'Masaan': A small film with a big heart

NEERAJ GHAYWAN'S DIRECTORIAL debut Masaan made the right noises when it won the Promising Future Prize and the International Federation of Film Critics (Fipresci) Award at the 68th Cannes International Film Festival earlier this year.
This low budget emotional drama, that shows the dark side of Indian society through the lives of two women, is all set to hit UAE screens today. Produced by Drishyam Films, Phantom Films, Macassar Productions and Sikhya Entertainment, Masaan stars Sanjay Mishra and Richa Chadha in the lead along with newcomers Shweta Tripathi and Vicky Kaushal.
THE BEGINNING
Neeraj wrote the script while he was assisting director Anurag Kashyap in Gangs of Wasseypur.
"Masaan happened because in 2012 Neeraj came to me with a script, right after the release of Gangs of Wasseypur. It was a semi-finished script and it was a really interesting idea. The character was unlike any character that I have read. Then we waited for the funding to work out and the rest is history," Richa said while talking to City Times.
Dubai based businessman Manish Mundra, currently known as the 'Godfather of Indian low budget movies', is producing the film.
"Masaan is a collage of stories crisscrossing age, gender, social ethos, taboos and the caste system. The story focuses on human relationships influenced by socially unacceptable acts in a small town. The story of Masaan is so pure, innocent and so amongst us that any Indian could easily find himself in it. I chose to produce Masaan because of these unique aspects," said Manish.
Though the film is making waves, Manish is clear that more than commercial gain, he wants this film to make an impact on audiences.
"We clearly know that we are doing this for a social cause and not for commercial purposes. We expect more and more people to watch this film and appreciate the effort put in. Neeraj has done an amazing job in the directorial department and the ensemble cast will win your heart."
Richa is confident that winning the awards at Cannes made audiences in India and overseas curious about the movie. A film about the working middle class in a small town in India, which is still grappling with the changes we are facing in society because of westernisation, liberalisation and elements such as the Internet, definitely aroused curiosity. Now it's time to see whether Indian audiences will back the picture.
"My character is that of Devi Pathak, who is studying and also teaching part-time in a coaching centre. She is curious about the outside world, she is liberal and her curiosity for intimacy lands her in a scandal, which changes the course of her life," said Richa, explaining her character.
Her work was appreciated in movies like Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! and Gangs Of Wasseypur. Always one to give an intense and real portrayal of her characters, Richa worked hard to understand her role in the film.
"A reference point for this character was the girls in the smaller towns of India; young girls who are trying to come into their own without upsetting traditions or patriarchy in a major way. And Neeraj gave me about seven or eight films to watch to prepare for this role. Along with that I had detailed discussions and workshops with the writer and the director. I spent some time in Benaras to understand the feel of the city better. In real life I do not really have any reference point for this character.
"As an actor the things that I look for in a project are my character, script, director and the producer as well, as it very important to have the right person back the script so it reaches the right number of people. I did believe in the film once filming started because of the names that got attached to it. In India, and overseas, I was pretty sure it would make the right amount of noise and which is why people are so curious about it," she added.
WHEN MARION COTILLARD ENDORSED MASAAN
French actress Marion Cotillard supported the movie when it opened in Paris by posting an Instragram of the poster saying: "Masaan releases today in France after a huge success in Cannes. Produced bu Melita Toscan Du Plantier with Richa Chadha in lead role."
'MY MOST LAYERED CHARACTER'
Richa reflected on the change in writing for female characters in Indian cinema.
"People are writing better characters for women that are liberal and moving with society. Right now I think there are two types: one is the simple one and the other is the outspoken one, the one who is demanding what she wants. She is outrageous and aggressive. I think we will find a balance in creating normal characters for a woman who is simple yet assertive. In fact Devi is the most layered character that I have ever done in cinema."

Catch Masaan at theatres across the UAE from today.