As a seasoned film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of global cinema, I must say that the latest development in Indian and international filmmaking is nothing short of exhilarating! The casting of Konkona Sen Sharma as the lead in “Mis(s)chief” is a masterstroke, given her exceptional talent and ability to portray complex characters with authenticity. Her experience both in front of and behind the camera will undoubtedly bring depth to the character of Rumi, a mother juggling filmmaking, family, and the occasional gangster bullet – a predicament I’m sure many working mothers can relate to!


Konkona Sen Sharma, a renowned Indian actor known for her roles in “Killer Soup” and “Wake Up Sid,” has been chosen to play the main female character alongside Carlos Bardem (of “El Cid”) in the upcoming comedy movie titled “Mis(s)chief.” This news was unveiled during the Film Bazaar event held in Goa.

This project originates from Avani Films, a production company based in both the United Kingdom and India, and it’s currently undergoing developmental stages. It made it through to the second round at the 2025 Sundance Development Labs, having been selected for participation.

A mother of two, striving to make it as a filmmaker, finds herself juggling the complexities of a strained marriage, unforeseen hostility from a disgruntled gangster, and the constant demands of her children’s schoolwork. British filmmaker Peter Webber, known for “Girl With a Pearl Earring,” has joined the project as executive producer, while Emmy-nominated casting director Nancy Bishop is working to gather an international cast for this compelling story.

“I am delighted by the comic premise, the representation of women and the writing itself,” Sen Sharma said.

The movie will be directed by writer-director Anu Vaidyanathan, who commented, “I feel that Konkona’s real-life experiences closely match those of our protagonist Rumi, who is juggling motherhood and filmmaking. Having acted in front of the camera as well as directed behind it, I am excited to work with two esteemed actors, Konkona and Carlos, to breathe life into this story and its characters.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that my project, “Modern Times” by Avani Films, is making its mark at this year’s Film Bazaar, held alongside the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in the vibrant city of Goa. This dramatic series, which I’ve been working on since 2020, weaves together two storylines – one set in pre-independent India and another in modern-day Berlin and San Francisco. The narrative delves into thought-provoking themes of family, migration, and the universal journey we all embark upon. Previously, “Modern Times” was a finalist at the prestigious Sundance Episodic Labs, a testament to its potential and promise.

The series has been developed under Peter Ansorge, former Channel 4 drama commissioner, whose commissions include “A Very British Coup,” “Traffik,” and “Tales of The City.” Ansorge began his career at BBC Drama, where he produced the U.K.’s first all-black soap opera, “Empire Road” (1979), and David Hare’s BAFTA winner “Licking Hitler” (1978).

Furthermore, the suspenseful film “Candy,” produced by Avani Films, has been chosen for a producer’s workshop at Film Bazaar.

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2024-11-23 05:46