In an exclusive interview with OTTplay, Call Me Bae director Collin D'Cunha shared insights into his journey of directing the highly anticipated Prime Video series. Originally expected to debut as a feature film director with Dostana 2, the filmmaker instead found his footing in the streaming world with the series, a move he describes as a "perfect fit" for his filmmaking style.

Collin D'Cunha's challenges and rewards of shifting from film to streaming

Collin reflected on the shift from directing a big-screen film to a multi-episode streaming series, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of each medium. “Very different experiences; this has its own challenges, but it has its own merits,” he explained. While Dostana 2 remains on hold, Collin expressed excitement about debuting with Call Me Bae. "I’m very excited now that this is my debut because I feel like it's a really good fit for the kind of filmmaker that I am, and I feel very lucky to get to direct all eight episodes. So it feels like, lengthwise, it's actually more than a film," he added.

A standout feature of Call Me Bae is its strong emphasis on fashion, a crucial element in the show’s visual storytelling. Collin credited the show's iconic fashion moments to the styling team, led by Anaita Shroff Adajania, while also acknowledging his own involvement. “I don't want to take any credit for the fashion, but I was very involved,” he said.

Character development through wardrobe

Collin’s collaboration with Anaita aimed to make Bae, played by Ananya Panday, an instantly recognisable character. "My brief to her was very simple. I said, I want to make an iconic character who, if someone wants to dress up as Bae on Halloween, they know how to dress," he revealed.

Collin elaborated on how Bae’s wardrobe reflects her character development throughout the series. “From episode one to episode eight, there’s a journey to be had, even just through costumes and how she dresses. In the beginning, she’s very uptight and preppy... but as she moves to Mumbai, things start to change,” he described, noting how Bae’s evolving fashion choices symbolise her personal growth and adaptation. 

Distinct looks for supporting characters

Beyond Bae, Collin emphasised the importance of distinct looks for each character, crafted to suit their personalities. He pointed out how Gurfateh Pirzada’s character is often seen in shades of blue, while Varun Sood’s gym attire and Vihan Samat’s high-fashion ensembles reflect their roles within the narrative.

Collin D'Cunha’s debut as a director for Call Me Bae is not just about crafting a compelling narrative but also about creating a visually striking series. "We’ve tried a lot, and we hope it succeeds. If you're calling it a fashionable show, then it is," he concluded.

Call Me Bae will begin streaming on Prime Video on September 6, 2024.

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