The actor-director duo from ‘Gond Ke Laddu’, one of the five short films in the Amazon Prime anthology, talks about their learnings during the lockdown, the challenges they faced and more.
All the traumas – plagues and wars faced by mankind have been made imaginary and immortal through art. A time of dread, as Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison puts it, “is precisely the time when artists go to work.”
COVID-19 has been an unprecedented event in the history of mankind, and artists, over the past two years, have found a way to blend these realities into art, from poetry to novels to cinema.
The pandemic and the myriad restrictions that come with it could be a tough time for big-budget facilities, many of which have seen multiple postponements. However, this period has been a boon for short films and anthologies, which have seen a revival on various streaming platforms.
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After being in Indian cinema for a while – remember the choice Bombay Talkies, Ten Stories or even love sex and cheating Filmmakers are now regularly tapping into the format of anthologies. amazon prime 2020 offer ban lifted There was one example that capitalized on this trend, as well as using COVID-19 as a common theme across all of its segments.
The project consisted of four films that focused on myriad experiences during the lockdown; From the migrant crisis to digital dating. Now, the franchise is back with a sequel titled Did not stop: new journey, Featuring five new shorts.
talking to HinduOne of the shorts from Shikha Maken and Neena Kulkarni, director-actor duo gum laddus (which also stars actors Darshan Rajendran and Laxveer Singh Saran) talks about his learnings during the lockdown, working on an anthology, his hopes for the future and more.
Excerpts from an interview:
Over the years, we have seen a plethora of anthologies on the streaming platform. What do you think of this sub-genre?
crest: It is a very interesting format because it is a short film which gives you the freedom to play with the craft aspect of storytelling, and also be able to make a point. Anthology, when it deals with a topic, makes for an immersive viewing experience. The huge variety of ideas, thoughts and expressions are creatively very interesting as a filmmaker. It also helps the audience to make more choices.
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Nina: I have also done anthologies in feature films! there was a movie that i did Smell: (fragrance) in Marathi, where director Sachin Kuldalkar directed three films unrelated to each other, but with the same theme: the sense of smell. I know this style; it is very interesting. It’s like reading short stories, and for many it’s a great opportunity to get on board.
Shikha, in an anthology, has several films and directors. Was there any discussion between filmmakers to ensure that a common theme is followed, while ensuring that each film is also different?
crest: The creative team on stage does it. There were no talks with other filmmakers. In fact, I don’t even know the themes of his films; I have just seen the trailer and I know briefly about the titles of his films. It’s good in a way because you get to collaborate with the OTTs you’re working with and the creatives out there. Plus, you have the freedom and independence to build whatever you want and not be affected by what the other team is making.
Neena, what has the streaming era brought to you as an actor?
Nina: Oh many! I come from a time when there were only plays and movies. Later, I saw that television in India was really being born before me and I got into television myself. I have seen so many mediums, like daily soaps or short films, take shape and flourish. It is also very interesting for the actor to see a new medium as it has new challenges, new people to work with and new ideas to be exchanged.
Neena Kulkarni in a scene from ‘Gond Ke Laddu’
Pandemic has changed human life as we know it. How has the whole experience changed you as a person and as an artist?
crest: A writer is always influenced by the time in which he lives. The pandemic is such a strong experience and unprecedented for all of us. It has certainly shaped the way you see the world, whether it is your own choice or not, because now you have to adapt to a certain kind of life.
There is also a technical aspect to this; The process of shooting films is different now, because you are taking precautions and constantly trying to stay safe and also trying to keep the people around you safe. Some people have had a comfortable relationship with the pandemic, others have had a very difficult experience. On the emotional plane all these things affect me as a person and my attitude.
Nina: Not only as an artist, but I think we all have gone through a whole range of emotions and developments. I attach too much importance to what I do now. Not that I used to give it less importance earlier, but somewhere you took what was coming your way. Now, everything that comes my way is extremely precious to me, not only because of my age, but also because of the circumstances. It has added value to what we have and everything we do.
Shikha, when you are telling the story of a pandemic – an ongoing disaster – what are some of the challenges you face?
crest: If you are compelled to narrate the story due to circumstances, then as a filmmaker you are immersed in it. It is a matter of perspective, what approach do you take, how are you looking at the pandemic around you and how has it affected you. Some things impress you, and if you can portray it in a way that resonates with a lot of people, that’s good. Human stories are the stories we are always looking for, whether they are sad or light-hearted.
So, where did you get the inspiration for your short ‘Gond Ke Laddu’?
crest: There are two parts to this story. One is of this old mother who is living alone in a small town away from her daughter, and wishes to send her daughter something special. The second part of the story touches on the realities of a delivery agent and his wife. gum laddus, in a way, connects to these strangers and connects these stories with an unexpected twist in the tale, and leads you to a pleasant surprise.
A still from ‘Gond Ke Laddu’, part of Amazon Prime’s compilation ‘Unpaused: Naya Safar’
During the lockdown, it was very common for me and my friends to worry about our parents who were living away. In my family, home-cooked meals are of great importance, especially when older people cook. pinni, At the same time, a lot of stories were written about delivery agents as they were on the front lines, serving people during the pandemic. I was in constant conversation with him, as he was the only person we all often saw outside our families.
And finally, Nina, is there any challenge that you want to face today, to challenge yourself as an actor?
Nina: I never really looked for anything because things come to you. I don’t remember taking a break from acting. How can I take it now? Acting is a process and a journey and it never ends.
I have done many roles and I am very fortunate to have got so many characters. I have acted in almost all genres; I don’t think there is anything left! Now, it is about enjoying the things that come my way and also about being curious about why I have been selected for this particular role over someone else. There is a lot of competition even among senior actors, so you cannot be complacent. (Smile)
Ruka Nahi: Naya Safar will premiere on January 21, 2022 on Amazon Prime
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