Filmmaker Agneya Singh is identified with the revolutionary new wave of Indian cinema. The director is excited about his debut film M Cream which premiered at the Rhode Island International Film Festival 2014. Deebashree Mohanty talks to him about his hatke film and thoughts on the Indian film industry
Tell us more about M Cream and what were the initial hiccupsIJ
It is a feature narrative that follows the journey of four friends who set out from Delhi in pursuit of a mythic form of pure hash. The road trip leads them towards the far reaches of Himachal Pradesh. Making a movie is complicated! Murphy’s law states, ‘If anything can go wrong, it will’. That seemed to be the case with us! We faced just about every hiccup you can imagine from cast/crew members quitting at the last minute to considerably shooting our bare bones budget to unpredictable and unprecedented bad weather.
What is your idea about the contemporary Indian youthIJ
The film attempts to explore the myriad realities of rebellion indicative of India today. In doing so, the story serves to paint the portrait of a new generation in our country, one unlike any other preceding it. When I speak of the contemporary Indian youth, I am speaking about my own contemporaries, as I belong to this generation. I feel proud to say that there is today a resurgent form of radicalisation when it comes to the youth. I admit that many of us our misguided and still searching for answers. In terms of a political mobilisation, there is much work to be done. Despite our political naiveté, I do believe that we will pose a challenge to the powers that be and we shall one day achieve our vision of an egalitarian India, and if I may say so, one that is in stark contrast to the older generation.
You have been a part of documentaries in the past. Have you given any thought to commercial Indian filmmakingIJ
like any other filmmaker, I try to bring my work to the widest possible audience. I don’t feel that I belong to the world of commercial filmmaking, Indian or International. I have always belonged in a counter-cultural context and that is still where I am today and probably where I will continue to remain.
Where do you draw your inspiration fromIJ
I am inspired by all those mavericks and rebels, across the world and through ages past, who stood up in the face of injustice. I think that passivity is what really poses the greatest danger when it comes to much needed change. When I think of my own generation, we have a voice even though we don’t know it. And if only we could shrug off the passivity and involve ourselves in meaningful action, so much could be achieved.
Your idea about the Indian film industryIJ
On the one hand there is a bevy of talent quite unmatched by anywhere else in the world. On the other hand, there is still a great degree of unprofessionalism as far as the industry is concerned. It’s common knowledge that one rises through the ranks of Bollywood largely on account of nepotism and sycophancy rather than merit and hard work. The onus is very much on making money and even though we have a strong union system in place, actors are paid exorbitant amounts whereas the filmmakers are paid next to nothing. However, I don’t compare us with other industries, I would reckon that Hollywood is not much better off. The Indian film industry is in dire need of a makeover.
How do you think the Indian janata will receive M CreamIJ
I think it will be a mixed response but a very interesting one indeed! Without a doubt I can say that the film will strike a chord with the youth as it chronicles what we are going through. As far as the older folks are concerned, some will love it and others will probably hate it. I think that’s only to be expected because if you are committed to a bold vision, you are bound to alienate one section of society or the other. I believe that the future of this country rests firmly in the hands of my generation, and that’s what matters to me most. Needless to say, M Cream is a new and different film in just about every which way.
You are working with a good mix of stars. How was it working with themIJ
We were so lucky to be able to get such a brilliant cast on board. I think it was the strength of the script that appealed to most of them. The four leads in the film are Ira Dubey, Imaad Shah, Auritra Ghosh and Raaghav Chanana. It was an intense exercise working with them considering the fact that they exemplify the highest commitment to the actor’s craft. To add to that, we were so fortunate to be able to get veteran thespians like Barry John, Tom Alter and lushin Dubey as well. It certainly wasn’t easy directing those guys but I daresay they did not need much direction.
What is the kind of topics that excite youIJ Are there more scripts that you are working onIJ
I have always been drawn to themes of rebellion and protest. Indeed I consider cinema to be a powerful weapon when it comes to challenging the status quo and urging the general public to think in new ways. As of now, I am quite absorbed by the radicalism of my peers and I do hope that it will lead to something bigger. It certainly is a disjointed effort currently but if we continue to carry on, I am confident that we shall overcome.
I have to say that it is a privilege to be working in the realm of Indian independent cinema. It is the most prolific and exciting film movement in the world today. We have had a slate of excellent films in the recent past such as Miss lovely by Ashim Ahluwalia, Gangs of Wasseypur by Anurag Kashyap and lunchbox by Ritesh Batra. These pioneering filmmakers have paved the way for the new generation of independents and I am looking forward to see how this all unravels in the days to come.
