
Mikhil Musale’s journey into filmmaking wasn’t a straightforward one. Like many students, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do while in school. Not particularly inclined towards sports or excelling in academics, he often felt the weight of expectations. However, during his engineering years, something unexpected happened—he started watching films more deeply, not just as entertainment but as an art form.
Movies became his escape from academic pressure, and over time, he found himself drawn to storytelling and the magic of cinema. It was in these moments of introspection that he realized his true calling: to become a filmmaker. Musale’s journey is a testament to finding one’s passion in the least expected ways, proving that it’s never too late to change direction and pursue what truly inspires you.
On Gujarati Film Industry
Gujarati cinema has undoubtedly come a long way, but there is still much to be done to elevate it to its full potential. While Gujarat has made significant strides in technology, with top-tier sound mixing, skilled technicians, and advanced production capabilities, the real challenge lies in the kind of stories being told.
One of the major hurdles for regional films is budget constraints, which often limit the scale and reach of productions. However, Musale believes that the primary issue is not the lack of resources, but the intent behind filmmaking. It’s about the commitment of filmmakers to create authentic, high-quality cinema with a deep connection to storytelling.
Super star of Gujarati Film Industry
Upcoming stars like Malhar Thakar, Pratik Gandhi, Arohi Patel, and Yash Soni are capturing the audience’s hearts with their performances. Gujarati Film Industry is evolving, open to every genre and space.
On Challenges faced due to OTT Platforms?
The rise of OTT platforms has undeniably affected traditional movie theatres, changing the way audiences engage with films. Mikhil Musale acknowledges that while OTT provides incredible convenience, offering access to a vast library of films at the touch of a button, it has also led to a shift in how people plan their viewing experiences.
Despite this, Musale believes there is still a place for movie theatres, especially for films that are made to be experienced on the big screen. The key, he believes, is to offer an immersive cinematic experience that cannot be replicated at home—something that still draws audiences out of their living rooms and into the theatres.
Message to Aspirants
When choosing a non-academic career, the stakes are often higher, and the drive to be the best becomes essential. Mikhil Musale, in his own journey, believes that opting for a non-traditional career path requires immense passion, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.
In a field like filmmaking or any creative profession, where success is often measured by impact rather than grades or formal qualifications, standing out is crucial. Musale understands that to make a mark in the competitive world of cinema or any non-academic profession, one must not only be skilled but also work relentlessly to innovate, hone their craft, and continuously push boundaries.
(The School Post expresses its gratitude to the Management and the staff for the courtesy extended and providing the venue for the interaction with film director Mikhil Musale)
