Satish Kaushik knows how to strike a balance between his two profiles as an actor and filmmaker. If the actor makes you laugh with some of his performances in breezy entertainers, the filmmaker is also known for directing intense social dramas like Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (1999) and his last directorial Kaagaz (2021). He is now backing Kaagaz 2, which went on the floor recently. Unlike the first instalment, which was directed by Kaushik himself, the second one will be helmed by renowned South filmmaker V K Prakash.

Ask the actor-filmmaker if the movie marks the beginning of the Kaagaz franchise, and he says, “Yes, it does. The aim is to highlight issues that are true to life with an emotional treatment and a dash of humour.”

Kaagaz 2 is part of the actor-filmmaker’s dream to create a brand that “tells stories of the common man’s problems and struggle caused by the negligence of our system”.

He elaborates, “Kaagaz and Kaagaz 2 have been aptly titled because the subject of both films is about the power of official documents. They make a positive statement about improving our system as the films do not only highlight issues, but also suggest solutions. The first instalment was about a common man being declared dead on paper and his struggle to prove his existence. On the other hand, Kaagaz 2 is about human rights violations. It showcases a common man’s struggle to get justice for his daughter, who loses her life due to a protest on the road.”

The film has Anupam Kher and Darshan Kumaar sharing screen space. “Anupam was the perfect choice to play Darshan’s father. He has been a dear friend of mine for many years and he is a great actor,” says Kaushik, adding, “Besides, he and Darshan look great as father and son.”

The filmmaker-actor will also be playing an important role in the film, which in his words, is “something that I have never attempted before.”