In an exciting collaboration, the Australian-Indian co-production Hindi-Vindi is ready for production, boasting a stellar cast that includes critically acclaimed actor Neena Gupta.
Written and directed by Sydney-based Ali Sayed and produced by Aniket Deshkar of 24Six Films (Australia) and Sunny Shah of SEM (India), this musical drama promises to captivate audiences with its exploration of intergenerational language barriers and celebration of Indian culture.
Set against the global backdrop of influential NRIs (non-resident Indians), Hindi-Vindi delves into the captivating story of Kabir, an Australian-Indian grandchild, and his visiting grandmother. Portrayed by the talented Gupta, the grandmother embodies the love and challenges of bridging generations through language.
As Kabir, played by Mihir Ahuja (known for his work with Archies, directed by Zoya Akhtar and set for release later this year), embarks on a transformative journey, the harmonious fusion of Western and Indian music becomes the catalyst for his cultural self-discovery.
Ali, alongside co-writer Jay Sharma, has crafted a narrative that authentically portrays the complexities of intergenerational relationships and the necessity of preserving cultural heritage in the face of globalisation.
Joining the stellar cast is Shannon K, daughter of the legendary Kumar Sanu, who will portray Rihanna, Kabir’s love interest.
According to Ali, the film is poised to captivate audiences with its authentic portrayal of family bonds and heritage. The music, composed by Javed-Mohsin, the award-winning music director of Shershaah, promises to elevate the emotional impact of the film.
The production of Hindi-Vindi is scheduled for January 2024 in Sydney, followed by post-production in India. With a three-month timeline for post-production, the team is already preparing to pitch the film to major streaming platforms such as Netflix Originals and Amazon Prime Originals.
Speaking to The Indian Sun over the phone from Sydney, Ali expresses his excitement about the project, as it marks his first official co-production and major undertaking.
He reveals that the idea has been brewing for a few years, and after gaining attention for his homemade short film, he knew it was time to develop it into a full-feature production. During his recent visit to India, he successfully collaborated with Neena Gupta, which was a pivotal moment as her immediate enthusiasm helped bring the project to life.
Ali, the son of esteemed filmmaker Sayed Sultan known for films like Naseeb (1981), Mr. Natwarlal (1979), and Uljhan (2001), to name a few, feels a deep responsibility to carry forward his father’s legacy.
Reflecting on his journey, Ali shares, “My journey started when I lost my father in 2010. That’s when I realised that I had been taking this industry for granted. But with my father’s absence, I understood the weight of responsibility on my shoulders to carry his legacy forward.”
Having resided in Sydney for six years, Ali’s profound love for the film industry has guided him on this ambitious endeavour.
Hindi-Vindi is set for release in May 2024.
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