Johnny Depp, Al Pacino in Projects at Natasha Mudhar’s Empathy-Driven Studio

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Natasha Mudhar, an entrepreneur focused on making a positive impact and a supporter of the UN Global Goals, is leaving her mark with The World We Want Studios. This production company is rapidly gathering a lineup of high-profile projects, such as “Modi,” directed by Johnny Depp, and the film “Lear Rex” starring Al Pacino and Jessica Chastain.

Mudhar’s entry into big-time Hollywood productions started in 2013, thanks to seasoned producer Barry Navidi, who has been a creative partner of Al Pacino for years. “My story with ‘Lear Rex’ and ‘Modi’ began when I met Al Pacino through Barry Navidi,” Mudhar shares with EbMaster. “At that point, I was working closely with Barry on ‘An Evening with Pacino,’ Mr. Pacino’s successful London show. This project gave me the opportunity to develop a robust creative and professional relationship with Barry, which eventually resulted in my role as co-producer for ‘Lear Rex’ and executive producer for ‘Modi.’

According to Mudhar, our approach to commissioning projects is based on the idea that compelling storytelling can be both captivating and profitable. We choose projects that emphasize intriguing tales, all while incorporating a strong social message. Whether it’s thought-provoking films with hidden societal messages or bold narratives addressing critical global problems, we are dedicated to exploring new territories and ensuring that stories make a lasting impact.

Last year, the film “Modi – Three Days on the Wing of Madness,” directed by Depp and starring Riccardo Scamarcio as Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, debuted at San Sebastian. This movie provides a personal view into three crucial days in Modigliani’s life during World War I Paris, as described by Mudhar. She underscores that it is not a biopic but rather employs the genre of dramedy to courageously delve into universal themes such as art, rejection, and the tireless chase for acknowledgment.

Mudhar states that his choice to join any project isn’t solely based on the narrative itself, but also on the vision, gut feelings, and enthusiasm of the team behind it. Working together on a project is about putting faith in the main creators, and Barry’s leadership and commitment to impactful, transformative storytelling were key factors in my decision. He possesses a rare talent for backing stories that are deeply culturally significant and emotionally moving, which resonates with me.”

Mudhar explains that he doesn’t just decide to join a project based on the plot alone; rather, it’s the vision, instincts, and passion of the team driving it forward that matter. He trusted Barry’s leadership and dedication to meaningful, transformative storytelling as crucial factors in his decision. Barry has a unique ability to support stories that are culturally profound and emotionally impactful, which appeals to Mudhar.)

In the meantime, Pacino and Chastain lead “Lear Rex,” a fresh take on Shakespeare’s “King Lear” directed by Bernard Rose. Mudhar shares that what attracted him to “Lear Rex” was its exceptional talent for merging classic literature with contemporary narratives. By weaving together the timeless brilliance of Shakespeare and a modern cinematic style, the movie captivates both long-time admirers of his work and young viewers just beginning to appreciate his genius.

The studio is also supporting the film titled “In The Shadows,” featuring Jasmine Jobson (“Top Boy”) and Finn Cole (“Peaky Blinders”). This movie narrates the inspiring tale of Ramla Ali, a British-Somali refugee who made history as Britain’s first professional female boxer. According to Mudhar, when he was presented with “In The Shadows,” it seemed like a chance encounter with a story that carries deep social and cultural significance. As a second-generation British Asian individual, Mudhar identifies with the struggles of reconciling one’s heritage with carving out one’s own destiny. This movie transcends the categorization as merely a sports drama; it is, in essence, a universal tale about identity, love, faith, and resilience.

Her Hollywood journey started with Sterling Global, a trailblazing communications company established by her mom Teji Singh in the ’90s. This firm played a significant role in bringing Indian films to worldwide viewers. Expanding on this foundation, Mudhar has successfully secured over $450 million for impact investments and managed over 90 projects across 130 countries, positively affecting more than 2.5 billion people globally.

At a pivotal moment for the creative industry, The World We Want Studios is making its mark. Although some advancements have been made, Mudhar points out that women and underrepresented groups are still largely absent from crucial creative positions. “Authenticity goes beyond simply including diverse characters; it’s about empowering creators to express their unique perspectives through the stories they tell,” Mudhar explains. “Stories with a social focus are frequently deemed ‘too specialized’ or financially risky, but we aim to debunk this misconception.

The studio has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts for more than 250 film and television productions, going beyond mere entertainment. Examples of their impactful projects include “Poacher” on Amazon Prime, which was inspired by one of India’s largest ivory poaching cases, and “Pad Man,” which played a significant role in prompting policy changes concerning menstrual hygiene products within India.

The studio’s future projects showcase their bold aspirations. In development is a series that aims to combine the grandeur of “Avengers: Endgame” with the emotional depth of “Friends,” using the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals as a captivating backdrop. Additionally, there are plans for a movie about an inspiring Indian social entrepreneur, as well as a scripted film and series delving into the life of a former New York mafia member, with a focus on themes of redemption and personal transformation.

Mudhar asserts that it’s possible for social impact and financial success to go hand in hand. Our focus is on shaping change through a variety of narratives, showcasing established and up-and-coming voices globally. Whether they revolve around environmental issues or promote empathy and action, we are dedicated to fostering a world that’s more equitable and sustainable.

Based on strong links with Hollywood, Indian films, and burgeoning markets in Africa and the Middle East, The World We Want Studios aims to serve as a conduit between the entertainment industry and meaningful change. Additionally, the company is unveiling an investment platform for entertainment to offer financing, resources, and strategic alliances to boost creators from various genres.

According to Mudhar, media plays a crucial role in helping us reach our objectives. By presenting stories that tackle matters like gender fairness, global warming, and community health in a captivating manner, we strive to cultivate understanding and motivate action. Every problem presents an occasion for creativity and innovation.

The World We Want Studios serves as a groundbreaking approach for content creation that combines entertainment with social advocacy. In Mudhar’s words, “We use storytelling as a pathway to empathy – it offers us the chance to experience different lives, grasp various viewpoints, and bring about impactful change in our own environment. When problems are brought to life through captivating tales, they can rally support, shape policies, and motivate action.

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2025-02-07 11:17