Dheeraj Kalwani’s sharp cinematic instincts and unwavering passion – especially when making final decisions on which projects to pursue – form a vital part of his creative identity. These traits underpin the journey of a filmmaker whose career continues to rise, both in Indonesia and beyond. In this exclusive interview with Prestige Indonesia, Dheeraj shares the story behind his success and creative process.

You founded Dee Company in 2007 at the age of 19 and have since built it into a prominent production house in Indonesia. Tell us what it was like being a founder at such a young age.
Looking back, I can hardly believe I was just 19 when I founded Dee Company – then known as K2K Pictures – and made my first film. But even then, I knew I was incredibly passionate about cinema. That passion gave me the courage to believe I could make it happen, despite my age. Being young helped too; I was willing to take risks, and filmmaking demands that kind of mindset. Now, having produced more than 60 films, I feel like I’ve experienced the full spectrum of what this industry has to offer – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It was never easy. As a first-generation founder, I had to compete with long-established production houses. Facing such challenges early on forced me to mature quickly. I remember it clearly – my first film didn’t do well, nor did the second. I was close to giving up. But my third film was already in post-production, so I decided to release it. That third film turned out to be a hit, and it gave me the sign I needed to keep going.

What was the original vision back then, and how has that vision matured over time?
My early vision was simple: to become a successful producer and build Dee Company into a respected name by making quality films that people genuinely enjoy. As a first-generation producer, I never set unrealistic expectations. The film industry is far too unpredictable for that. Instead, I created clear milestones – my first box office success, then reaching one million viewers, five million, and so on. Over the years, I feel Dee Company has achieved many of the goals I once dreamed of. Today, I’m proud to say that it stands among Indonesia’s leading production houses. I must also give credit to my wife, who supported both me and Dee Company through our toughest times. Her strength helped elevate the company to new heights. And my son – he’s the joy of my life and gives me the motivation to keep doing what I love every single day

Raised in a family with a strong entrepreneurial background, how did you develop a passion for the creative arts and storytelling?
Growing up, I was a bit of a mischievous student. Academics never interested me, but I was always drawn to creative pursuits. Deep down, I wanted to do something big – and I never felt the pull to join the family business. Then came my love for cinema. That passion pushed me to pursue a career in filmmaking, and thankfully, my mother supported that decision. It was this passion for films that gave me the confidence to trust in my creativity and make films on my own terms.

What have been some of the most defining moments in your professional journey as a creative leader at Dee Company?
One of the most defining moments was definitely the success of Vina: Sebelum 7 Hari, which reached 5.8 million viewers. While making that film, I felt a deep responsibility – not just as a producer but also as a storyteller – to honour the real Vina’s story. It carried a strong message about women’s empowerment and overcoming evil. The film’s impact drew a great deal of attention, and handling that responsibly was a major learning experience. That entire journey was a turning point, both personally and professionally.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in navigating the different aspects of your professional life?
As a highly creative person, filmmaking is a true joy for me. This is my passion and my life. But because I’m so creatively inclined I faced challenges in networking. Luckily with my wife’s support who has a strong business acumen we overcame this and makes sure to grow our movies to its full potential. Dee company has also created a very strong infrastructure.

How do you define success in today’s entertainment landscape, where critical acclaim and commercial profit don’t always align?
Ask any producer – they’ll tell you the same thing: success is measured by viewership. When your work reaches a wide audience, recognition follows. That’s what puts you on the map. Of course, critical acclaim and commercial success don’t always go hand in hand. It depends on the project. The bigger the box office numbers, the more attention – and inevitably, the more scrutiny. That’s just part of the game.

How do you assess what projects align with your brand and which to pass on?
I rely heavily on my instincts. I have a strong gut feeling when it comes to film. I’m open to working across all genres, but I will never take on a project that feels ethically questionable. That’s where I draw the line.

And when you do move forward with a project, how do you ensure it delivers both entertainment value and consistent quality across different platforms?
I’m involved in every part of the filmmaking process – from script development and casting to location scouting and multiple rounds of editing. I won’t lock my editing until I feel it. That hands-on approach is what ensures we deliver both high quality and strong entertainment value every time.

What is the single most powerful lesson you’ve learned throughout your professional journey so far?
Your success is your own responsibility. No one is indispensable. Be curious, work hard, never give up and keep the hunger alive.