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A Unique Film Journey Begins

It's not often that a simple comment on an Instagram post sparks the creation of a feature film starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui. For filmmaker Aditya Kripalani, this serendipitous moment has become the essence of his latest project, which unfolds through video calls and spans two continents.

While traveling to Washington DC for the premiere of his film 'I’m Not An Actor' at the 14th DC South Asian Film Festival, Aditya exuded the vibrant energy that has characterized the film's development.

Expressing his excitement, he remarked, 'It’s an opening night film at DC South Asian Film Festival, so I’m thrilled,' seamlessly transitioning from video to audio during our chat, a fitting metaphor for a film centered on digital communication.

The Spark of Inspiration

Aditya's journey began on Instagram, where he commented on a post by Nawaz Siddiqui featuring a song he loved. 'I asked other followers for the name of the track,' he reminisced. Nawaz joined the conversation, leading to a pivotal moment. 'I got his number and met him at his home in Mumbai,' Aditya shared. Just 45 days later, they were filming.

The script, intriguingly, was conceived during the pandemic. 'I wrote it with the idea that actors wouldn’t need to travel. Two countries, no stars, no commercial pressures,' he explained. However, the project evolved when Nawaz not only joined as an actor but also as a co-producer, alongside his brother Faizuddin Siddiqui. 'That wasn’t the initial plan, but that’s how this film organically came together,' Aditya noted.

Innovative Casting and Filming

One of the film's remarkable aspects is its unconventional casting. Nawazuddin portrays an actor being mentored by Chitrangada Satarupa. 'I thought the poster would be intriguing — Nawaz’s intense expression with the tagline: Main Actor Nahin Hoon,' Aditya explained.

Filmed in Frankfurt and Mumbai, the movie adopts an innovative structure, resembling a traditional feature film while all interactions occur via video calls. 'It was very effective,' he remarked. 'If I needed to direct Nawaz, I’d call Chitrangada. If I had to guide Chitrangada, I’d call Nawaz.'

Festival Success and Future Plans

The film has already garnered attention at international film festivals, receiving positive feedback. 'It’s the kind of film that makes people laugh and cry together,' Aditya stated. Rather than opting for an immediate OTT release, he plans a theatrical debut next year. 'This time, we want to see how audiences react when they experience it collectively. That shared experience is significant.'

Lessons from Film School

As a graduate of the renowned Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Aditya credits the institution with instilling the fundamental principles of filmmaking. 'FTII taught me that everyone is equal. We all contributed, with no ego or hierarchy,' he reflected. Most importantly, it emphasized storytelling without a focus on commercial success. 'We didn’t create films for profit.'

Balancing Art and Entertainment

While his style is rooted in independent cinema, Aditya emphasized that his films are also entertaining. 'I grew up watching Bollywood films. My previous film, Tikli & Laxmi Bomb, was a love story,' he shared.

He fondly recalled his time in Punjab during his student years. 'I have a passion for watches and vividly remember my visit to the HMT factory. If I ever decide to become vegetarian, I would spend a month in Amritsar, as the food there is simply delightful!'

A Testament to Storytelling

Aditya’s latest film exemplifies how storytelling, even in its most straightforward form, can connect cultures and continents.

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