Manish Mundra, the owner of production house Drishyam Films, is an ambitious producer from Dubai who has his eyes set on indie movies. In a film industry where more masala translates to more box office receipts, he’s trying to change the equation. And he’s already proving to be successful with films such as the acclaimed Aankhon Dekhi (2014) and Umrika (2015), which is yet to get a general release. Mundra’s latest venture, Masaan, which tackles themes about sex as a taboo and the caste system in India, is already making waves, earning two awards at the Cannes film festival in May.
tabloid! caught up with Mundra recently
What attracted you to Masaan?
I feel the story has a real-life feel as it revolves around day-to-day activities of certain individuals which will make the audience connect to the story. It touches our hearts and makes us think while dealing with sensitive topics such as sex and caste.
Masaan won two awards at the Cannes Film Festival. How expected or unexpected was this achievement?
I knew the movie would touch hearts both nationally and internationally. The characters take you on an emotional journey so I was confident that it would create a buzz. I was impressed with the way the director and actors were working on the film. Although I was not immediately around when the initial announcement was made, after watching the premiere itself, I was confident that we would create waves.
How do you think the movie will fare? Do you think there is an Indian audience for indie films?
We did not treat this movie as an ‘indie film’ — we promoted, advertised, talked about it like we would have for any other film. It is only the multiplexes who are choosing to call our film ‘indie’. We have tried our best to penetrate the Indian movie market and attract as much audience as we can for the film.
Being based in the UAE, how do you think it will fare here?
Although the film will be shown in the UAE as well, this is the first film we are releasing to an outside market so we are not completely prepared. Our next movie however will have a more proper release. However, I’m still confident that a niche market for our movie exists and it will do well.
*Nadia Lewis is an intern at Gulf News. Masaan releases in the UAE on July 23.
