Actor-turned-director Anshuman Jha has stepped into a new creative phase with his directorial debut, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, a black comedy thriller that promises an atmospheric and cerebral cinematic experience. Known for his honesty and depth, Anshuman opens up about his vision, his cast, and why he believes today’s audiences are far more open-minded than ever before. In this exclusive conversation with Peeping Moon, he discusses breaking conventions, the challenges of making a black comedy in India, and why Influencers can’t be actors…

Q :- You often question the words “conventional” and “unconventional.” What do they mean to you?
Anshuman Jha: Look, if a film like 12th Fail can earn over 120 crores, why should it be called “unconventional”? And if a film like Sunny Sansaar makes 3.8 crores, is it “conventional” just because it fits a formula? For me, cinema is about honesty. We should stop labelling films. If a story is told with truth, it will find its audience. Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is one such experiment,  it’s not for everyone, but for those who experience cinema rather than just watch it.

Q. This is your first film as a director. How did you decide to take this path?
Anshuman Jha: I’ve never worked with the mindset of “conventional” or “non-conventional.” What matters to me is authenticity. When I read Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, I knew it wasn’t meant for everyone but I also knew that those who connected with it would love it. I’ve always been a storyteller at heart, and directing is just a natural extension of that telling stories from my own truth.

Q. You once said Rasika Dugal is the “female Shah Rukh Khan.” Why?
Anshuman Jha: (smiles) Yes, I said it and I still mean it. Rasika has a certain continuity and emotional rhythm in her acting that very few possess. Shah Rukh repeats emotions and expressions with perfect consistency, that’s a craft. Rasika does the same with complete authenticity. I call her the female SRK because she’s 100% real before the camera. Both she and Arjun Mathur are among the best actors in India today.

Q. You’ve said it’s difficult to make a black comedy in India. Why is that?
Anshuman Jha: Because audiences are still unsure of the genre. Films like Delhi Belly or Blackmail have touched that space, but very few have explored it fully. Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is perhaps the first pure black comedy in a long time. Writer Vikas Mishra and I were clear from day one, we wouldn’t dilute the tone or mood of the film. Those who understand the genre will find it immensely entertaining.

Q. You said the film will be released in a limited number of cities. Why this choice?
Anshuman Jha: Yes, it’s intentional. We made this film for a specific kind of audience,  those who engage with cinema thoughtfully. We released it in cities where such films are appreciated, so every viewer could truly understand and experience it. Some stories are not meant for mass consumption, and that’s okay.

Q. Nowadays, casting often depends on social media following. What’s your take on that?
Anshuman Jha: I think an actor can become an influencer, but not every influencer can become an actor. Acting is not a shortcut; it’s a craft. There might be exceptions, but talent has its own light. Actors like Rasika and Arjun shine because of their depth. Popularity is temporary, talent is permanent. I’ll always choose to work with people I can learn from.

Q. Finally, where do you see your journey as a director heading now?
Anshuman Jha: My goal is simple, to create a stress-free environment for filmmakers in India, where they can tell stories without fear or pressure. I want to focus on original cinema. Your truth and your vision matter more than the number of followers you have. If the audience connects with your honesty, everything else will follow naturally.