Variety has exclusively shared a clip from the highly anticipated Indian film “Naangal” (“This Is Us”), which is set to have its international premiere at the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam’s Bright Future strand.
A Heartfelt Story by Avinash Prakash
Directed by Avinash Prakash, known for his work in commercials and music videos, “Naangal” marks his fiction feature debut. The film takes place in the late 1990s and early 2000s and revolves around three siblings – un-identical twin boys and their 12-year-old elder brother. They live with their strict, proud, and arrogant father, who is facing financial and personal crises, and is separated from their mother. Despite residing in a grand house nestled in the beautiful hills of Tamil Nadu, southern India, they struggle to afford basic necessities like water, electricity, and even a proper meal. As their father’s frustration grows, he becomes a controlling figure, forcing his children to obey him.
A Deeply Personal Film
“Naangal” is a deeply personal film for director Avinash Prakash, as it draws from his own childhood experiences. Reflecting on those years, Prakash stated, “As an adult, I recognize that it isn’t normal. But in all honestly, I sometimes feel those were simpler times, moments where time probably stood still.” The film explores Prakash’s journey to understand his identity, his parents, and the events that shaped his upbringing.
Prakash went on to explain, “As a kid, everything is larger than life. It’s exponential. This collision became ‘Naangal,’ which is a love letter written to my father, those times, my mother, my maternal grandparents, and to those three young kids.” Through this film, Prakash aims to find his parents, write a love letter to them, and reassure himself and his siblings that they have come out of their past hardships and are okay.
Recognition and Future Projects
“Naangal” had its world premiere at the Mumbai Film Festival in 2023 and has received critical acclaim. The film is produced by G.V.S. Raju for Kala Bhavashri Creations. Excitingly, Prakash’s next project is a neo-noir thriller titled “Memories,” set a century into the future. The film will explore the complexities of memories, its reliability, and the question of trust. Prakash draws inspiration from his 96-year-old grandfather’s specific regret, emphasizing the importance of memories in shaping our lives.
Be the First to Watch the Clip
To get a glimpse of the emotional journey portrayed in “Naangal,” check out the exclusive clip provided by Variety. It will surely leave you eager to see more of this heartfelt film.
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