Neeraj Pathak Discusses the Success of Inspector Avinash and Future Plans

In a landscape filled with cop dramas, Pathak believes that Inspector Avinash resonates with audiences due to its grand storytelling and high entertainment value. He succinctly describes his directorial style as a “massive OTT entertainer.” For those unfamiliar, he emphasizes that the real Inspector Avinash is just as captivating as his on-screen portrayal. His first encounter with the real-life encounter specialist was fascinating, as he met not only the super-cop but also his network of informants, which he refers to as ‘maayajaal’ in his series. The permission to adapt his dramatic life story, where he instilled fear in criminals across Uttar Pradesh during the 1990s, was granted in a rather theatrical manner—on a napkin.

Choosing Randeep Hooda for the lead role was an obvious decision for Neeraj, who has previously collaborated with the late Irrfan Khan. He fondly recalls his friendship with Irrfan, whom he directed in the television drama AnuGoonj long before he became a household name. Another actor on his list of favorites is Sunny Deol, with whom he has worked on Bhaiaji Superhit and has also penned their home production, Apne.

Upon arriving in Mumbai, Neeraj was determined to become a director, viewing storytelling as his primary path. He expresses that ‘patriotism runs in my veins’ and has penned Pardes, with plans to write and direct a patriotic action film soon. His motivation stems not only from the success of Dhurandhar at the box office but also from the desire to instill national pride among the youth. His vision of nationalism is broad, encompassing stories of unsung heroes like Inspector Avinash. The series opens with a confident Randeep Hooda as Inspector Avinash, teasing viewers with the question, ‘Do you see me as a hero or a villain?’ In Neeraj’s perspective, his protagonist is undoubtedly a hero. While some may view encounter killings as morally questionable, Neeraj argues that, “In cases of heinous crimes, such vigilantism can sometimes be a necessary evil.”

For those who have yet to watch Inspector Avinash, he urges, “Tune in not just for Randeep’s charisma but to witness how I’ve blended a gritty narrative with elements of a thrilling potboiler.”

The creative freedom offered by OTT platforms has made him both bolder and more accountable. He notes that while self-censorship is a guiding principle on OTT, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has also become less restrictive, as evidenced by Dhurandhar. He remarks, “They allowed graphic violence and strong language to pass with an A certificate. Sometimes, such brutality is essential to evoke a sense of disgust towards criminals. Today’s viewers are discerning and do not take away lessons on violence from films or series.”

As Neeraj brings the world of policing to life, his cinematic vision has attracted seven offers for biopics on police figures. If his 1990s cop could converse with today’s law enforcement, he would advise them to manage crime effectively and uphold their responsibilities. Meanwhile, Neeraj is committed to his moral compass. To his series fans, he assures that when he embarks on the much-anticipated Season 3 of Inspector Avinash, he will avoid falling into the traps of monotony and mediocrity. Instead, he promises a reality infused with a generous dose of masala entertainment.