Caché: Writer-director Michael Haneke explores the stark representation of the alienation of the characters in a middle-class milieu through themes of violence. The film heightens the sense of danger and anticipation, and really is a master class in tension.
Jarhead: Director Sam Mendes delivers a biographical war drama film based on US marine Anthony Swofford’s 2003 memoir of the same name. I love this film for its caustic humour, sharp voice over and Roger Deakins’ stunning visuals.
Memories of a Murder: The South Korean film from writer-director Bong Joon-Ho is one of the best murder mysteries I have ever seen with riveting performances by the entire cast. Even though the film is deeply rooted in its socio-political context, it’s still a universal film.
Noblemen: Directed by Vandana Kataria, Noblemen explores the power dynamics of students in a boarding school. It refuses to mollycoddle and speaks up unabashedly. It is one of the best movies to come out of (production house) Yoodlee Films.
KD: Filmmaker Madhumita tells the story of an 80-year-old villager, who overhears his children are planning to perform an ancient euthanasia ritual to end his life to claim their inheritance. Realising he has never truly lived, he enlists the help of a young orphan boy named Kutty. Together they embark on a grand journey discovering the meaning of life and friendship along the way. As the director succinctly puts it ‘the will to live comes when you’re forced to die’. It is a feel-good film that celebrates life and friendship.
Victor’s History: This three-member cast and crew film from director Nicolas Chevaillier is an open plea to all independent filmmakers to go out there and make their film in limited constraints. Chevaillier is an original voice and he treats us to a visceral experience. This is a wonderful ode to indie cinema.
Hamid: I am proud to represent director Aijaz Khan’s film Hamid, which recently opened the 2019 UK Asian Film Festival in London. Besides being the executive producer on the film, I also cast for it. The film celebrates a unique bond between a CRPF Jawan and a Kashmiri boy. Hamid speaks about the universal problem of conflict zones all over the world.
Chauthi Koot: No one captures mood and tension better than writer-director Gurvinder Singh in India, who is a master of atmosphere with a strong musical sensibility. This film transported me to the troubled times in Punjab post Operation Blue Star. Chauthi Koot captures the paranoia of a common man and left an ever-lasting impression on me.
Gully Boy: I have been following the gully rap scene since Naezy’s short film was showcased at MAMI (film festival) a few years ago. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that writer-director Zoya Akhtar would make a film on the subject and do tremendous justice to it. My recent favourite, it has brilliant musical with great performances. Zoya’s most accomplished film so far.
Short Term 12: I stumbled upon this film from writer-director Destin Cretton and was not disappointed. Taking the done before route of an inspirational teacher dealing with troubled teenagers, this film is authentic and deeply rooted. Brie Larson was discovered with this film. It truly manages to capture the intimacy of the characters.
Shoaib Lokhandwala is the creative producer of Noblemen and executive producer of Hamid, which both screened at the UK Asian Film Festival.
