Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Onir, Rima Das Unite For Anthology Exploring Identity
MUMBAI (ANI)- Renowned Indian filmmakers Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Onir, and Rima Das have collaborated on ‘My Melbourne’, an anthology of four short films set in the Australian city. The project brings to life compelling narratives inspired by real-life incidents, addressing themes of race, gender, sexuality, and disability.
Imtiaz Ali described ‘My Melbourne’ as a unique experiment showcasing a collaborative effort between four directors. He served as the creative director for ‘Jules’, directed by Arif Ali. Expressing his enthusiasm, Ali stated that the film is an inclusive endeavor and hoped audiences would appreciate the joint effort. Kabir Khan described ‘Setara’ as an inspiring story, emphasizing its motivational and positive message, and expressed hope that audiences would come to theatres to watch it.
The anthology features four distinct yet universally relevant stories. Onir’s ‘Nandini’ follows Indraneel, a queer Indian man who reunites with his estranged father in Melbourne for a ceremonial ritual, exploring themes of grief, reconciliation, and acceptance. ‘Jules’, directed by Arif Ali with Imtiaz Ali’s creative direction, tells the story of Sakshi, a newly married woman who forms an unexpected bond with Jules, a homeless woman, as they navigate their struggles and discover the power of human connection. Rima Das’s ‘Emma’ portrays the journey of a talented deaf dancer who faces self-doubt and discrimination until a chance encounter with another deaf dancer inspires her to embrace her uniqueness and inner strength. Kabir Khan’s ‘Setara’ brings to life the real story of a 15-year-old Afghan girl who flees the Taliban and rebuilds her life in Melbourne, finding solace in cricket while overcoming past trauma and family struggles.
Onir emphasized the deeply personal nature of ‘Nandini’, noting that many families would relate to its depiction of a strained father-son relationship shaped by societal expectations. Rima Das, known for her critically acclaimed ‘Village Rockstars’, highlighted the importance of authenticity and inclusivity in ‘Emma’, describing her experience of working with a deaf actor as deeply enriching.
