Cinema Conversations: Sinha And Mishra Discuss Mulk

In a compelling revisit to one of Indian cinema’s bold narratives, filmmaker Anubhav Sinha and noted critic Sudhir Mishra returned to the conversation surrounding Mulk (2018) during the latest Versova Homage Screening. Their post-screening Q&A, tagged as VHS 022, was a deep dive into the film’s making and its powerful exploration of personal and political journeys.

Insightful Exchange

The dialogue between Sinha and Mishra was more than an analysis of cinematic techniques. As highlighted in the session, “When Sinha and Mishra talk about cinema, it’s never just about the films, it’s about the times we live in, the questions we ask, and the stories we dare to tell.” This statement set the tone for a conversation that bridged art with contemporary social realities. The film Mulk, which marked a turning point in political cinema, was revisited in a setting that celebrated not only its technical mastery but also its socio-political commentary.

In what many described as an electric exchange, the two artists reversed their previous roles from VHS 018, layering their discussion with fresh insights and a nuanced understanding of the film’s intent and impact. Sinha, well known for his thoughtful examination of mainstream Bollywood narratives, shed light on the subtleties in Mulk’s screenplay and direction. He explained how the film resonates with audiences not by shouting its message, but by gently shaking viewers awake to the pressing issues of our time.

Behind The Lens

The session delved into aspects of Mulk that many might have missed on a casual viewing. Anubhav Sinha, whose evolution from films like Tum Bin to Thappad has cemented his reputation as a filmmaker with a conscience, recalled the challenges and inspirations behind creating a film that could spark such vital debates. His reflections were complemented by Sudhir Mishra’s incisive commentary, which analyzed the film’s layered character arcs and its exploration of justice and belonging.

The discussion was peppered with references to the personal-political journeys that both speakers have experienced. Sinha emphasized that every frame of Mulk was designed not just to entertain but to evoke questions about nationalism, justice, and societal responsibility. The Q&A format, as reported by the Versova Homage Screenings team, allowed the audience to grasp the motivations behind the film’s bold narrative, stirring a renewed appreciation for political cinema.

Cinematic Relevance

Further enriching the conversation, the event brought forward additional reflections from critics and cinephiles who have long admired Sinha’s body of work. One attendee remarked that the film, with its subdued yet resonant storytelling, offers a refreshing critique of contemporary political narratives in India. The session’s hashtag campaign—#Mulk2018, #AnubhavSinha, #SudhirMishra, #IndianCinema—underscored a collective sentiment among the audience: that movies are a medium for real conversations, far removed from the usual glitz and glamour of Bollywood.

The exchange was documented and celebrated across social platforms, with many cinephiles re-sharing moments from the screening. In one popular Instagram post from the screening series, the behind-the-scenes images of the lively Q&A session captured the earnest faces of both speakers, evidence of a genuine pursuit to discuss films as reflections of our times. These visuals, resonant of the film’s themes, have since added layers to the conversation by visually chronicling a night where cinema and critique merged seamlessly.

A Continuum Of Conversations

This latest installment in the Versova Homage Screenings not only reminded audiences of Mulk’s significant cultural impact but also highlighted the evolving nature of film discourse. With Sinha and Mishra at the helm, such events continue to reinvigorate discussions around political cinema. Their willingness to engage in thoughtful, sometimes challenging, dialogue speaks volumes about the role of filmmakers in society and how every film can become a catalyst for examining the larger social fabric.

Drawing from past exchanges and enriched with insights from various related Instagram posts and retrospective analyses, the post-screening Q&A has now become a definitive marker of how cinema is increasingly intertwined with the narratives of our times. It reinforces that films are more than a product of entertainment – they are reflections of ongoing societal debates and personal journeys.

The evening concluded on an upbeat note, with the audience evident in their appreciation of a discussion that was as factual as it was evocative. Emphasizing that the art of filmmaking and critical discourse is an ongoing conversation, the session left many viewers contemplating not only Mulk’s cinematic artistry but also the broader implications it holds in today’s complex socio-political landscape.

Trivia

Anubhav Sinha has expressed his desire to create films that challenge societal norms and provoke thought among audiences.

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Cynthia Jean DanielAssociate videos director

 

Cynthia Jean Daniel has worked across fashion, content, and video production, combining design, storytelling, and media. She has directed over 1,500 influencer videos and worked on digital campaigns, brand promotions, and runway shows.

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