In what can be called a pivotal moment for Indian cinema, accomplished actors Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal are all set to step into the limelight as producers at the internationally renowned Sundance Film Festival. Their inaugural production venture, ‘Girls Will Be Girls,’ not only promises to create ripples with its unique narrative but is also a proud entrant in the festival’s World Dramatic Cinema category.
The excitement within the Indian film fraternity is palpable as Chadha and Fazal, known for their acting prowess, embark upon a new journey in the realm of film production with ‘Girls Will Be Girls.’ They have ventured to Park City, Utah, to present their cinematic labor at one of the world’s most prestigious celebrations of independent film. The duo’s film is scheduled to grace the screens on January 20th, marking its world premiere.
‘Girls Will Be Girls’ emerges as a coalescence of vision from Pushing Buttons Studios, Blink Digital, Crawling Angel Films, and Dolce Vita Films, all coming together under the banner of Chadha and Fazal’s production leadership. Directed by Shuchi Talati, the film is a storytelling marvel set against the bucolic backdrop of a boarding school in a small Himalayan town, diving into the throes of adolescence and generational conflicts.
Central to the story is the dynamic between a rebellious 16-year-old, portrayed with finesse by newcomer Preeti Panigrahi, and her mother, bringing to screen a multilayered narrative through the lens of womanhood. Kani Kusruti, known for her stellar performance in ‘Killer Soup,’ breathes life into the mother’s character, crafting an arc of unfulfilled dreams and youthful longing. Further bolstering the cast are the effervescent performances of Jitin Gulati and Kesav Binoy Kiron, who play pivotal roles in the unfolding drama.
Richa Chadha radiates optimism when she speaks of the venture, “To break into such a competitive arena of cinema festivals is commendable in itself. My faith in Shuchi as a director knows no bounds, and the new talent we’re bringing to the fore through this film is exciting. Kani has already proven herself, and now the audience will get to see her in a new light.”
Further emphasizing the essence of their production, Chadha states, “Ali and I embarked on this journey with the dream of bringing unique narratives to the audience. Seeing ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ make it to Sundance is a testament to our quest for storytelling that resonates deeply and authentically.”
Ali Fazal reflects a similar sentiment of exploration and ambition, noting Sundance as a monumental step in their voyage of cinematic discovery. “To be able to share our very first production with the world at such a stage is exhilarating,” Fazal remarks, also extending gratitude to the distinguished jury recognizing their endeavor.
The Sundance Film Festival has a legacy of bringing groundbreaking narratives and independent films to the forefront. ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ slots perfectly into this mold, offering an innovative perspective that navigates the complexity of human emotions and experiences through a culturally rich and nuanced lens.
This promising production marks a significant milestone for Chadha and Fazal as they delve into new creative territories, confidently presenting their story at Sundance. With its avant-garde approach to cinema and poignant exploration of the fabric of relationships, ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ stands poised to capture hearts, provoke thought, and carve an enduring place within the landscape of modern filmmaking.
