HOW TO BE THE BEST SCREENPLAY WRITER IN INDIA

So what makes a character so memorable that it can lead to one becoming a top script writer

Relatability/Identifiability – This invariably connects to human frailties or vulnerabilities that strike a common chord with anyone who is watching. Like Jon’s desperate need to belong, for a family, his feeling like an outsider – we’ve all gone through this in school, college, work, maybe even home. It immediately gets us to feel for him. This is essential if one aspires to be the best screenplay writer in India.

Evoking Awe or Admiration – While a character should never be perfect – perfection puts audiences off, makes them feel like this character is totally unbelievable, they should have some aspects that make them stand out – either they are able to do what we cannot do – say exactly what they feel – they are frank, take no shit from anyone – e.g. Basanti in Sholay, or they embody characteristics we would like to have – we would like to be as carefree and bindaas as Geet (Jab we Met) or as suave, sophisticated and unflappable as Raymond Reddington (The Blacklist).

Positive Traits – At times it’s not about the characters doing things or being what we cannot. It could be the same traits that we have but pushed to a higher degree. Like the determination and dedication shown by Andrew in Whiplash or the courage shown by Kay Graham in The Post. We have the same, only these characters take it to different level and that becomes a point for inspiration for us.

Dreams and Ambitions – This is always easy to connect with – now the key thing to remember that it isn’t about the specific ambition, like we may not want to be a ball player or an Underworld don. But we all want to be rich, famous, successful, we want to be loved. Any ambition or goal is ultimately a manifestation of that – and if the core emotions are brought out – an audience will always relate and connect to the characters’ dreams and ambitions.

Humour – Just like a touch of salt/pepper/chilli in food, humour is the spice that always enlivens and makes a character so much more likable. This works even in the case of a villain one loves to hate – Gabbar, Mogambo or an otherwise serious character having a moment of levity or being out in a funny situation – case in point from Jab We Met being the angsty, serious Aditya having to deal with Geet’s strange exchange with the seedy lodge owner.

All of these are just guidelines, good tricks to becoming one of the best storytellers in India. But ultimately a great screenplay and awesome characters have to come from one’s own heart and life experiences. The key – if the creator loves the characters, the audience probably will too. If we as creators can’t stand them, no way is the audience going to like them.