From Priest to Producer: A Director’s Unexpected Journey

From Priest to Filmmaker: Umesh Shukla on Scripting “OMG – Oh My God” and His Deep Understanding of Faith

Filmmaker Umesh Shukla, renowned for directing the Akshay Kumar-starrer satirical drama “OMG – Oh my God” and the comedy “102 Not Out” featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor, is poised for his next release, “Heer Express.” Shukla’s unique outlook on faith and its nuances stems from a personal past – he revealed in a recent interview that he once served as a priest, performing religious ceremonies in people’s homes.

speaking with IANS, Shukla shared, “I come from such a brahmin family, that till the time I graduated, I used to go to people’s houses, and perform Satyanarayan pooja, Lakshmi pooja, Nishadiya and other poojas. I used to get it done, myself, as a Brahmin. I used to go,in a dhoti and kurta,and get it done.” This intimate involvement with rituals allowed him to question and observe the underlying practices. “And with regards to that, I used to ask a lot of questions to my father, and my grandfather, and in that, I used to see loopholes. So, that came in handy, while I was working on the script of OMG – Oh My God.”

The director highlighted how his personal experiences directly informed the success of “OMG – Oh My God.” “The humour and satire in the film came out very well. And definitely, working with Paresh bhai, Akshay ji, Om Puri, Mithun ji, such towering personalities. Everyone was such a strong artist, with great chemistry. Telling them that such things used to happen with me, in my childhood, and now, you have to bring it up, on screen. So, those interactions were very amazing. It was a lot of fun.”

Shukla’s next directorial venture, “Heer Express,” a family drama starring Divita Juneja, Prit Kamani, Ashutosh Rana, and Gulshan Grover, is slated for a theatrical release on August 8. This comes after his previous film, “Aankh Micholi,” which featured Sharman Joshi, Paresh Rawal, Mrunal Thakur, and Abhimanyu Dassani, did not perform well at the box office in 2023.

Evergreen Insight: The journey of a filmmaker from practicing religious rituals to creating a critically acclaimed film like “OMG – Oh My God” underscores the power of lived experience in art. Shukla’s ability to infuse his work with authentic observations and a nuanced understanding of faith, even when exploring its more critical aspects through satire, demonstrates how personal background can be a profound asset in storytelling, resonating with audiences on a deeper level.

How did the skills developed during theological study and pastoral care translate into strengths applicable to filmmaking?

The Calling to Storytelling: Early Influences & Faith

The path to becoming a film director isn’t always linear.For some, it’s a dramatic shift, a complete reinvention fueled by a different kind of calling. Consider the story of several individuals who initially dedicated their lives to the priesthood before finding their true vocation behind the camera. This transition, while uncommon, highlights the surprising overlap between theological study, narrative construction, and the power of visual storytelling.

Many former priests bring a unique skillset to filmmaking. Years spent crafting sermons, analyzing complex texts, and understanding human psychology provide a strong foundation for developing compelling characters and narratives. The discipline required for religious life translates well to the demanding schedule and collaborative nature of film production. Key skills include:

Narrative Development: Constructing compelling arguments and delivering impactful messages – skills honed through years of homilies.

Character Analysis: Deep understanding of human motivations, flaws, and redemption arcs, stemming from pastoral care and theological study.

Visual Literacy: Gratitude for symbolism and iconography inherent in religious art and ritual.

Leadership & Collaboration: Experience leading congregations and working within hierarchical structures.

the Catalyst for Change: Recognizing a Different Passion

What prompts such a meaningful life change? Often, it’s a growing realization that the creative impulse – the desire to show stories rather than simply tell them – becomes overwhelming. For some, this awakening happens during studies, recognizing the power of film as a modern form of parable. others experience it through involvement in church-related media projects, discovering a passion for the technical and artistic aspects of filmmaking.

Several factors contribute to this shift:

1. Exposure to Cinema: Engaging with impactful films that resonate with their values and inspire new perspectives.
2. Creative Frustration: Feeling limited by the traditional structures of religious interaction.
3. evolving Beliefs: A re-evaluation of personal calling and a desire to serve a wider audience.
4. Technological Access: The increasing affordability and accessibility of filmmaking equipment.

Navigating the Transition: Film School & Early Projects

Leaving the priesthood isn’t a simple decision. It often involves a period of discernment,seeking guidance,and preparing for a entirely new career path. Many choose to formally train in filmmaking, enrolling in film schools or workshops to acquire the technical skills necessary for directing and producing.

Film School Advantages: Provides a structured learning habitat, access to equipment, and networking opportunities. Top film schools include USC School of Cinematic Arts, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and UCLA School of Theater, Film and television.

Autonomous Study: Self-directed learning through online courses, workshops, and hands-on experience.

Networking: Connecting with industry professionals through film festivals, workshops, and online communities.

Early projects frequently enough serve as a proving ground,allowing former priests to experiment with different genres and styles,and to demonstrate their newfound skills. Documentaries, short films, and music videos are common starting points. Building a strong portfolio is crucial for attracting funding and securing future opportunities.

The Producer’s Role: From Spiritual Guidance to Project Management

While some former priests become directors, many find their niche as producers. This role leverages their organizational skills, leadership experience, and ability to manage complex projects – qualities honed during their years in the church.

A film producer is responsible for:

Securing Funding: Raising capital from investors, grants, and crowdfunding.

Managing Budgets: Overseeing all financial aspects of the production.

Hiring Crew: Assembling a team of talented professionals.

Overseeing Production: Ensuring the film is completed on time and within budget.

Distribution & Marketing: Getting the finished film to audiences.

The transition from spiritual guidance to project management might seem drastic, but the core skills – empathy, communication, and problem-solving – remain remarkably transferable.

Case Study: real-world Examples & Career Paths

while specific, widely-known examples of priests-turned-producers are difficult to pinpoint due to privacy concerns, anecdotal evidence and industry whispers reveal a growing trend. Many operate independently, producing faith-based films or documentaries. Others have found success in mainstream cinema,bringing a unique perspective to their work.

Consider the broader trend of individuals transitioning from seemingly unrelated fields into filmmaking. Lawyers becoming screenwriters, doctors consulting on medical dramas, and engineers designing special effects all demonstrate the diverse backgrounds that contribute to the creative process.The key is recognizing transferable skills and embracing lifelong learning.

Benefits of a Diverse background in Filmmaking

A diverse filmmaking team, including individuals with unconventional backgrounds, brings a wealth of perspectives and experiences to the table. This can lead to:

More Authentic storytelling: Drawing on a wider range of life experiences to create relatable and compelling narratives.

Innovative Problem-Solving: Approaching