‘Level Cross’ is about crossing of human emotions: Adam Ayub
#IFFIWood, 22 November 2024
Marathi film ‘Gharat Ganpati’ is an honest attempt at carrying forward Indian traditions, culture, and values which Navjyot Narendra Bandiwadekar, the director of the film feels, are somehow getting lost in contemporary India. The concept of joint family is also on the wane in today’s world. The filmmaker who is competing for the Best Debut Director Award in 55th IFFI, stated that his film explores inter-personal dynamics between all family members through various fun-filled as well as chaotic situations. He was speaking at a press conference organized by PIB in the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) today.
Sanket Sane, the music director of ‘Gharat Ganpati’ said he approached the music for the film in a way that it connects audience with Indian culture; that it finds an emotional connect with every Indian heart.
The film is based in Maharashtra’s scenic Konkan coast; however, the ancestral Maharashtrian home shown in the film is located in Kerala! In this context, Bandiwadekar said, “natural beauty is present abundantly in the whole of India, we need not go outside India for it.”
A scene from Marathi feature film ‘Gharat Ganpati’
Ashwini Paranjape, Executive Co-producer of ‘Gharat Ganpati’ stated that she was convinced about the film on the very first day of hearing the story. ‘Gharat Ganpati’ explores acceptance, evolving traditions, and the intricate bonds of an Indian family. Amidst the laughter and tears, Gharat Ganpati delves into love, identity, and cultural spirit during the vibrant festival.
The Director of the film also noted that the script has strong women characters. The film portrays a north-Indian girl who comes to Konkan to stay with a Maharashtrian family during Ganpati festival. The cast of the film includes actors Nikita Dutta, Bhushan Pradhan, Ajinkya Deo, Ashwini Bhave, Sanjay Mone, Shubhangi Latkar and Shubhangi Gokhale.
Teams of Marathi film ‘Gharat Ganpati’ and Malayalam film ‘Level Cross’ in the press conference at IFFI ground
The Director, Screenplay writer and lead actor of Malayalam film ‘Level Cross’ also participated in the press conference. Director Arfaz Ayub describes his project as a “surreal film” in which the location is also a character! The film shows how uncertain life is! Arfaz Ayub further stated, the film brings two people from two extreme ends of social spectrum who superficially appear to be very different. But the film also reveals that human emotions are the same at a deeper level. The film subtly reveals that the present is the remnant of the past, hidden in the narrative. This story of survival is layered with human emotions from conflicting perspectives and subtle metaphors, he added.
‘Level Cross’ has been shot in the Sahara deserts in Tunisia. The location was chosen by the Director as he wanted the viewers to see a new locale and believe it to be a “surreal, imaginary world” as the script demanded. He said that it is the first Indian movie to be shot in Tunisia. “Set in an imaginary land beyond time and space, the film beautifully explores feelings, thoughts, and beliefs”, stated the Director.
Sharing his experiences of searching for a perfect location for his project, Arfaz Ayub reveals how he walked for miles in the desert with his local Tunisian line producer to the shooting spot which had no road connectivity!
Arfaz Ayub’s father, Adam Ayub, a Malayalam TV pioneer, wrote the script for ‘Level Cross’. In the press conference, the film industry veteran revealed that he rewrote the script many times for this project. The film is about crossing of human emotions, stated Adam Ayub. He advised the viewers to watch the movie till the very end, because there is a twist in the story till the very last scene! It offers a unique cinematic experience with stunning visuals and captivating sound design.
Lead actor Amala Paul revealed that her role was a complicated one, and the character has many layers in a thriller drama filled with many twists. Amala Paul shared her exciting experience of shooting in “unpredictable desert environment”. She recalled seeing a tornado in the last day of shooting!
A scene from Malayalam feature film ‘Level Cross’
The cast of the thriller drama ‘Level Cross’ also includes Asif Ali and Sharaf U Dheen.
