MUMBAI: Manzar Studios has signed filmmaker Surya Balkrishnan and writer Rajiv Rajaram for its upcoming project. A light-hearted comedy-drama, the film showcases the story of a single woman in her late 30s who after walking out of a long-term relationship brazenly decides to do whatever it takes to have a baby and become a single parent.
With a remarkable journey in commercials and short films, Surya Balkrishnan has been brought on board to direct the movie helmed by Manzar Studio. Balkrishnan also leads an advertising production house and has worked on significant projects in her career. Her documentary Right Forward, based on 12 young girls voyaging on a journey to San Francisco from Dharavi, Mumbai to show their prowess in a soccer camp won much appreciation from the critics while Train Station, a collaborative feature film directed by 40 directors from different parts of the world, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Notable Madurai playwright and writer, Rajiv Rajaram will be seen writing the yet-to-be-titled project. Rajiv Rajaram has in the past worked on films such as Aaha Kalyanam - Yash Raj Film’s first Tamil movie and a remake of Band Baaja Baraat, and Moone Moonu Varthai (Just Three Words) produced by SPB Charan. Rajiv was also the founder of popular digital media brands like Put Chutney and Rascalas.
Manzar Studios director Sunil Doshi said, “We are excited to announce our next project and are particularly looking forward to working with some of the most promising creative talents in the industry such as Surya Balkrishnan and Rajiv Rajaram. The goal of Manzar Studios is to change the storytelling process by focusing on comfort viewing experiences while making culturally and contextually resonating movies for Indian audiences.”
Manzar Studios content executive Annapoorna Virdi shared, “At Manzar, we are committed to telling stories which are universal, heartfelt and reflect the times that we are in. This story and this character, in particular, is a product of our current times, and will prod us to initiate discussions with our loved ones about topics which are important and yet more often than not brushed under the carpet.”
Filmmaker Surya Balkrishnan said, "It’s been such a joy creating this character on paper. We can’t wait to get down to actual filming and crafting her for real. Beginning this journey with Manzar Studios is an honour and I am looking forward to telling this real, heart-warming yet fun story."
Writer Rajiv Rajaram added, “One of the most fascinating things about this movie that interested me was its take on growing up or adulting as the millennial generation calls it. The sheer universality of the idea is something that makes it ripe for the ever-inquisitive Tamil audience to savour and enjoy. Collaborating with Manzar Studios on this spectacular project is a great opportunity to showcase this amazing story."
The film is inspired by the Argentine movie El Padre De Mis Hijos (Father of my Child) and will be trans-created in Tamil.
