MadMidaas Films has wrapped up the shoot of their anthology film series Kaali Peeli Tales, which comprises six different stories imbued with different emotions.
The upcoming series boasts of several prominent names on its ensemble cast, including Vinay Pathak, Soni Razdan, Gauahar Khan, Sayani Gupta, Maanvi Gagroo, Sharib Hashmi, Hussain Dalal, Priyanshu Painyuli, Sadia Siddiqui, and Tanmay Dhananya amongst others.
Kaali Peeli Tales captures the essence of love, relationships, and life in Mumbai and covers complex themes, ranging from infidelity, open marriage, homosexuality, commitment phobia, divorce to many others.
Unlike other anthology films and web-shows, all six stories of Kaali Peeli Tales have been written and directed by Adeeb Rais. Rais has previously helmed award-winning short films like Aunty Ji, starring Shabana Azmi, Baatein, starring Supriya Pilgaonkar, and a web series called Yeh CrazyDil, starring Zoa Morani and Lilette Dubey.
Talking about Kaali Peeli Tales, Rais says, “Each film has come from a very special place of my heart and has something unique to say. We have not shied away from bringing few important topics and showcasing some rather complex relationships through the films. Each of the films ends in an iconic Mumbai black and yellow taxi and that is a metaphor for the journey of life, which works as a common thread between each of the six films. Within the anthology, we have covered a gamut of emotions and showcased a mix of both relatable and slightly off-beat characters. There is something for everyone to take home from this series."
When asked about the impressive line of up actors, he adds, “Honestly, each of them is an actor I personally love and admire and wished to work with. The fact that they have a huge following is just an add on. I have a personal equation with each of them and what connected them to the project was the purity in my intention behind telling each of the stories. They have all been very kind, supportive and I couldn’t feel more grateful. I can also vouch each of their fans is going to be very happy and satisfied with their performances. Figuring dates and logistics were a bit tricky at times, but eventually, things fell into place and it all feels really worth it. I’m currently enjoying my last leg of post-production and really excited to share our baby with the rest of the world. It's purely all heart.”
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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