M Cream: Unconventional But Convincing

Premiering for the first time in India at the 3rd International Delhi Film Festival on 26th December 2014, M Cream is a movie about four Delhi University students going on a trip to get high to find a certain type of drug especially found in the Parvati valley of Himachal Pradesh but discover much more than that. Since getting into one or the other form of Narcotics has become a developing culture amongst students, Agneya Singh, the Director of M Cream, thought that nothing could be better than debuting with this concept/plot. In conversation with One World News, Agneya shared the idea behind the movie and some moments of it.

A movie still from M Cream

What inspired you to take up such a challenging concept since people abroad and in India have set mindsets about Indian cinema?

People have started to think differently as compared to what our predecessors would and young people are waking up and are questioning everything. Obviously, it can be misguided but it is also inspiring so that’s what has encouraged me to make a movie on today’s youngsters and sort of explore what rebellion means to the youth of today.

The movie is an excretion of the idea of rebellion and the meaning it has onthe young generation. It says that it is important to take a stand and to believe in oneself, to be true and brave enough to fight for what you want and that’s what has inspired me and that’s what people would like to take away from the movie as well.

Scenic view of Himachal Pradesh

Tell us something about the script and actors of the movie?

The movie has four characters and each actor is from the theatre background, few of them have already been part of mainstream movies,rest are upcoming actors ready to make a mark on the industry. It was important for us to search for people who can do justice to the characters; we have shot all overDelhi and extensively in Himachal Pradesh, Rohtang, Dharmshala and so on.

The script is subtle with a lot of subtext but it has less of drama. We have taken a different approach of leading and narrating the story so for such a role, we thought it would be better to have someone who believes in doing roles which are not so conventional.

M Cream- a movie on a trip of four Delhi University Students

Why have you chosen Film Festivals to launch your movie?

Film making is just like any other business. Distributions, promotion etc, needs a lot of money which an independent movie might not be able to raise. So, to compensate, we showcase the movie in film festivals through which we create buzz amongst people, collect reactions and create interest.

How was the response of the movie internationally?

The response was really overwhelming as our movie showcased what they could never imagine about India. For them, there are only two things about Indian Cinema- poverty and romance, but this movie was an eye opener for them because it showed the other side of India which was a challenge too, because a lot of people want to see just what they have been watching since ever.

A still from the movie

What do you have to say about the audience these days?

I think the parallel cinema’s time is coming back with an innovative drive. There is a new audience which is more educated and open and wants to see moviesthat are realistic.

What difference do you find in the Western and Indian cinema scenario?

The striking difference in Western and Indian scenario in terms of movies is that the trend of watching movies on theatre is not going to die in India whereas in the western countries people have forbidden watching movies on theatre because of the easy availability of movies on smaller screens such as laptop, iPhones etc.

As far as the digital world taking over the physical world of cinema is considered, for independent movie makers it is a boon since the movie is becoming viral and watched by millions across the globe. A lot of independent movies have gained good response because they haveborrowed elements from main-stream movies and the makers have made it sustainable, commercially viable along with satisfying their own artistic appetite and vision.

Movie poster

Since music in Indian movie industry plays an important role, how is the music in the movie?

Music has always driven the audience in Indian Cinemas and has been the most important factor. Our film also addresses this feature in a unique way, we don’t have any song such as dance numbers or item numbers but we have used the music in a different way. We have collaborated with many bands, one of them being Parikrama, Shubha Mudgal gave voice to a soundtrack and the music is a blend of western and folk music. Even in Germany people loved the music score.

Art movies are considered boring, what do you think is the solution to that?

I think the key to that is to present a film which gives you gyan in an entertaining way, however I think even intelligent movies can be entertaining as well. A story is required to have substance and that is coming slowly with demand from the audience.

Agneya Singh- Director of M Cream

Any actor or director you would want to work with?

Aamir Khan, Konkana Sen, Nawazuddin Siddique and Irfan Khan are the actors I would love to work with and Directors like Anurag Kashyap and Kiran Rao gives you inspiration to blend reality with creativity.

What are your upcoming plans?

For the time being we are focusing on this movie and in releasing this movie in the coming year. I would definitely be interested in getting involved with mainstream cinema if some appealing script comes my way. I am not hundred percent sure where I will end up next but I am open to exploring the world of cinema.

“M Cream” has won the following awards:

Best Feature Film, Rhode Island International Film Festival, USA

Best Foreign Film, Indie Spirit Film Festival, USA

Cult Feature, Queen City Film Festival, USA

The film has participated in:

Official Selection, FilmColumbia Festival, USA

Official Selection, Seattle South Asian Film Festival, USA

Official Selection, Chicago South Asian Film Festival, USA

Official Selection, Vancouver Asian Film Festival, Canada

Official Selection, Braunschweig International Film Festival, Germany

Official Selection, Cork International Film Festival, Ireland

Official Selection, River to River Indian Film Festival, Italy