Former Netflix producer Dimpy Agrawal has announced a diverse slate of six exciting projects from her production company, Gubbara Entertainment, during the prestigious Film Bazaar in India. This lineup features a groundbreaking project starring Anasuya Sengupta, who recently made headlines as the first Indian actress to receive the best performance accolade at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard for her role in “The Shameless.”
Sengupta will star in the upcoming short film “Ma,” a poignant narrative crafted by Riddhi Talreja, an MFA graduate from Columbia University known for her work on “Sadak Chaap.” This compelling film probes deep into themes of women’s identities and motherhood, reflecting the complexities faced by women in modern Indian society. The project has also secured acclaimed cinematographer Amal Sudhakaran, whose impressive résumé includes work for major platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Discovery, with one of his projects even earning an Emmy nomination.
The exciting slate from Gubbara also encompasses “Puthussery Police Case,” a gripping narrative from writer-director Nithin Lukose. His debut feature, “Paka: River of Blood,” notably premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2021. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Kerala, the drama follows a determined lawyer as he investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding his father’s death, all while a menacing tiger threatens the tranquility of a nearby rural village.
Another noteworthy project titled “Ummeed” is a psychological horror film delving into the intricate themes of same-sex relationships and fertility issues in the bustling city of Delhi. This thought-provoking project is penned by the talented Abhishek Banerjee, known for his work on acclaimed films like “Pari” and the popular series “Pataal Lok.” Ambiecka Pandit is currently in discussions to take the helm as director for this innovative work.
Sushma Khadepaun, who previously showcased her captivating short film “Anita” at the Venice Film Festival in 2020, brings this project to life as a feature adaptation. The film, a joint India-U.S. co-production, tells the compelling story of an Indian woman’s quest for independence amidst the complexities of arranged marriage in America, reflecting the nuances of cross-cultural experiences.
Furthermore, Banerjee is adapting the gripping true story from journalist Puja Changoiwala’s book “Gangster on the Run.” This project chronicles the incredible transformation of a former criminal who reinvents himself as an ultra-marathon runner, showcasing the power of redemption. Rohit Ved Prakash and Kanchan Marathe will co-produce this inspiring tale, ensuring that it resonates deeply with audiences.
Rounding out the impressive slate is “Red Market,” an eye-opening project that draws inspiration from Scott Carney’s investigative book. The film seeks to uncover the dark realities of human trafficking and the illicit organ trade, presented as a co-production with Criss Cross Content and Jugaad Motion Pictures, shedding light on this urgent global issue.
Gubbara Entertainment also introduced a $1 million script development fund earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival’s market, aimed at empowering talented Indian feature filmmakers in their creative pursuits.
“Our focus has been on development—telling stories that challenge belief systems, engage emotionally, and drive meaningful impact,” expressed Agrawal. “We’re fostering global connections through international co-productions and meaningful collaborations. By building bridges between cultures and pushing creative boundaries, we hope to redefine storytelling on a global stage.”
The company’s debut short film “Chashma” is currently capturing the attention of audiences on the festival circuit, while additional projects are in their nascent development stages, promising to continue Gubbara’s commitment to innovative storytelling.
Film Bazaar, taking place from November 20 to 24, serves as the market component of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which runs from November 20 to 28 in the picturesque setting of Goa.
Can Dimpy Agrawal share insights on how her personal experiences have influenced the storytelling and creative direction at Gubbara Entertainment?
**Interview with Dimpy Agrawal, Founder of Gubbara Entertainment**
*Interviewer*: Dimpy, congratulations on announcing your diverse slate of projects at Film Bazaar! Can you tell us a bit about the motivation behind Gubbara Entertainment and the themes you want to explore with these films?
*Dimpy Agrawal*: Thank you! Gubbara Entertainment was established with the goal of producing content that resonates with audiences on a personal level. We want to tackle themes that reflect real-life complexities, particularly around identity, culture, and social issues. Our projects are designed to spark conversation and provide a platform for emerging talent in the industry.
*Interviewer*: One of your projects, “Ma,” stars Anasuya Sengupta, who just made history at Cannes. What can you share about this film and its significance?
*Dimpy Agrawal*: “Ma” is a poignant short film directed by Riddhi Talreja that beautifully explores women’s identities and the nuances of motherhood. Anasuya’s recent accolades highlight her incredible talent, and we’re excited to have her bring this heartfelt narrative to life. The film aims to portray the struggles women face in modern Indian society, making it both timely and relevant.
*Interviewer*: The film “Puthussery Police Case,” which you mentioned is set in Kerala, sounds intriguing. What’s the central conflict of this story?
*Dimpy Agrawal*: “Puthussery Police Case” is a gripping drama from writer-director Nithin Lukose. It follows a lawyer who is investigating the mysterious circumstances of his father’s death against the backdrop of a looming tiger threat in a rural village. This combination of personal and external conflict adds layers to the narrative, making it a captivating watch.
*Interviewer*: You also described “Ummeed” as a psychological horror film dealing with same-sex relationships and fertility issues. What inspired this project?
*Dimpy Agrawal*: “Ummeed” is an innovative work that challenges traditional narratives around family and love. Written by Abhishek Banerjee, it delves into the psychological aspects of relationships within a societal context that often stigmatizes them. It’s an important story that bridges often overlooked aspects of LGBTQ+ experiences in contemporary India.
*Interviewer*: Sushma Khadepaun’s feature adaptation inspired by her short film “Anita” is another exciting project. How does this film reflect cross-cultural experiences?
*Dimpy Agrawal*: This film captures the journey of an Indian woman navigating the complexities of arranged marriage within the American context. Through Sushma’s lens, we see not just the challenges of dual identities but also the pursuit of independence, making it a rich multicultural narrative.
*Interviewer*: can you discuss the adaptation of “Gangster on the Run” and its core message?
*Dimpy Agrawal*: This project is particularly close to my heart as it illustrates the transformative power of redemption. Based on Puja Changoiwala’s true story, it follows a former criminal who reinvents himself as an ultra-marathon runner. It’s an inspiring narrative that showcases the strength of human will and the possibility of change, which we hope will resonate deeply with audiences.
*Interviewer*: Thank you, Dimpy, for sharing these insights! We’re excited to see the impactful stories Gubbara Entertainment will bring to life.
*Dimpy Agrawal*: Thank you! I appreciate your interest in our work, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience these stories.
