Hindi
Richie Mehta speaks on Poacher and conservation at 18TH MIFF
Mumbai: The 18th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) saw celebrated filmmaker Richie Mehta, the director of Delhi crime and most recently “Poacher” in conversation with an eminent journalist, talking about his journey of making both the shows.
Speaking at a house-packed auditorium at NMIC premise in Mumbai, Mehta said that the true reason for backing the project was a larger cause than the conservation aspect the series highlighted. He also expressed that he is grateful that the cause was achieved.
He also spoke about how his favourite part of making a show for him is the ‘research’…”My favourite part of the process is research because you are getting to know remarkable people, you get to see astonishing stories and that’s where I learn about everything.”
He also spoke about how he was very particular about not using real animals. “There was no chance I was going to use real animals because then it defeats the whole purpose and the intention of the series…which means the technology has to be of a certain level to be able to do that and the artists are all from here (India) who have done that… for me, that is a great sense of pride.”
When quizzed by the audience on the sort of content he would be keen on backing, he said that he is more keen on focussing on the script and the acting which formed the core and paid emphasis on pushing boundaries, using the leverage of one position to bring forth key issues. He also stated that he is currently researching being able to take the idea further, with a focus on ‘Big Cats’.
On being asked if there was any fear while making Poacher, Mehta said “The only fear I had was, will I be able to fulfil my promise to the wildlife team.”
Acknowledging his team behind the much talked about series, Mehta called on the team of Poacher present in the audience at the session. The in-conversation was followed by the red carpet screening of the series, with filmmaker Richie Mehta, MD, NFDC Shri Pritul Kumar and other dignitaries walking the red carpet.
The 18th MIFF which commenced on the 15th, concludes on the 21st of June, 2024. In a bid to make the festival accessible to discerning audiences across the country, special screenings have also been organised in Pune, Kolkata, Chennai and Delhi.
Hindi
Zee5 and Applause Entertainment team up for whodunnit ‘Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa’
Rajat Kapoor directs star-studded murder mystery streaming from 10 April.
MUMBAI: Zee5 is serving up another killer collaboration and this time, the murder mystery comes with a generous side of dark humour and family dysfunction. The streaming platform has partnered with Applause Entertainment and Mithya Talkies to bring Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa, a fresh, twisted whodunnit written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker and actor Rajat Kapoor. The film will stream exclusively on Hindi Zee5 from 10 April.
The movie reimagines the classic murder mystery genre with a contemporary, darkly comic edge. It revolves around a group of friends and family who smile, drink, and celebrate together until the silence snaps and long-buried secrets spill out. The stellar ensemble cast includes Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Waluscha De Sousa, Saurabh Shukla, Chandrachoor Rai, Neil Bhoopalam, Koel Purie, Palomi Ghosh, and Rajat Kapoor himself.
This latest offering continues the successful partnership between Zee5 and Applause Entertainment, which has previously delivered diverse hits such as Mithya, Bloody Brothers, and Jab Khuli Kitaab.
&TV Business Head of hindi Zee5 and chief channel officer Kaveri Das said, “Our collaboration with Applause Entertainment has consistently delivered distinct, high-impact storytelling. Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa is a natural progression, reinforcing our focus on genre-led content with a compelling whodunnit premise and a strong ensemble cast.”
Applause Entertainment business head for movies Sunil Chainani added, “This film adds yet another compelling layer to our slate with Rajat Kapoor’s unmistakable voice.”
Rajat Kapoor shared, “What interested me was not just the mechanics of a whodunnit, but the emotional violence that precedes physical violence. These are people who smile at each other, but there’s so much that is not said.”
The film promises razor-sharp writing, layered performances, and simmering tension, inviting viewers not just to solve the crime but to unravel the complex relationships at its heart.
If you love a good murder mystery served with wit and emotional depth, Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa looks set to be your next addictive watch. Mark your calendars, the whodunnit drops on Hindi Zee5 from 10 April.
