Filmmakers Aarti Kadav, Rohan Kanawade, Kanu Behl, Alankrita Shrivastava, and Nidhi Saxena recently engaged in an insightful discussion at the Yellowstone International Film Festival in Mumbai.
Insightful Conversations on Cinema
During the session, moderated by filmmaker and screenwriter Hardik Mehta, the panelists shared their experiences and the inspirations behind creating cinema that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Arati Kadav, known for her work in Cargo and Mrs, discussed the complexities involved in casting decisions. She remarked, “Finding Sanya Malhotra’s husband in Mrs was the toughest. That one choice shapes how the entire story breathes.” She expressed her views on the industry’s tendency to prioritize star power, stating, “The producers were keen to have a star. In my mind, a star was the last thing that the film needed. I actually met an actor’s son and convinced him not to do it, saying it will be negative for him to start his career with a role like that… It took a lot of convincing to cast Nishant Dahiya.”
The filmmakers explored the pressures of crafting emotional depth in a market flooded with content, as well as the balance between personal vulnerability and audience expectations.
Creative Momentum and Masterclasses
Adding to the festival’s dynamic atmosphere, a special acting workshop was conducted by celebrated acting coach Anne Moore from Grey’s Anatomy. Participants were guided through the Stanford Meisner Technique, making the interactive masterclass a standout experience for aspiring performers seeking professional insights.
For those unfamiliar, Mrs, featuring Sanya Malhotra, premiered on February 7, 2025, on an OTT platform. The film is a remake of the acclaimed Malayalam hit The Great Indian Kitchen, released in 2021.
The narrative follows Richa, portrayed by Sanya Malhotra, a newlywed dancer who enters a rigidly patriarchal household. As she navigates her domestic duties, she gradually confronts the challenges of invisible labor expected of her, ultimately challenging the prevailing patriarchal norms in society.