Filmmaker Shubh Mukherjee who made his directorial debut At 21 with the critically acclaimed film Shakal Pe Mat Ja, starring Raghubir Yadav and Saurabh Shukla, stayed away from filmmaking for almost 13 years. Now, Shubh has returned to fictional filmmaking after a long hiatus, with his short film Kahwa which is primarily set in Kashmir. The movie which was originally released in 2023, was shown in multiple film festivals and is now all set to be released in India. In a recent conversation with Zoom, the director opened up about the film, his journey, and much more.
Unfiltered Shubh Mukherjee
What inspired you to return to fiction storytelling after a long hiatus, and why did you choose this particular story?
I’ve always been connected to films, either directly or indirectly. I’ve worked on ads, TV series, shorts, and documentaries. But I wanted to return to films because creating a film allows you to tell a story that has more lasting value. While ads are fleeting, films offer a world you create. After filming in Kashmir for different projects, I got inspired by the situation there, especially the contrast between the army and the locals. They’re both human, but there’s a disparity. This story emerged from imagining what would happen if they had to bond. That’s how the inspiration for the film came about.
Can you elaborate on the significance of setting the story against the backdrop of the post-militancy era?
It was important to place the film in the right era. The situation in Kashmir, particularly in 2016, was intense. I wanted to portray the difficulties of forming a relationship in such an environment. The stakes are high, and the world around these characters isn’t comforting. It was essential to capture the animosity and inertia of that time, and that’s reflected in the dialogues and nuances portrayed by the characters.
How did you ensure authenticity when dealing with such a controversial topic?
The process was challenging. I had to talk to army officers and locals to get both perspectives. Luckily, I had footage from when I was shooting in 2016, which helped immensely in my preparation. I also researched a lot, going through news articles and reports to understand the reality of the situation. Even though it’s a short film, I wanted to ensure every element was accurate and represented truthfully.
Can you share any memorable anecdotes or behind-the-scenes moments from the shoot?
One fun moment was when the real army came in during our shoot and asked our actors which battalion they were from. We had to explain that it was just a film set. Another instance involved carrying fake guns back after the shoot. At the airport, the security checked them and commented that our fake guns looked more real than theirs. It was a long process, but in the end, everyone at the airport wanted to click pictures with the guns!
How was the experience of screening the film at Cannes, and what kind of response did it receive?
The response at Cannes was fantastic. Although I couldn’t be there as I was in Los Angeles for another screening, my actor attended, and people appreciated the balanced approach of the film. It wasn’t one-sided, and we aimed to show the reality of life in Kashmir. We received a similar response in Rome, with a standing ovation. Even though it’s a small film, it has a big heart.
What message do you hope audiences take away from this film?
The film aims to show that the news only captures a fraction of what’s happening. Cinema, on the other hand, allows stories to be preserved and revisited. I wanted to highlight the beauty and humanity that exist in places like Kashmir, even in the darkest corners. The core message is that the human spirit and resilience can prevail, and even people from completely different ideologies can bond.