Biplab Goswami Tells Writers to Trust Stories, Not Formulas

Titled "From Idea to Outline: The Anatomy of a Scene," the workshop explored how stories are born, developed and sustained through years of creative effort before finally reaching audiences.

The much-anticipated workshop series at the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) began with an engaging session by acclaimed screenwriter, editor and director Biplab Goswami, who offered aspiring filmmakers a candid look into the realities of writing for cinema.

Titled "From Idea to Outline: The Anatomy of a Scene," the workshop explored how stories are born, developed and sustained through years of creative effort before finally reaching audiences. Goswami, best known for writing Laapataa Ladies, India's official entry to the Oscars 2025, shared personal experiences and practical insights from his own journey as a storyteller.

Every Story Finds Its Own Path

A central theme throughout the session was Goswami's belief that there is no fixed formula for writing a screenplay. He explained that stories can emerge from observations, personal experiences, random ideas or unexpected moments that spark imagination. According to him, writers often place unnecessary pressure on themselves to follow predefined structures. He encouraged participants to focus on discovering what the story needs rather than trying to force it into a rigid framework.

Goswami revealed that the idea for Laapataa Ladies was first registered in 2014 as a collection of just 22 scenes. The film's eventual release came years later after a long process of development, rewriting and adaptation. He said one of the biggest challenges was ensuring that a story conceived years earlier could still connect with contemporary audiences.

Writing Requires Patience and Obsession

Speaking openly about the emotional side of the creative process, Goswami acknowledged that writers often face uncertainty, especially when there is no producer attached to a project. Yet he stressed that genuine passion for cinema is what keeps writers moving forward.

He described filmmaking as an all-consuming pursuit that demands dedication, patience and a willingness to live with a story for years. Moments of self-doubt and creative fatigue are inevitable, he said, but persistence remains essential.

The filmmaker encouraged aspiring writers to believe in their ideas and continue writing even when outcomes are uncertain. He advised participants not to become overly concerned about perfect structure during the early stages, noting that professional formatting and refinement can come later.

Cinema Is a Collective Art Form

One of the most insightful parts of the workshop focused on visualising a film during the writing stage. Goswami explained that he imagines scenes unfolding on an internal screen while writing, allowing him to experience the story as both creator and audience. His experience as a film editor has shaped this approach, helping him think about rhythm, pacing and scene transitions long before production begins.

Goswami also reminded participants that filmmaking is fundamentally collaborative. Writers, he said, must remain open to contributions from directors, editors, actors and other departments. Becoming too attached to every detail of a script can limit the creative possibilities that emerge during production.

Addressing the audience's questions on screenplay theories and storytelling techniques, he maintained that no shortcut can replace genuine observation and lived experience. He encouraged writers to pay close attention to people, relationships and everyday situations, as these observations often become the foundation of memorable characters and stories.

The session concluded with a message that resonated strongly with aspiring filmmakers: trust the story, embrace the process and keep writing. For many participants, the workshop offered both practical guidance and reassurance that every screenplay develops in its own unique way.