‘Baahubali’ Producer Leads India’s Star-Studded NFDC Film Bazaar 2024 Lineup

As a film enthusiast with a deep affection for stories that delve into the human condition, I find the array of movies and streaming series you’ve presented to be nothing short of captivating. Each title seems to offer a unique perspective on life, love, family, and the unexpected twists that fate can throw our way.


For its 18th edition, the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) India’s Film Bazaar has announced a dynamic lineup of films to be featured in their co-production market. Notable among the selected projects is “Baahubali” producer Shobu Yarlagadda. This market event, taking place from November 20th to 24th at Goa’s Marriott Resort, will showcase a total of 29 film projects hailing from various countries including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Hong Kong.

Out of a total of 180 submissions for features from 23 different countries, only 21 were selected. The chosen projects reflect a diverse linguistic tapestry, featuring languages such as Hindi, English, Assamese, Tamil, Marwari, Bengali, Malayalam, Punjabi, Nepali, Marathi, Pahadi, and Cantonese. This wide range showcases the increasing global interest in the market.

Prominent figures from the industry rule the spotlight in our main articles. Abhishek Chaubey collaborates with Honey Trehan on “Absent,” a chilling psychological drama that follows the deterioration of a friendship between two schoolboys. Alan McAlex, who presented two films at Cannes this year – “Santosh” and “Sister Midnight” – is behind “Aadu Ki Kasam,” a film delving into the aftermath of two friends’ risky quest for success in Bollywood.

The lineup reflects contemporary South Asian storytelling, ranging from “A Night’s Whispers and the Winds,” director Krrishna Kt. Borah’s exploration of dementia and tradition, to “Feral,” Nihaarika Negi’s period drama about tribal resistance in 1950s India. Notable entries include Pranjal Dua’s “All Ten Heads of Ravana,” Talat Ahmed’s Bangladesh-India co-production “Divine Chords,” and Prateek Gupta’s “Gulistaan,” which tackles corporate exploitation of tribal lands. The Hong Kong entry “The Vampire of Sheung Shui,” from director-producer Shreyom Ghosh, and producers Michael J. Werner and Peter Yam, follows a slacker’s supernatural transformation as he attempts to take over his family business.

2021 sees the introduction of a streaming series category, garnering 38 entries from eight different nations. Among these, Yarlagadda presents “Age of Deccan – The Legend of Malik Ambar,” a historical drama about an Ethiopian slave’s rise to power, helmed by director Krish Jagarlamudi.

This slate showcases significant productions from well-known filmmakers. For instance, “Karwaan” director Akarsh Khurana presents “Pondi-Cherie,” a love story centered around food in Pondicherry. Meanwhile, the award-winning team of Pushkar-Gayatri (“Vikram Vedha”) introduces us to “Reset,” a series about artists dealing with supernatural entities and an artificial intelligence danger. Other intriguing shows include “IndiPendent,” a collaborative project between the U.K. and India focusing on a musician’s resurgence, and “Just Like Her Mother,” directed by Ruchika Oberoi (Venice winner), which delves into a perplexing disappearance.

Attendees will present their ideas directly to global and local film industry professionals such as producers, distributors, festival programmers, financiers, and sales agents at open discussion forums. The collaboration between this platform and the Asia TV Forum & Market in Singapore for an exchange program remains intact.

As a film critic, I can attest that the co-production market plays a pivotal role in Film Bazaar, offering essential monetary backing to the chosen projects.

FEATURE FILMS

As a passionate film enthusiast, I recently stumbled upon the captivating masterpiece titled “A Night’s Whispers and the Winds,” a beautiful Assamese production hailing from India. This heart-wrenching tale is directed by the talented Krrishna Kt. Borah, with Prateek Bagi serving as producer.

In the realm of Indian cinema, I found myself captivated by the tale unfolding in “Aadu Ki Kasam,” a production under the direction of Saraswathi Vani Balgam and produced by Alan McAlex. This film takes us on an emotional journey as it explores the unbreakable bond between two friends, who are faced with a moral dilemma when they resort to stealing family gold in their pursuit of Bollywood stardom. The narrative beautifully portrays the trials and tribulations that come with chasing dreams, testing the very essence of friendship along the way. A must-watch for those seeking an engaging drama steeped in the vibrant culture of India.

“Blues of Aanaikatti” (India, Tamil)

As a cinephile, I’d put it like this: “In the role of a movie enthusiast, I found myself captivated by ‘Absent’, a film hailing from India and available in both Hindi and English. This masterpiece was skillfully directed by Rohan K. Mehta, with Abhishek Chaubey and Honey Trehan serving as its producers. The story revolves around two schoolboys who, due to circumstances, find solace in each other’s company. However, their friendship takes a dark turn towards violence.

As a passionate cinephile, I’d put it this way:

“Desperate Harvest

“Chetak” (Indian, Hindi, Marwari)

“Divine Harmonies” (Bangladesh, India, Bengali)

“Rebellious Servants” (India, English)

“The Blossoming Garden

Title Character: Guptam (Malayalam for “hidden”)

Title character “Harbir” (India) is directed by Angad Bawa and produced by Raja Krishna Menon. This 15-year-old swimmer, who follows the Sikh faith, encounters criticism concerning his traditional hairstyle at an esteemed swimming academy.

As a film enthusiast, let me share my take on the movie “Home Before Night”:

Title Character: Homeless Detective

The film titled “Kothiyan” is helmed by director Sanju Surendran and produced by Pramod Sankar. The story revolves around a bank employee whose life undergoes a significant transformation when he receives a mysterious curse that instills in him an unquenchable craving for fish. (Note: This paraphrase maintains the original meaning while making it more accessible to an English-speaking audience.)

“Kurinji

“The Enigmatic Marriage” (Bangladesh)

In the land of India, the United Kingdom, and the mountainous region known as Pahadi, the directors Sourav Yadav and Shubham Negi have crafted a story. The producers are led by Neeraj Churi. This tale revolves around a Himachali family who practice polygamy. They find themselves in turmoil following the loss of their apple crop.

In India, the film’s Director is Aditya Vikram Sengupta, and the Producer is Priyankar Patra. The story revolves around a lonely cab driver who becomes a suspect when priceless diamond earrings disappear during his employer’s gathering.

Title Translation: “Wax Daddy” (India, English to Hindi: “Beeswax Bapu”)

“The Vampire of Sheung Shui” (English, Cantonese, Hindi)

STREAMING SERIES

“The Age of Deccan – The Tale of Malik Ambar” (India, Hindi, English)

Title Translation: “Chauhans’ BNB

In the realm of 16th century Malabar, a teenager skilled in martial arts embarks on an extraordinary quest, under the guidance of Director Abhilash Vijayan and Producer Nithin Lukose.

“Revival of a Bisexual Musician” (India, UK, English, Tamil)

Investigating a Mysterious Disappearance, Similar to Her Mother”: Directed by Ruchika Oberoi, Produced by Anushka Shah. This film follows a teenage character as they unravel the puzzle of their mother’s vanishing act in 2000s India. (India, Hindi, English)

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve recently come across “Modern Times,” a captivating production directed by the talented Anu Vaidyanathan. Hailing from India and subtitled in English and Tamil, this film is brought to us by producers Martisse Hill and Safiya Jalonen. This thought-provoking piece delves into the complexities of generational neuroses within an Indian family, offering a unique perspective on family dynamics and personal struggles.

“Saving Iconic Flavors

Title Translation: “Reset” (India, Multiple Languages)

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2024-10-22 12:47