Filmmaker Raghuvir Joshi not too long ago noticed the screening of his movie Sahela at Jio MAMI Film Festival in Mumbai. Before turning a director, he has labored in movies reminiscent of Zero Dark Thirty and The Reluctant Fundamentalist. In an unique chat with Hindustan Times, Raghuvir talks about variations in Indian and worldwide movie units, illustration of LGBTQIA+ group in mainstream movies, and far more. (Also learn| Agra director Kanu Behl: ‘It just isn’t a matter of the viewers’s style or want’)
India premiere of Sahela
Recalling the premiere of Sahela in Mumbai, Raghuvir stated, “The premiere screening was amazing. To be honest, I did not expect such an overwhelming response. Apparently, we were the top three films of the day so I am very chuffed. The most heart-warming response was from Sheeba Chaddha (who features in Sahela). That was because she saw the film for the first time at the screening. She broke down and could not talk when she was asked about it at the session after the screening. Coming from her, it meant the world to me. I look up to her as an artist and her validation anchored me.”
Sahela is predicated on Raghuvir Joshi’s personal experiences
Talking concerning the concept of the movie, Raghuvir stated that it’s impressed by his personal lived expertise of discovering his sexuality after marriage. “It was something I explored in my short film, Yaman, as well. I had to express the story. Alongwith the complexity of sexuality and the discovery, I also understood a very different connotation of love through the process. It is not the conventional love you find in a conventional partner, but a very different form of love that I discovered through the process of discovering myself.”
Asked if there are any plans for a theatrical launch of Sahela, Raghuvir stated, “That would be awesome. I really hope we can get a theatrical release. We are in conversations with potential distributors, and even digital platforms. I hope people can watch it in theatres.”
Asked if he’s apprehensive a few wider acceptance past the competition circles, the filmmaker stated, “Not apprehensive to be honest. It is not just a story of sexuality but also of love – love for family, and love for partner but in a very different sense. The film is named Sahela which means ‘companion’. It is a very universal story and is not just about sexuality. It is also about family, and culture. Of course, sexulaity is a massive part of it. Honestly, we would never take risks as filmmakers if we start thinking about acceptance. If a story consumes me enough, if I am excited about it.. Then I must approach it with honesty, and generally such a film translates to a wider audience.”
LGBTQIA+ in Indian movies
Asked concerning the illustration of LGBTQIA+ group in mainstream Indian movies, Raghuvir stated, “In the past few years, the mainstream Indian films have changed in terms of queer films. We have seen even mainstream films talk about this. So, I am glad there is larger collective voice gaining momentum. Obviously, we do need more..But what sets Sahela apart, is the angle of love. It is about a very different connotation of love. I hope films like Sahela contribute to larger conversation of LGBTQIA+ films in the mainstream.” The filmmaker then added that his movie is “an intimate and tender love story between a gay man and his wife”.
Indian movies versus worldwide movies
Raghuvir labored in lots of movies throughout the globe as assistant director earlier than he took up the duty of directing a movie on his personal 5 years in the past. Before directing the brief movie Yaman in 2019, he had labored in a couple of Hollywood and Bollywood hits as an AD.
Recalling the professionals and cons of working in Indian movies, Raghuvir stated, “I love the fact that there are so many people we can employ on the set of an Indian film. That contributes to the economy. And, the jugaad you can do on Indian film sets, you cannot do it elsewhere. See, you need to be resourceful while working on films. You know, because of all the financial and time restrains. Now, what Indians can do despite lack of resources is incredible. It sets them apart and it is always very fun.”
Talking about worldwide tasks, the filmmaker lauded their deal with security measures. “Films shot internationally have a clear approach towards safety and that is amazing. Safety is paramount on international sets. There are protocols – and not just for action scenes – there are protocols that everybody, even the directors and actors need to follow. Health and safety officers are always involved and there is always an ambulance on film set.”
He added, “I think that is amazing, because often accidents happen on sets. We hear so many times of lives lost because due diligence was not taken care of or because of negligence. The health and safety measures is an important thing an international film set provide.”
Raghuvir Joshi’s work
Raghuvir labored on many Hollywood movies as an assistant director earlier than he turned to path. He labored on hits together with Zero Dark Thirty, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Hotel Mumbai. He additionally labored in a couple of Bollywood movies as an AD. These embody Cocktail and Knock Out. In 2019, Raghuvir made a brief movie titled Yaman. His new function movie, Sahela, was not too long ago screened in Mumbai.
Source web site: www.hindustantimes.com
