Vihaan Kohli is the Head of Content at Edit II and an emerging creative force in the Indian entertainment industry, known for his innovative approach to storytelling across television, film, and and new-age content verticals.
A Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Southern California’s Business of Cinematic Arts program and a Dean’s Scholar, Vihaan combines global cinematic sensibilities with an in-depth understanding of Indian audiences, shaping content that resonates across regions and formats.
Vihaan began his career working on marketing and distribution for critically acclaimed films, including the Academy Award-winning Jojo Rabbit, as well as A Hidden Life, Antlers, and Ready or Not. During his formative years, he gained hands-on development experience reviewing scripts and shaping projects; additionally, he worked with Fox (Searchlight), contributing to the global distribution and marketing of their Oscar-movie slate. He also worked as an Assistant Director on the feature film Fighter, gaining invaluable on-ground experience.
In an exclusive interview, the actor and filmmaker spoke about his journey in Hindi cinema, the evolution of the landscape, and the films that he is looking forward to watching this year:
Edited excerpts from the interview
You have been an AD on Fighter. What was your experience like, working with
Siddharth Anand?
I will always be deeply grateful to Siddharth Sir and Mamta ma’am for making me a part of Fighter, because that’s a film I learned so so much on. It was an incredible journey. Specially since my parents are producers, I grew up around cameras, and the industry, so I had some sort of idea about it. But my journey had taken me to a place very far removed from on-ground filmmaking. I was sitting in a studio office, many layers away from a film set.
So when I got the opportunity, I knew I had to take it, and then I saw the sheer amount of effort that goes into filmmaking. I think one of the most brilliant things about Siddharth Anand sir is that he is so clear about what he wants – he thinks like an editor. He knows which shot is going to go where on the timeline, and what will connect to what. Even though he is making these massive-budget movies, where people think money is unlimited, money always feels less for a filmmaker because you want to make your vision bigger and grander. But he is actually very smart with time and money management, that is what is amazing about him, and that is what I learned from him.
What do you have to say about the evolution of content in film and television over time?
Content in film and television has really grown, especially over the past decade. We are seeing much more risky storytelling, with bolder, fresher narratives. The important thing I see is that there is a return to the roots of India – people are really trying to service niches. It is opening the doors to very diverse storytelling, where you see parts and cultures of the country that weren’t explored before or that people were not even aware of. I think that is the real power of cinema: it can transport you to a world you are not aware of and suddenly make you a part of that space. And I think that is beautiful.
Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain is making the leap from television to the big screen. How excited are you about it?
I am beyond excited for Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain! Fun On The Run. This has been such a hallmark show—it has been running for 11 years, and we have just started season two. We have always wanted to keep our loyal fans and audiences entertained, and what better way to do that than what they say is the ultimate form of entertainment—the big screen, the theatres. I’m so grateful that Zee has taken the call to release it in theatres worldwide on a very wide scale, because the fans of Bhabhiji are across the world. And I am grateful to God that I have had the chance to be a part of it.
Is there any actor or filmmaker that you want to collaborate with?
The list will honestly never end, because I want to collaborate with every single person in the industry, because everyone has a certain bit of magic and uniqueness that they bring to a particular role. One person who immediately comes to mind, and whom I can share, is Jithu Madhavan from Malayalam cinema. He made Romancham and Aavesham, and I am a huge fan of his work. I remember that before Aavesham came out, I actually flew to Kochi and more or less forced him to meet me.
I told him, “I’m flying down, you have to meet me – I’ll wait.” He said, “I don’t know when I’ll be able to meet you,” and I was like, “I’m there.” We eventually met and had a detailed conversation, and since then we’ve stayed in touch, regularly discussing when we might be able to collaborate. We also have a strong pipeline on our end, so it’s really about finding the right moment and we’re actively working towards that.
As someone deeply passionate about cinema, which upcoming films are you excited to watch this year?
Honestly, I’m very excited for what’s to come this year. I think year on year we’ve been seeing films break record after record especially Indian films and it’s so great to see that. There are so many great films coming from the South as well, so I’m definitely excited to see the next Fahadh Faasil release. I think he is a brilliant actor from the South.
I’m very, very excited for
Dhurandar 2. I was in awe of part one I think that was just an incredible, incredible film. And coming from an army family, I love watching those types of films. I’m also really excited about Ready or Not 2, which is an English film. I’ve actually worked on the marketing and distribution plans of the first part, so it’s a film that’s very close to my heart. Besides that, there are so many things coming I’m excited to see everyone’s take. I’m excited to see what Anurag Basu sir’s next film will be, and I’m excited to see what Hansal Mehta sir is going to bring next.
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