Radhika Apte Embraces Feral Comedy in ‘Sister Midnight’ & Breaks Bollywood Norms

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100 years ago, the transition of movies from silent films to talkies almost marked the decline of a well-known silent comedian. Yet, that talent remains largely underutilized today. Radhika Apte, who gained fame as one of India’s first Netflix stars through shows like “Sacred Games” and “Monica, O My Darling,” gets to showcase her slapstick abilities in the movie “Sister Midnight,” now premiering in New York before moving on to Los Angeles and other cities. As Uma, a discontented newlywed in the film’s opening scenes, Apte finds herself with few people to converse with. Uma detests cleaning. She struggles with cooking. Her husband (Ashok Pathak) lacks the temperament to argue, returning home each night drunk and dejected to their cramped Mumbai dwelling.

Initially poking fun at traditional arranged marriages, the story subsequently veers into humorous and fantastical realms. Uma’s somber personality subtly evolves into a strange, fitting character trait that aligns with the genre, thanks to Apte’s exceptional deadpan acting.

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As a follower, I find myself captivated by the intricate, pulsating beats of British Indian director Karan Kandhari’s work. His control is masterful, as if each rhythm has been meticulously crafted. With its stop-motion creatures and hauntingly beautiful nighttime atmosphere, “Sister Midnight” radiates a raw, intense personality – one that has undoubtedly grown stronger through the passage of time. It was this project’s unique charm that eventually attracted an esteemed talent like Apte, giving her the perfect platform to showcase her skills. This low-key, audacious production might not have reached the notice of others if it weren’t for this remarkable collaboration.

In my childhood, I had a dream of becoming a Bollywood actress, gracefully dancing atop a mountain, adorned in a beautiful saree. However, I’ve come to realize that there are deeply ingrained gender inequalities within the industry,” Apte remarks during our Zoom conversation from London. “When I reflect on the movies I once admired, it startles me. They were so heavily biased towards men. But I’m specifically discussing Bollywood because I’m Indian. Of course, such patriarchal attitudes aren’t confined to just that.

Despite initially landing roles in high-budget films during her early acting career on screen, Apte has never truly felt like she fits comfortably within the film industry where she gained prominence. In one of her most recognized works, the murder comedy “Andhadhun,” Apte skillfully utilized minimal screen presence to bring a complex character to life who was initially portrayed as a straightforward love interest for lead actor Ayushmann Khurrana. However, Apte subtly incorporated a frustration with Khurrana’s character’s antics that wasn’t explicitly written in the script.

The reason for this is my character. I’ve worked with director Sriram Raghavan on a few films before, and when someone else dropped out at the last minute, he was desperate to find a replacement. The role wasn’t particularly large, so we brainstormed ideas to make it more intriguing. Ordinary roles can be quite dull, and I don’t think there are many who are overly virtuous like that.” (Apte)

In his latest feature, “Merry Christmas,” the mystery romance, Apte played a secondary character. However, productions of this scale have become less frequent in recent times – a choice made intentionally by Apte, as she is now dedicated to creating her own projects. Presently, she is scouting for opportunities to direct “Koyta,” an action film scripted in both Hindi and Marathi, which revolves around a destitute sugarcane cutter who possesses supernatural powers.

As a young cinephile growing up in Pune, India, I was first introduced to the expansive world of cinema through the Oscar-winning masterpiece “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” This timeless classic by Miloš Forman captivated me during a screening organized by the National Film Archive of India. The film served as my cinematic gateway, opening up a universe of stories and performances that would forever shape my love for cinema.

Apte expressed that he had to return home due to feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of tears. He was deeply touched by the movie. He admitted that it surprised him how much a film could stir such emotions, something he hadn’t experienced with Bollywood movies he previously watched.

She has recently acquired another credit from beyond the realm of Bollywood; it is Justin Lin’s “Last Days,” a movie set on the Andaman Islands during the missionary era, which made its debut at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

In truth, I gravitate towards smaller movies as the larger productions tend to be monotonous for me due to all the waiting involved. Instead, my passion has always been to work on projects across various nations, telling stories that resonate universally yet remain deeply rooted in specific cultures. ‘Sister Midnight’ may seem like a feminist film or a commentary on arranged marriages in India, but it transcends those labels. It’s about any individual navigating through a challenging system, regardless of where they are located.

Absolutely, “Sister Midnight” has garnered worldwide interest. Following its debut in the Directors’ Fortnight section at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, it received a BAFTA nomination for exceptional British debut and a nod for Apte in the Lead Performance category at the British Independent Film Awards. Just this week, the film was given an Indian release date of May 23rd. Despite some peers in the industry eagerly awaiting its arrival, Apte remains cautiously optimistic: “Nowadays, many people lack the patience to watch something without immediately knowing what it’s about.

As someone acutely conscious of the source of my income and what truly ignites my passion, I’m inclined to create one piece specifically for my agent, followed by a couple more that cater to my own interests. However, the truth is, compelling scripts aren’t frequently presented, making it challenging to produce multiple projects for others. “Sister Midnight,” however, was an instant yes! It’s utterly insane – when do you get the chance to exclaim, ‘This is different and risky, but who cares?’ We might stumble, we might fall, but the excitement of doing something truly unique makes it all worthwhile.

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2025-05-17 00:18