When you think of filmmaking, you may imagine glamorous red carpets, massive budgets, and carefully scripted, formulaic narratives. But what if we told you that the real magic takes place when the rules are broken? In the latest episode of his podcast, “Decoding Munjya: The Power of Disruptive Filmmaking,” Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri gets right to the soul of what it means to break the rules and flip the script — in the literal sense.

If you’re a filmmaker or someone who has a great story to tell, we’ve listed the top 10 things you should know from Agnihotri’s deep dive into the art of disruptive cinema with director Aditya Sarpotdar. Spoiler alert: it’s not about making things different, it’s about making them memorable.

1. Disruption = Freshness

Have you ever seen a movie and thought to yourself, “This feels like something I’ve seen before”? You’re not alone. And that’s exactly what Agnihotri is out to dodge. Disruptive filmmaking is all about keeping things fresh — of course, you can take the old and give it a fresh take but the magic lies in shaking things up in your narrative, whether it’s flipping the usual narrative arc or introducing characters that don’t fit the cookie cutter mould of stereotypes. Agnihotri, in discussion with Munjya director Aditya Sarpotdar, believes that true creativity lies in pushing the boundaries and there’s no better example than Munjya itself.

2. Stop Following the Rules

There’s a reason why some films feel so templatised. Every storyteller follows the same rulebook and Agnihotri challenges this narrative of “hero saves the day” and “happy ending” to force filmmakers to experiment with plot structure and pacing. Want to kill off the protagonist halfway through? Make a splash! Thinking outside the box will make your story surprising and alive, and absolutely unforgettable.

3. Keep It Real

When it comes to storytelling, authenticity is king. Agnihotri and Sarpotdar discuss how staying true to the story’s roots and connecting with real human experiences adds emotional weight to the narrative. In Munjya, this authenticity is achieved by focusing on characters that feel like people you know — flawed, complex, real, grey not black or white. The film roots its narrative in a certain rawness that strikes a chord, making the viewer feel like they’re witnessing something that could happen in real life. If the viewer was in the protagonist’s shoes, would they react the same way? Something to be considered.

4. Emotional Overload? Don’t Shy Away!

One thing disruptive filmmakers know to do well is tapping into the full spectrum of human emotions. The two filmmakers talk about how getting the audience in their feels — whether it’s joy, rage, fear, sadness, or confusion — is one of the superpowers a storyteller yields. With Munjya, Sarpotdar wanted people to not only enjoy the tale but to think about it long after the end credits roll and he achieved just that. So, it’s not about having a good laugh or a cry; it’s about giving them something to think about, stirring their intellectual pot to create further dialogue.

5. Talk to Your Audience — Literally

Recently, the movie Deadpool & Wolverine restarted the conversation of “breaking the fourth wall,” applauding the storytellers for achieving this feat with such finesse. Breaking the fourth wall is when filmmakers or actors speak directly to the audience, shattering the invisible divide between the two. Agnihotri is all for this, explaining that it makes the viewing experience more immersive. He anecdotes an incident where viewers came up to him, saying, “When the lead of your film gave the climax speech, it felt like he was speaking the words of our hearts,” making them feel like a part of the film. This approach takes the viewer beyond passive watching, inviting them into the story itself.

6. Small Budget, Big Impact

Agnihotri makes a solid point about low budgets and big impact. Rather than seeing a smaller budget as a roadblock, he presents it as an opportunity for filmmakers to think outside the box. After all, if there is a will, there is a way. Restrictions can force filmmakers to come up with creative solutions, whether that means focusing more on character-driven storytelling or using natural lighting to set the mood. In fact, many of the best moments in Munjya come from its grassroots approach to conveying the narrative.

7. Social Commentary as Story

Films aren’t just a 2-3 hour source of entertainment — they’re a reflection of society and culture. In this episode, Agnihotri and Sarpotdar discuss how filmmakers have a responsibility (and opportunity) to comment on the world around them. Sarpotdar expounds how he’s already brainstorming the next films in the Munjya series that dive deeper into the folklore, and how he can tackle more social issues in a way that’s woven into the narrative. Disruptive filmmaking, the two explain, is about not being afraid to take a stand, and it’s also a powerful tool for conversation and change.

8. Technology Is Your Friend

Here’s where things get exciting for those who love the use of technology in films. Of course, it’s not a new concept but the innovative way in which storytellers can use it holds no bounds anymore. These tools make it easier to create films where a CGI character is potentially the main character of the film. Having the opportunity to provide a fresh experience to the viewers makes it an exciting time to be a filmmaker. Plus, digital platforms have opened the door for indie filmmakers to reach a wider audience who would connect with their tales.

9. Keep Them Guessing

Predictability can kill a great story. Agnihotri stresses the importance of keeping the audience on the edge of their seat. With Munjya, he discusses how Sarpotdar makes sure that just when you think you know what’s going to happen next, you’re taken by surprise. Whether it’s through plot twists, unconventional character arcs, or unpredictable endings, keeping the audience engaged by defying expectations is the key to crafting an unforgettable film.

10. Find Your Voice and Own It

Last but never least, Agnihotri and Sarpotdar’s biggest piece of advice to aspiring filmmakers is to find their unique voice. Sarpotdar explains that the process of making a film is at least a 2-3-year commitment and your name gets associated with it for the rest of your life. It’s easy to fall into the trap of following the footsteps of popular counterparts, but disruptive filmmaking is all about having an original voice. Agnihotri shares that it took him years to hone the distinct style that he’s known for today, but once he did, it gave his films a certain boldness and clarity that resonated deeply with the audience. Their message? Don’t be afraid to be unique. Your voice as a storyteller is your greatest superpower — use it to tell stories that you’ll want to be known for.

Wrapping Up

This particular episode in VRA’s podcast series isn’t just a masterclass in filmmaking — it’s a wake-up call for anyone looking to break away from the expected and embrace a more daring approach to storytelling. From challenging norms to using technology and low budgets creatively, disruptive filmmaking teaches you to push boundaries to make an impact.

If you’re a filmmaker or just a curious movie enthusiast, it’s time to burn the rulebook and make your own, for your stories must be bold, authentic, and most importantly, yours. And if you want to dive deeper, go ahead and check out the full podcast here.