I try to live as much of an abnormal life as possible: Qaushiq Mukherjee

Qaushiq Mukherjee can be called one of the most provocative indie filmmakers in India and the director, known for his unique point of view, says he seeks abnormalcy over convention.

The director, popularly known as Q, says he draws influences from his life in work, which makes his repertoire a heady mix of erotica, gravelly and quirky stories.

"My life really. I try to live as much of an abnormal life as possible and that greatly influences what I do. By choosing to not be normal, I immerse myself in what goes on in the world. Normalcy is kind of for me an hijab, burkha that we wear," Mukherjee told PTI in an email interview.

His previous films -- "Gandu", "Tasher Desh", "Ludo" and "Brahman Naman" -- are all acclaimed pieces of art but did not make it to the theatres.

"Ludo" and "Brahman Naman" went straight to streaming service, Netflix.

Mukherjee's next "Garbage", a furious thriller, has started doing the festival rounds.

"Garbage", he says, is a stark departure from his old "fantasy"-loaded work as it is his most urgent and real narrative.

Based on true incidents, the Goa-set story revolves around two women and a man, and explores themes of oppression - both sexual and psychological extremism in the aggressive digital era and blind faith.

Asked why "Garbage", the director says plainly, it is "the stink of the stench" we reek of as a country.

"... It is deplorable, and I see that everyday around me. Over the last four years, I have been pained by this kind of reality that surrounds me..." he adds.

Mukherjee is aware about his reputation as a "controversial" storyteller and he believes the tag that he has earned is "entirely fair".

The director, however, adds for a country that has "six rapes a day", he is not doing much injustice to "the idea of being a boy".

"At least, I am directing myself into channelling that energy into a creative sphere, into something that's becoming a work of art as far as I am concerned."