Following two successful directorial endeavors steeped in the lush narratives of period dramas with The Empire and Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, director Mitakshara Kumar is poised to redefine her cinematic canvas. While her impeccably crafted journeys through the Mughal era and the sparkle of pre-independence India’s courtesan culture have captivated audiences, Kumar’s sights are set on a refreshingly different genre. Garnering critical acclaim and mass adoration, especially since the online release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi on May 1st, Kumar has been warmly embraced by both aficionados of the art and casual streamers alike. Starring luminaries such as Manisha Koirala and Sonakshi Sinha, her works have carved a distinctive niche in the realm of period pieces.
Indeed, Kumar’s phone has been buzzing with appreciation and offers, underscoring the hard-earned validation and love from fans. However, despite receiving a cascade of propositions to further explore the genre she’s been thriving in, Kumar is driven to break the mold. The director candidly shares her quest for an innovative path, demonstrating a clear intention to circumvent the potential pitfall of becoming typecast as a creator of historical sagas.
Rejecting the lure of becoming a ‘one-trick pony’, Kumar boldly declares her desire to explore the multifaceted world of storytelling. A testament to her artistic range, Kumar has revealed her plans to helm a relationship comedy, collaborating once more with filmmaker Nikkhil Advani’s production banner Emmay Entertainment. Returning to the creative fold that bolstered her identity as a director, this upcoming venture promises a stark contrast to her previous works, bringing a female-centric dramedy, brimming with humor and the intricacies of women’s relationships, to the vibrant locale of Chandni Chowk.
The Delhi-born director’s personal connection to the story adds a layer of authenticity and nostalgia to the film, which is still awaiting a title. Kumar’s narrative vision is being brought to life in collaboration with screenwriter Rohan Shankar, known for Luka Chuppi and Mimi, who has taken charge of the screenplay and dialogues. This new project’s developmental roots extend back before Heeramandi, reflecting the long-standing ambition at its core. If Kumar’s stars align, production should be underway by the conclusion of this calendar year.
In addition to this comedic foray, Kumar is concurrently developing an issue-driven drama led by a strong female protagonist. Though details remain under wraps, this endeavor highlights her tenacity to tackle a variety of genres and themes. She shares a peek into her aspirations, hinting at an eagerness to branch out further, even into the dynamic realm of action films.
Kumar’s evolution reflects a broader movement within the film industry, as creators increasingly strive to defy predictability and venture into uncharted artistic territories. As fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming projects, Mitakshara Kumar stands as a herald of versatility and innovation, poised to deliver engaging narratives that eschew the constraints of genre and embrace an expansive cinematic horizon.
